We are excited to announce a new membership grade at the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) - the Research Member. This membership is designed for those studying for a research degree (MRes/MPhil/PhD/EngD) in a field related to acoustics.

The fee for this membership is significantly reduced, made possible by using only electronic means of communication.

Please note that Research Member Grade is a non-corporate membership status.

How to Apply?

The application process is simple and straightforward. You use the Research Member form.

Responding to the Sustainable Design Task Force’s 2023 to 2025 Strategy, the IOA's Building Acoustics Group (BAG) has drafted a simple guide on how we can all implement sustainable design techniques. A consultation copy of the guide is attached and there will be a three month consultation period. All comments can be shared via the IOA BAG email address (BAGioa.org.uk (BAG[at]ioa[dot]org[dot]uk)).

Low Frequency Noise (LFN) can be an environmental noise problem, often referred to as a 'hum'.  Not everyone can hear it, as our range of hearing differs, and in many cases no source can be identified.   LFN can cause irritation and annoyance, disturb sleep and make people uncomfortable in their homes. As low frequency noise can travel long distances, it is often challenging to identify the source of the sound.

The Welsh Government have published research examining air source heat pump noise (ASHP) and permitted development rights (PDR) in Wales.

New research co-ordinated by the University of Liverpool suggests seabirds may use sound to navigate oceans. The study looked at how albatrosses respond to infrasound – a very low frequency sound that can travel thousands of kilometres.  While humans can’t hear infrasound, some animals can. The study looked at microbaroms – a frequency of infrasound created by waves crashing together or against coastlines. The scientists think infrasound could be used by the birds to find good areas for feeding, as areas of high wave activity can bring fish to the surface.

Trials are underway in Scotland exploring how a drone network can be introduced, that would help ensure the efficient delivery of blood products, medicines, lab tests and medical supplies, alongside reducing waiting times for test results. It would also privide more equality in care between urban and remote rural communities. The work, Project Caelus (Care and Equity UAS Logistics Scotland), is a research project part-funded by Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge, led by AGS Airports, and supported by the NHS in Scotland.