The SMG was created at the behest of the Vice-President Groups and Branches when it was felt by the IOA that retired members, and those approaching retirement, were being neglected and where a resource of experience that could be utilised by the IOA.

It is an opportunity for experienced members to get together from time to time formally and semi formally to discuss issues arising from the IOA and to listen to speakers covering all aspects of acoustic science. At the same time there is an opportunity for members to meet sociably and to network.

National and local planning policies must be aligned around a common sustainability agenda for both housing and infrastructure, according to a report published today by the National Engineering Policy Centre, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The report, which was delivered in partnership with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, says that the planning system must be demystified and stakeholders empowered in order to unlock the potential benefits for society.

The world has changed and we are all getting used to working from home.  The chats over coffee and biscuits have gone unless we provide our own.  It was into this new world that we held our 46th Annual General Meeting of the Institute via Zoom. Pre meeting concerns about how we would do show of hands voting and ensure everyone had the opportunity to raise issues proved to be groundless.  The meeting went off without a hitch and 67 members joined the meeting, which is about 3 times the normal attendance!