The Institute of Acoustics is seeking nominations for its prestigious Award for Promoting Acoustics to the Public. Nominations are welcomed from innovative individuals or companies who have done outstanding work in promoting the importance of acoustics to the general public.

This is the fourth year of the Award which was created with the object of recognizing either an exceptional piece of work during the previous year or in respect of sustained long-term activity and thus bringing about a great understanding of the subject of acoustics to the general public.

Colin English, President of the Institute of Acoustics explains:

“Examples of any work towards promoting acoustics to the public could be articles for the non-acoustic press, media work on TV or radio, work with schools to promote acoustics or perhaps exhibitions, demonstrations and lectures or even authored web pages. The Institute would particularly welcome applications which demonstrate a pro-active engagement with the public; instances where the applicant has initiated and developed new activities, rather than simply responding to opportunities provided by others. Innovative and ground-breaking engagements are particularly welcome. The winner’s work must be shown to have benefited the public in the British Isles.”

In the case of nominations for companies, it is necessary to show that the public engagement has gone above and beyond what might be expected to be the usual activities of company.

Colin English again:

“Acoustics is a fascinating subject which has a fundamental impact on many aspects of our lives. In an increasingly
noisy world, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the importance of acoustics amongst schoolchildren or students, public bodies, legislators and industry and the general public as a whole. This greater awareness can benefit us all. There is also strong demand for acousticians and promoting acoustics can also help encourage more people to study and follow careers in acoustics.”

Previous recipients are Bronwen Bird (2005), formerly of Techniquest, for her work in developing a large number of unique and innovative science exhibits and educational programmes through musical acoustics; Wendy Sadler (2006), Director of Science Made Simple who through her work has encouraged young people to think more about the science of sound, and David Sharp (2007) from the Open University for his work with schools as well as public lectures to older audiences and his media work including contributions to BBC’s “Coast” programmes.

The closing date for submissions is 30 June 2008, but the award will only be made to a worthy recipient. Nominations may be made by third parties or by the individual or company concerned, in either case with documented evidence of the work involved and should be addressed to the President of the Institute of Acoustics at 77A St. Peter’s Street, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3BN. The individual or company nominated need not be a member of the Institute.

Nominations forms are available from the Institute of Acoustics website at http://www.ioa.org.uk/medals.asp or by contacting Linda Canty at the IOA on telephone 01727 848195, or e-mail linda.canty@ioa.org.uk.