The SOUND+ Network for Transdisciplinary Research in Sound identifies where sound is a crucial dimension of today’s challenges and their possible solutions. We aim to bring together different fields of expertise in order to respond to these challenges analytically, critically, and creatively.

Why are sounds made? What is their function? What intentions do they come with? 

From evolutionary imperatives to creative expression, from communication to the sonification of data, sounds serve a multitude of purposes. 

But what are we as researchers ultimately trying to do with sound? And what should sound research itself aim to achieve?

SOUND+PURPOSE invites researchers of all disciplines to reflect on the fundamental why of their work on sound. Rather than focusing on the latest findings, this conference seeks broad, interdisciplinary discussions on the purpose of sound and sound research – whether in historical or scientific inquiry, artistic or spiritual practice, political activism, urban design, or technological innovation. By articulating the underlying motivations and objectives that drive our engagement with sound, we can uncover shared goals, unexpected synergies, and new collaborative possibilities.

As the inaugural gathering of the SOUND+ Network for Transdisciplinary Research in Sound, this conference is a space to forge connections across disciplines, methodologies, and perspectives. It is also a call to action. Addressing today’s most pressing challenges – from climate change to rising fascism, from urban health inequalities to the ethics of AI – requires recognising sound as both a critical dimension of these issues and a potential avenue for transformative solutions. 

SOUND+PURPOSE is the place to build purposeful, interdisciplinary, collaborative research relationships and projects that can harness and interrogate the power and purpose of sound.

Founding network members:
Phil Dodds, Lund University 
Christina Mediastika, Universitas Ciputra Surabaya
Holger Schulze, University of Copenhagen 
Jacek Smolicki, Uppsala University
James Mansell, Nottingham University
Katharina Riebel, Leiden University 
Marie Cronqvist, Linköping University
Paul Hegarty, Nottingham University
Robert Willim, Lund University
Sanne Krogh Groth, Lund University 
Sandra Kopljar, Lund University

Note that, with the exception of our public performance session, the conference is for invited contributors only. To hear about future events, please sign up for our Sound Environment Centre newsletter.