About Network this network arises from the participation of the proposed members in the EPSRC Ideas Factory “A Noisy Future? Making the World Sound Better”, 9 th to 13 th January 2006 . This brought together participants from a wide range of academic backgrounds and experiences alongside contributions from policy makers and consultants. The skills and backgrounds of the participants include: social science, transport engineering, traffic noise emissions modelling and 2.5D mapping, management and control of traffic noise, economics, media and cultural studies, maths, electronics, sound art, room acoustics, acoustics, building acoustics, psychoacoustics, noise control, health sciences, sound quality engineering, environmental acoustics, aeroacoustics, auditory psychophysics, structural dynamics, mechanical engineering, micro mechanics and noise mapping. The network started from 1 st June 2006.

The primary purpose of the network is to facilitate interdisciplinary (multi-interest) research on future soundscapes. More specifically, the objectives of the network are:

• To engage with policy makers, industry representatives and other interested in future soundscapes.

• To generate a suite of research proposals to EPSRC and other sponsors.

• To expand the network to include expertise required for future research needs.

• To build the legitimacy of the group as an advisory body.

• To create a new research community that integrates researchers, artists, industry, educational bodies and policy makers and enables effective communication across disciplines and sectors.

• To explore the best methods of involving the public in research on soundscapes.

• To raise the profile of future soundscapes in the media.

• To encourage interdisciplinary training and information exchange for research students and research assistants in the fields.

• To create a critical mass in the field, placing the UK in a world-leading position in research into soundscapes.

• To encourage and deliver international collaboration.