The International Commission for Acoustics (ICA) is pleased to announce the release of the Final Report of the International Year of Sound 2020+ (IYS 2020+).

Rather than serving solely as a record of events, the report highlights how a global network of acoustics professionals, researchers, and sound enthusiasts maintained international collaboration during the severe disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite unprecedented social restrictions, sound emerged as a vital medium for unity and engagement across borders.

Far from marking the end of the initiative, this publication relaunches the challenge through the ICA International Year of Sound Award for Outstanding Outreach Activity. This initiative aims to:

  • Recognise excellence in dissemination and public awareness campaigns.
  • Encourage future projects that build upon the achievements and values established during the International Year of Sound.
  • Sustain global engagement within the acoustics and sound research communities.

The complete Final Report and details regarding the Award application guidelines are now available in the “WHAT WE DO” section on the ICA website.