Experts gather at University of Huddersfield to explore the future of audio

The University of Huddersfield played host to the prestigious '2023 AES International Conference on Spatial and Immersive Audio', a three-day event that drew together leading minds in the audio industry, creative circles and research communities. From Wednesday August 23 – Friday August 25, a cohort of 220 delegates from around the world delved into the cutting-edge field of spatial and immersive audio, exploring its potential and discussing its growing impact on various sectors.

Spatial and immersive audio has risen to prominence as a transformative force in the audio industry and beyond, and the conference marked a significant platform for experts to exchange ideas and unveil new advancements within this burgeoning field. Multichannel and object-based audio, coupled with binaural audio technologies, have broken down barriers, making spatial audio more accessible to the general public than ever before.

While spatial audio has undergone several decades of research and development, only recently has it captured the widespread attention of the general public, largely due to its integration into commercial streaming services and mobile devices. The terms "spatial audio" and "immersive audio" are often used interchangeably, yet the conference highlighted that the full potential of spatial audio to create truly immersive experiences remains largely untapped.

The University of Huddersfield, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, provided an ideal backdrop for this international conference. Over the course of three days, attendees participated in a rich programme that included workshops, demonstrations, peer-reviewed paper presentations and in-person networking opportunities. Playing a crucial role in orchestrating the smooth flow of the event were 25 student volunteers, serving as technicians and ushers.

Professor Hyunkook Lee, an academic in the University's School of Computing and Engineering, shared his insights on the event, stating, "The conference is a significant step towards realising the vast potential of spatial audio. Our collective exploration at this conference will undoubtedly pave the way for new horizons in audio technology, artistic expression and the overall auditory experience."

The conference not only highlighted the current advancements, but also emphasised the need to continue pushing the boundaries of what spatial audio can achieve. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, researchers, and creative practitioners, the event aimed to propel spatial and immersive audio into the forefront of innovation, enhancing the way we perceive and interact with sound.