The brilliance of bioacoustics?

Looking ahead to a networking event and workshop for training on the practical use of bioacoustics and strengthening a growing community of bioacoustics researchers and practitioners.

Event lead organiser: Francesca Fehlberg, PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, and founder and coordinator of the Acoustics Network

Curious about bioacoustics?

Situated at the crossroads of ecology, acoustics and environmental monitoring, bioacoustics is a growing field that uses sound to study and monitor biodiversity, providing insights into species and ecosystems that can otherwise be difficult to observe.

At the end of September, the Acoustic Network is bringing together researchers, students and practitioners for two events focused on sharing knowledge, developing practical skills and strengthening connections across the bioacoustics community. The events are funded primarily by the University of Edinburgh Student Experience Grant, with additional support from the Edinburgh University Acoustics Network and the Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes (CSFL), which is supporting and facilitating the events.

The Acoustic Network was founded and is coordinated by CSFL Fellow and University of Edinburgh PhD candidate Francesca Fehlberg, who established the network to create opportunities for researchers, students and practitioners to connect across disciplines, exchange expertise and develop collaborations around bioacoustics:

“Through my research, I’ve seen how powerful bioacoustics can be for understanding and monitoring biodiversity, but also the value of bringing together people who are using these approaches in different ways. I founded the Acoustic Network to create a space where researchers, students and practitioners can exchange knowledge, learn from one another and build collaborations across disciplines. Our previous events have shown the enthusiasm for this kind of exchange, and we hope to continue growing the network as a community where people can share expertise, develop skills and create new collaborations around bioacoustics.”

Three people in a tropical forest
Francesca Fehlberg and colleagues on fieldwork deploying acoustic equipment.

Bioacoustics in practice – meet fellow bioacoustics enthusiasts

On Tuesday 29 September from 4 to 6pm at ECCI, the Bioacoustics Networking Event will bring together speakers and participants working with bioacoustics across different ecosystems, disciplines and contexts. The presentations bring to life the realities of using bioacoustics in biodiversity monitoring and the challenges and opportunities for expanding its application. With practical experience from international fieldwork, the range of speakers will share their experiences and approaches, providing a starting point for wider discussion and knowledge exchange. The presentations will be followed by open discussion in which all those curious about bioacoustics are welcome to contribute their questions and experiences. Afterwards informal networking will provide an opportunity to build new connections and explore potential collaborations.

Register for the networking event here: Bioacoustics networking event tickets, Tuesday 29 September  •  4 PM - 6 PM | Eventbrite

From sound to insight – a workshop for upskilling on bioacoustics

On Wednesday 30 September, a full-day workshop for students and early-career researchers will provide practical training in the use of acoustic monitoring for research and conservation. The day is structured to first introduce bioacoustics before guiding participants through the practicalities of designing acoustic surveys, deploying recording equipment effectively, and interpreting acoustic data to generate reliable ecological insights. Learning to avoid common pitfalls in data collection and pointers on how to choose appropriate analytical approaches will also give participants the confidence to use acoustics in their own careers and research projects. The workshop will include not only demonstrations but also hands-on tasks using real datasets to practise turning sound into ecological information. Through this approach, those attending will develop practical skills in study design, data collection and analysis while considering how bioacoustic evidence can contribute to biodiversity monitoring and conservation decision-making.

Register your interest in attending the workshop here by 3 September. To keep the workshop interactive and hands-on, places are limited to 25 participants. If we receive more registrations than available places, participants will be selected by random draw: Listening to Biodiversity: An Introduction to Bioacoustics

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