Noise Network Plus: A new interdisciplinary network to address the grand challenges of noise pollution

Noise Network Plus is a new interdisciplinary network designed to address the grand challenges for noise pollution for the next 10-15 years, supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC).

Noise has a major impact on public health, society and wildlife. It has a profound effect on human health and wellbeing, causing heart disease, high annoyance and sleep disturbance. Road noise in England alone is estimated to cause £7-10bn of health costs, with 130,000 healthy life years lost each year. It affects wildlife, including birds and marine mammals, damaging wildlife health and reproduction. Noise also affects AI systems and sensors, including sonar echo sounders and underwater acoustic modems.

As well as existing sources of human-made noise, such as road, rail, and air transport, new technologies such as drones, air taxis and air source heat pumps could introduce new sources of noise. However, noise is often neglected until late in the engineering design process, resulting in products, systems and buildings that may create or transmit unnecessary noise.

To address these challenges, we will create a new research and innovation network, bringing together diverse, dynamic teams from across disciplines to promote dialogue, co-design missions, form lasting and inclusive collaborations, and build unprecedented noise research capabilities. The Network will support pilot projects to test new research ideas, gather missing evidence and carry out feasibility studies.  We will also reimagine the education and training of engineers, to include systems thinking in general, and sound and noise in particular, across engineering education.

By understanding the complex systems that build noise into the world, we will begin a long-lasting programme of research and engagement to reduce noise and its impact on people, the environment, and the economy.