Sound Unleashed: Discover, Create, Inspire!

Sound shapes our world in powerful ways - often without us even realising it. From the thrill of live music and the buzz of a packed stadium, to the subtle atmosphere created by sound in films, games, and public spaces, sound has the ability to move us, connect us, and bring experiences to life.

But sound doesn’t always have a positive impact. When sound is unwanted, it becomes noise - and that can affect how we feel, how we concentrate, how we sleep, and even our long-term health. Understanding the difference between sound we enjoy and sound we struggle with is a big part of how we design better spaces, protect wellbeing, and shape the environments we live in.

Acousticians work behind the scenes (and sometimes front and centre!) to improve how sound works in everyday life. They help make sure announcements are clear in busy stations, design spaces so concerts and theatres sound incredible, reduce noise from roads and buildings, and even explore how sound affects wildlife and the natural environment. It’s a field that blends science, creativity, technology, and problem-solving.

The Institute of Acoustics has been running its annual Young Person’s Competition (formerly the Secondary School Competition) since 2021, giving young people the chance to explore acoustics, sound, noise, and vibration - and to discover the exciting career paths they could lead to. Over the years, the judges have been consistently impressed by the imagination, curiosity, and quality of work submitted.

This year’s competition is now open, and the theme Sound Unleashed invites entrants to ask big questions, think creatively, and share their ideas through video. How does sound affect the world around us? Where does technology help - and where does it fall short? How can better sound design improve lives, communities, or the environment?

Whether you’re fascinated by music, film, science, engineering, gaming, or the natural world, this competition is your chance to explore sound in a way that matters to you.

The competition is open to individuals or teams of up to five young people aged 13–25. Winners will receive £1,000 in gift vouchers per winning entry, along with an engraved crystal trophy. UK winners will also be invited to present their work at the Noise Abatement Society Awards at the Houses of Parliament.

All submission details, requirements, and deadlines can be found in the attachments below.

IOA Young Person's Competition Flyer

IOA Young Person’s Competition 2026 Terms & Conditions