Inter-Noise 2025 transforms São Paulo into the world capital of acoustics with innovation, Brazilian leadership, and scientific legacy
The conference brought together leading international researchers and promoted Brazilians in the international community.
From August 24 to 27, 2025, the city of São Paulo hosted the 54th edition of Inter-Noise – International Congress & Exposition on Noise Control Engineering – one of the most important international conferences dedicated to acoustic engineering and noise control. Held for the second time in Brazil, the event brought together around 700 experts, including approximately 230 students, from over 30 countries at the WTC Events Center, promoting debates, knowledge exchanges, and experiences on acoustic solutions for a healthier and more sustainable world.
With the theme “Connections for a better Sounding World“, the conference reinforced the importance of international cooperation and technical innovation in tackling noise pollution. Organized by the Brazilian Association for Acoustic Quality (ProAcústica), a member of the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE), Inter-Noise 2025 SP established Brazil as a global leader in the field, cementing a legacy that will remain in the history of national research.
Innovative format and international impact
According to the president of Inter-Noise 2025 SP, engineer Davi Akkerman, holding a conference of this size in Brazil was a significant achievement. “We were very innovative in the format, with the silent plenary session that accommodated three simultaneous audiences, side by side, without any acoustic interference. We had this great connection between the exhibition and plenary sessions, with leading names in acoustics giving lectures here in Brazil. It was a memorable event, as never before has an Inter-Noise been as impactful and innovative as the one we held in São Paulo,” he celebrated.
The conference welcomed around 700 attendees, including 228 students. Brazilians made up the largest audience, accounting for 56% of the registrations, followed by China (5%), Japan (5%), South Korea (4%), and countries such as Chile, the United States, Italy, Germany, and Turkey (3% each). Brazil also led in the number of presentations, with 39% of the papers, followed by China (8%), Japan (7%), Canada, South Korea, and the United States (4%), and Germany, Hong Kong, Turkey, France, and Italy (3% each).
Technical content and thematic diversity
The technical program was divided into five major themes: Vibration Engineering Science and Acoustics; Industrial and Transportation Applications; Applications in Materials, Architecture, and the Environment; Human Factors; and Multidisciplinary approaches.
In total, 431 presentations were given, including 317 lectures, 78 pre-recorded presentations, and 36 poster presentations in the main hall. Brazil, in addition to bringing the largest number of visitors, also had the largest number of presentations, totaling 39% of the papers. The others countries participating were: China (8%); Japan (7%); Canada, South Korea and United States (4%); Germany, Hong Kong, Turkey, France, and Italy (3%).
The plenary sessions or keynote lectures, covered topics ranging from noise capture and the challenges of audio separation to the possibilities of applying machine learning in acoustic environments. Keynote speakers included Alice Cicirello (University of Cambridge), Chiara Scrosati (CNR-ITC), Júlio A. Cordioli (UFSC), Nilesh Madhu (University of Ghent), Bruno Masiero (Unicamp), Noureddine Atalla (Université de Sherbrooke), and Li Cheng (Hong Kong Polytechnic University).
In addition to the central themes of acoustic engineering, the conference also presented studies exploring the relationship between acoustics, education, and architecture, such as the impact of urban noise on schools and the analysis of typologies focused on music education.
Regarding urban areas, three Brazilian research projects addressed the challenges of noise pollution in cities in the Northeast. Conducted in Arapiraca (AL) and Aracaju (SE), the studies highlight the central role of road traffic as the main source of environmental noise and reinforce the importance of acoustic mapping as a tool for urban planning and public health promotion.
Another presentation featured research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), with support from the CNPq (National Council for the Advancement of Science and Technology), which reveals the harmful effects of noise generated by wind farms on the Quilombola Community of Macambira, located in Serra de Santana, in the municipality of Lagoa Nova (RN).
Aeronautical acoustics has also been the focus of national and international studies, which have covered everything from population impacts in large urban centers to immersive sound simulation technologies in aircraft cabins.
Parallel and social activities
One of the most memorable moments was the Women in Noise Control Lunche, which celebrated the female presence in acoustics, fostering connections, the exchange of experiences, and reflections on leadership, diversity and representation in the sector. The event’s success reinforces the importance of spaces dedicated to the leadership of women in technical and scientific fields, amplifying voices and inspiring new career paths.
Another highly sought-after activity was the IN25 Soundwalk, a sound walk guided by Brazilian researcher Dr. Margret Engel (TU Dresden), held near the WTC Events Center. Engel presented measurement instruments, recording techniques, and analysis methods, using a questionnaire completed by participants as the basis for future scientific publication.
The final activity of Inter-Noise 2025 SP was a technical visit to Sala São Paulo, a concert hall whose acoustic design has become a national and international landmark. The project’s acoustic consultant, José Augusto Nepomuceno, guided visitors and shared the challenges and solutions developed, such as the movable ceiling panels.
Industry participation and case study presentations
Industry representatives brought experts to discuss material specifications and present real-world projects. Architect Paula Omizzolo, Knauf’s technical and specification manager, demonstrated applications in hospitals, businesses, and retail. Saint-Gobain brought Juan Negreira, a global leader, who presented a Spanish case study and participated in a lecture on sustainability and LEED Certification.
The Brazilian company Trisoft, focused on sustainable products, participated with a lecture by CEO Mauricio Cohab, who highlighted the importance of acoustics in architectural projects. Crysound CEO Jason Cao presented acoustic cameras, which sparked great interest among attendees.
A legacy for Brazilian science
ProAcústica President Marcos Holtz celebrated the results of Inter-Noise 2025 SP: “It was a very complex organization, because we had to meet many international criteria. We brought innovations like the silent arena, our multimedia system was impeccable, and our app worked perfectly. It was an event of great technical quality and also a lot of joy. It truly had the Brazilian flair, in the most positive sense of the word.”
The technical program coordinator, Carolina Monteiro, also highlighted the event’s impact: “Since there isn’t such a large number of Brazilians participating outside the country, we were able to receive feedback from foreigners about how good and interesting Brazilian productions are. This is a lasting legacy for our community. It was also an opportunity for many Brazilians to participate in an international conference for the first time.”
At the closing ceremony, the next edition of Inter-Noise was officially announced, to be held in Adelaide, Australia, from August 9 to 12, 2026, with the theme “From the Outback to the Ocean,” organized by the Australian Acoustic Society (AAS) and I-INCE.
The event featured the following sponsors and exhibitors:
Diamond: Ecophon Saint-Gobain and Trisoft Revestimentos Funcionais
Platinum: Crysound, Deco Trading, Getzner and Knauf
Gold: Acoem and Ambi
Silver: 3R Brasil, Arkflex, Atenua Som, Aubicon, Diarco, Gerb, Grom Acústica e Vibração, IMMI, KR3, Mason Industries MTS, Oterprem, Senor, Silentium, Técnica, and Zlab
Exhibitors: Bedrok Audio BV, Everisol, HBK Brasil, Müller BBM Group, Norsonic, NTI Audio, Odeon, Seven Bel, Vibtech, and Zxonic Technology