The blending of advanced multichannel spatialized audio reproduction with virtual reality has granted the possibility to develop virtual scenes that either closely mimic real conditions or fit desired scenarios in a totally virtual paradigm. In parallel with these technological developments also a search for a fruitful and epistemologically valid way of employing such resources has been undertaken. Research in the areas of perception and cognition has thus been boosted, for instance in the study of the basic mechanisms by which audition functions, or in the study of various cognitive processes, from core executive functions such as memory and attention to more high level processes such as speech comprehension and reasoning. In addition, reaction of humans to peculiar or even critical audiovisual conditions can be based on similar premises.

Keywords: spatial sound, perception, cognition, ecological validity

Research into faster computational methods for simulating complex acoustic environments in real-time.

Hybrid Models: Combining ray-tracing, wave-based, and AI-driven models for hyper-accurate simulations of sound in intricate spaces.

Direct and diffuse sound components in Spatial Audio.

Part 1:

For this session, we invite papers and posters about AI used in Acoustics and 3D Immersive Audio applications.

Audio Scene Analysis: Using AI to automatically detect, isolate, and analyze complex audio environments.

AI-Driven Sound Design: Applying machine learning to generate realistic 3D soundscapes or predict the acoustic behavior of spaces.

Virtual Acoustics Optimization: AI for simulating room acoustics faster and more accurately, including real-time predictions of reverberation and reflections.

Real-Time Spatial Audio and Networking

Low-Latency Audio Rendering: Advancements in delivering real-time spatial audio in networked environments like telepresence and remote collaboration.

3D Audio for Virtual Meetings: Research on binaural and spatial audio solutions to make remote communication more natural and reduce fatigue.

This session concerns the study of the acoustics of sacred spaces such as churches, mosques, places of worship generally located outdoors and in confined spaces (even caves). The purpose of the session is to discuss the effects of acoustics in these environments and how the acoustics influence perception and participation in religious services. Experiences relating to the acoustic correction of these environments can also be presented.

This special session focuses on 3D audio systems in the automotive and other audio technology industries, with a focus on nonlinear acoustics.

In Memoriam: Professor Angelo Farina (1958–2025)

Professor Angelo Farina passed away in March 2025. Prof. Farina was the Chair of the Scientific Committee of I3DA.  A beloved mentor, colleague, and pioneer in the field of acoustics, Professor Farina shaped generations of researchers through his innovative work and inspiring teaching. His groundbreaking contributions spanned many areas of acoustics, including immersive audio, room acoustics, and underwater acoustics. He will be missed dearly by colleagues, students, and friends around the world.

To honor his life, legacy, and outstanding scientific achievements, this memorial session is dedicated to Professor Farina. 

With focus on the fields where Professor Farina left a lasting impact, including but not limited to: Room and architectural acoustics; Acoustic measurements and impulse response analysis; Auralization and binaural rendering; Underwater acoustics; Signal processing in audio and acoustics; Acoustic modeling and simulation.

Technologies such as holography, head-mounted displays, full-dome immersive video projection, kinesthetic communication (haptic technology), transparent monitors, and three-dimensional (3D) sound and electronic sensors facilitate sophisticated and interactive environments using augmented and virtual reality. The scope of this augmentation is participant immersion, which is the ultimate goal of an effective virtual or augmented experience. It is a common belief that aurality constitutes an essential part of VR and AR and offers additional details and a visceral sense to the immersive experience. Aurality encloses the synthesis, spatialisation, and reception of sound in a virtual world. In this session, we welcome research papers that lie in all the individual aspects of aurality and sound spatialisation as well as novel engineering efforts and applications that bridge VR and AR development with immersive sound and auralisation.

What if we could not only see but also hear and compose within the lost soundscapes of history? Advances in immersive audio and visual technologies are redefining how we reconstruct, analyze, and even compose within historical spaces. This session explores how spatialized sound, virtual acoustics, and interactive performance environments breathe new life into cultural heritage sites, shaping new creative and research paradigms in musicology, sound studies, anthropology, and beyond.

From reconstructing ancient ritual performances to composing new works within historically resonant spaces, this panel will investigate how immersive environments enable novel interactions between architecture, acoustics, and musical creativity. How do composers engage with reconstructed soundscapes? How can digital tools allow us to reimagine lost musical traditions? What role does spatial audio play in contemporary composition inspired by historical sites?

We invite innovative, practice-based projects—especially those incorporating composition, interactive demos, and performance-based research—to explore how immersive technologies can be a bridge between the past and future of music and sonic expression.

For this session, we invite papers and posters about AI used in Acoustics and 3D Immersive Audio applications.

Audio Scene Analysis: Using AI to automatically detect, isolate, and analyze complex audio environments.

AI-Driven Sound Design: Applying machine learning to generate realistic 3D soundscapes or predict the acoustic behavior of spaces.

Virtual Acoustics Optimization: AI for simulating room acoustics faster and more accurately, including real-time predictions of reverberation and reflections.

Real-Time Spatial Audio and Networking

Low-Latency Audio Rendering: Advancements in delivering real-time spatial audio in networked environments like telepresence and remote collaboration.

3D Audio for Virtual Meetings: Research on binaural and spatial audio solutions to make remote communication more natural and reduce fatigue.

This session aims to investigate how acoustic modelling and virtual reality (VR), combined with advanced 3D audio technologies such as binaural audio and ambisonics, are transforming our understanding of the relationship between space, performance, and audience.

This session welcomes contributions that:

• Present case studies, experiments, and innovative projects demonstrating the effectiveness of acoustic and virtual technologies for research and the enhancement of tangible and intangible heritage.
• Explore the use of VR and 3D audio technologies for the analysis, reconstruction, and experience of historical performance spaces.
• Investigate the development of new forms of immersive performance and audience engagement, and new creative inputs for musicians, dancers, singers, composers, and conductors.