Interactive Sound Mapping and Embodied Listening for Long-Term Public Engagement with Anthropogenic Marine Noise

About the Project

This PhD project explores how environmental science, sound design, and interactive technologies can be developed to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: anthropogenic marine noise. It investigates how sensory engagement and interactive design can foster empathy, support policy awareness, and encourage sustained pro-environmental behaviour.

Initial studies will inform the development of an interactive acoustic application that simulates underwater soundscapes using real-world data and sound propagation models. A novel aspect of this research is the use of transducer speakers to reflect how marine mammals perceive sound, offering an embodied listening experience that mirrors bone conduction hearing and deepens emotional connection to underwater acoustic environments.

The application will be deployed across a range of outreach contexts, including policy consultations, citizen science initiatives, museums, and schools. A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining qualitative interviews, behavioural tracking, and longitudinal studies to assess impact. The project will work closely with conservation organisations and marine policy stakeholders to ensure relevance and applicability across public and expert domains.

Research Questions:

1. How does including diverse noise sources (e.g., pile driving, seismic surveys, offshore wind) affect public perception and support for mitigation?
2. Can interactive sound maps effectively communicate underwater sound propagation to both newcomers and experts?
3. Which sensory and interactive features best promote empathy and readiness for conservation action?
4. Does engagement with the application lead to long-term behavioural change in outreach settings?
5. How should communication strategies be tailored to bridge knowledge gaps and motivate conservation intent?

Academic qualifications

Have, or expect to achieve by the time of start of the studentship a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, ideally in Sound Design, Creative Computing, Environmental Technology, Interaction Design, Digital Media, Human-Computer Interaction or equivalent with a good fundamental knowledge of Interactive Media and Experience Design. Sound Design

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Good fundamental knowledge of Environmental Communication or Outreach
• Acoustic Ecology or Marine Acoustics
• Programming for Creative Applications (e.g., Unity, Pure Data, Python)
• Sensory Technologies or Embodied Interaction
• Strong interest in sound, interaction, and environmental engagement
• Ability to work across disciplines (creative, technical, environmental)
• Experience with sound design or interactive media tools
• Clear communication skills for diverse audiences
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork and long-term impact studies
• Only a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level in a subject relevant to the PhD project will be considered, or equivalent achievements.

Desirable attributes:

• Familiarity with underwater acoustics or marine policy
• Experience with embodied audio technologies (e.g., transducers)
• Background in museum, exhibition, or science communication
• Experience in designing or evaluating outreach interventions
• Interest in citizen science or conservation volunteering pathways
• Practical experience in research or industry will be considered an advantage.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about:
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact Dr Rod Selfridge email R.Selfridge@napier.ac.uk