Acoustics Lay Language Papers are concise summaries of research presented at ASA Meetings that help bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and general understanding for science writers, educators, reporters, and inquisitive minds alike. What many potential ALLP authors may not fully grasp is the hidden potential within these summaries— the ability to serve as a springboard towards publication in Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics (POMA).
For example, the process of writing an ALLP encourages the author to think about the story they are trying to express with their research, and how to convey that story in a clear, concise fashion. That structure can then be expanded upon with more details and data to develop a POMA. Check out these POMAs to see how other authors leveraged their ALLPs:
By writing an ALLP, you make your research accessible to a wider audience while also taking the initial steps towards presenting research effectively for publication. Consider your ALLP as the first building block in your journey towards a publication in POMA, JASA-EL, or even JASA. It’s a strategic move that combines effective communication with broader accessibility, setting you on the path to sharing your acoustic discoveries with the world. If you will be presenting at an upcoming ASA Meeting, seize the opportunity to write an ALLP.
Read more about the ALLP program and get tips and tricks in the Acoustics Today article, Reaching Reporters, Teachers, and Bosses – Lay Language Papers and be sure to submit your own ALLP in for the 186th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and Acoustics Week in Canada, sponsored by the Acoustical Society of America and the Canadian Acoustical Association. The ideal submission deadline is Wednesday, May 1, to allow time for posting ahead of the meeting.
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is seeking a new Editor for Acoustics Today, the science and technology magazine of the ASA. Each issue of Acoustics Today is sent to ASA members in print form and is also freely available online at acousticstoday.org. The primary purpose of Acoustics Today is to provide timely scholarly articles, short essays highlighting important ASA programs, and other (including societal) material to ASA members that is interesting, understandable, and worth reading regardless of a member’s background.
Appointment as the Acoustics Today Editor will begin on January 1, 2025, for an initial three-year term. To find out more about responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply, go to https://acousticalsociety.org/editor-acoustics-today/.
For over 25 years, the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) has been at the forefront of bringing the captivating world of acoustics to a broader audience through their Lay Language Papers (LLP) program. These concise, jargon-free summaries have been instrumental in making complex acoustic research more accessible to science writers, educators, reporters, and anyone curious about the realm of sound. What many authors may not know is that crafting an engaging LLP can be your secret step towards getting published in the Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics (POMA). Let’s delve into how writing an LLP can open the door to POMA and explore real-world examples that have successfully made this connection.
Authors who master the art of creating compelling LLPs often find themselves well-prepared for the world of academic publishing. These “bite-sized” papers serve as an excellent steppingstone for researchers looking to transition their research from a lay audience to a more specialized readership. The process of writing an LLP encourages the author to think about the story they are trying to tell about their research, and how to convey that story in a clear, concise fashion. That structure can then be expanded upon with more details and data to develop a POMA.
Here are real-world examples that showcase the bridge between LLPs and POMA:
LLPs are not limited to text; they also serve as a convenient digital space for hosting multimedia content such as audio files, videos, or images. This multimedia content can be cross-referenced in your other published work, enhancing the depth and richness of your research presentations. For instance, author David M. F. Chapman used his LLP to provide audio examples for his article published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA): “The tones of the kalimba (African thumb piano).”
By writing an LLP, you do more than just make your research accessible to a wider audience; you also take the initial steps towards learning how to present your research effectively for eventual publication. Consider your ASA Lay Language Paper as the first building block in your journey towards a publication in POMA. It’s a strategic move that combines effective communication with broader accessibility, setting you on the path to sharing your acoustic discoveries with the world.
So, the next time you present at an ASA Meeting, seize the opportunity to write an LLP—it might just be your secret step towards seeing your research published in an ASA journal!
Read more about the LLP program in Acoustics Todayand be sure to submit your own LLP in for the185th ASA meeting, Acoustics 2023 Sydney!
In this episode, we talk to the ASA’s very own Keeta Jones, Education and Outreach Coordinator, about science communication: everything from common mistakes scientists make when talking to others about their research, to how to communicate to different types of audiences, to a bevy of tips and tricks you can use when sharing your work with others– whether it’s your grandmother at Thanksgiving, a government official looking to inform new policies, or even colleagues in adjacent fields.
(Like the episode? Read all about science communication with the articles in this AT Collection!)
Acoustical Society of America Announces Winners of Science Communication Awards
Melville, June 28, 2023 – The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Science Communication Awards, recognizing excellence in the presentation of acoustics related topics to a popular audience.
Each non-ASA member award includes a $2,500 cash prize and a $1,000 reimbursement to attend the awards ceremony at the 186th ASA Meeting taking place in Ottawa, Canada, 13-17 May 2024. Each ASA member award includes a $1,000 cash prize. The winners of the 2023 ASA Science Communication Awards are as follows:
Non-acoustic Expert Multimedia Winner In the SciShow episode, “5 Places with Amazing Acoustics from Thousands of Years Ago,” show host Hank Green captivates the audience with insightful exploration of acoustics in historical settings. Viewers are transported to ancient venues renowned for their exceptional soundscapes and learn about what acoustic phenomena are taking place. Through engaging storytelling and accessible explanations, this SciShow episode brings the wonders of acoustics to life, inspiring viewers to appreciate the acoustic marvels of the past.
Honorable mentions in this category go to Bartosz Ciechenowski’s interactive science blog, Sound and the Short Wave podcast episode, Experience The Quietest Place On Earth, hosted by Margaret Cirino, Regina G. Barber, and Gabriel Spitzer.
Acoustic Expert Multimedia Winner The Rest is Just Noise Podcast stands out as a remarkable audio journey into the realm of acoustics. With deep knowledge and captivating storytelling, co-hosts Dr. Andrew Mitchell, Dr. Francesco Aletta, and Dr. Tin Oberman explore various acoustical phenomena and their impact on our lives. Through interviews with experts and immersive soundscapes, this podcast educates and entertains listeners, creating a space where the beauty and significance of acoustics are celebrated.
Long Form Print Winner David George Haskell’s Sounds Wild and Broken: Sonic Marvels, Evolution’s Creativity, and The Crisis of Sensory Extinction emerges as a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationship between sound, nature, and human existence. Haskell masterfully weaves together scientific research, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections to highlight the urgency of preserving our sonic ecosystems. With eloquence and depth, this book challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with sound and the natural world.
Short Form Print Winner Ute Eberle’s captivating Knowable Magazine article, “Life in the Soil Was Thought to Be Silent. What If It Isn’t?,” shines a light on the often-overlooked acoustic richness beneath our feet. Eberle’s insightful exploration uncovers the hidden symphony of the soil, revealing the vital role sound plays in the ecosystem. Through her meticulous research and engaging prose, Eberle challenges preconceptions, opening a new realm of wonder and discovery.
The 2023 award cycle reviewed content created between 2021 and 2022. A total of 73 nominations were received for the ASA Science Communication Awards, showcasing the breadth and depth of acoustics communication endeavors. The ASA extends its congratulations to the winners and honorable mentions for their exceptional contributions to acoustics communication. These projects have successfully bridged the gap between complex scientific concepts and the public, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the fascinating world of acoustics. The next award cycle will review content created between 2023 and 2024, with the call for nominations in the spring of 2025.
———————– MORE INFORMATION ———————– ABOUT THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is the premier international scientific society in acoustics devoted to the science and technology of sound. Its worldwide membership represents a broad spectrum of the study of acoustics. ASA publications include The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (the world’s leading journal on acoustics), JASA Express Letters, Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics, Acoustics Today magazine, and standards on acoustics. The society also holds two major scientific meetings each year. See https://acousticalsociety.org/.
Melville, June 28, 2023 – The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Science Communication Awards, recognizing excellence in the presentation of acoustics related topics to a popular audience.