The HELA Research Co‑Op aims to close the key knowledge gaps highlighted by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and World Health Organization (WHO), bringing together academia, manufacturers, and end‑users in a collaborative effort. By uniting these groups, the initiative will drive positive sector-wide growth, enhance research capacity, and support the exchange of expertise across the live events industry.
To advance this purpose, there will be three initial funding rounds, each designed to spark collaboration and stimulate meaningful innovation.
This call aims to support innovative, multidisciplinary feasibility studies that address gaps in knowledge relating to safe listening at music venues and events, i.e. the protection of audience members’ hearing health in environments in which high levels of amplified sound are an integral part of the experience.
We particularly invite applications that address one or more of the following research priorities.
Funding for pilot studies will be up to a maximum of £40,000 per project, with each project expected to be completed in a six-month period, enabling proof-of-concepts that support broader, longer-term goals.
Please refer to the Funding Call 1 document (UPDATED: 04 June 2026) for full details of the application process and key dates.
To apply, please complete an Expression of Interest form and return it to sarah@helainitiative.com, copying in support@helainitiative.com by 23:59, your local time, Monday 22 June 2026.
If you need further information, please contact Sarah Rees, HELA Initiative Administrator, sarah@helainitiative.com, copying in support@helainitiative.com.
This funding round will consider off-site (outside venue) topics, such as (but not limited to):
Once timelines are in place for the second and third funding rounds, more information will be provided.
This network is supported by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Grant UKRI1245.
