India, Aug 20: Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra today announced the 30th International Symposium on Frontiers of Research in Speech and Music (FRSM 2026), scheduled to be held from 21 to 22 August 2026. Jointly organised by the Department of Mathematics, BIT Mesra, and Sir C. V. Raman Centre for Physics & Music, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, the two-day international symposium will bring together researchers, academicians, experts and students to explore emerging intersections between speech, music, sound and human-centred technologies. Being held under the theme “Intelligent and Inclusive Sound: Bridging Speech, Music & Human-Centered Technologies,” FRSM 2026 will examine how advances in mathematics, acoustics, artificial intelligence and computational technologies are expanding the understanding and application of sound. The symposium will feature discussions on speech and music analysis, language processing, sound and music synthesis, emotion and cognition, acoustics, music information retrieval, and technology-enabled applications in education and therapy.
Since its inception in 1990, FRSM has evolved into a platform for scientific and cultural exchange around speech and music. Over three decades, the symposium has brought together diverse disciplines spanning the physics of sound, linguistics, speech processing, speech therapy, music psychology, neuromusicology, computational musicology and music therapy. The 30th edition continues this interdisciplinary tradition while placing greater emphasis on intelligent, inclusive and human-centred approaches to sound technologies.
At FRSM 2026, researchers and experts will explore the acoustical, mathematical, cognitive and emotional dimensions of speech and music, while examining how emerging technologies can contribute to new forms of analysis, communication, learning and creative expression. The symposium will also provide a platform for researchers to present their work, exchange ideas and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary and international collaboration. For students and research scholars, the symposium will offer opportunities to interact with experts from different academic and professional backgrounds, gain exposure to emerging areas of research, build academic networks and explore potential pathways for further learning and research.
Distinguished Guests and Speakers
Dr. Smita Guha, St. John’s University, USA, will be the Chief Guest, while Prof. Preeti Rao, IIT Bombay, will be the Guest of Honour.
The invited speakers include Prof. Marcus Pearce, Queen Mary University of London; Dr. Asutosh Kar, Birmingham City University, UK; Sanj Hall, Founder Director, Tonic Sonic, sound artist and Gong teacher; Prof. Omar Farooq, Aligarh Muslim University; Dr. S. B. Singh, RIMS; and Gitashree Majumdar, Counsellor & Music Movement Therapist and Guest Faculty, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. The participation of experts from international and leading Indian institutions will bring diverse perspectives to the symposium, spanning scientific research, technology, music, therapy and sound-based practice.
Organising Team
The symposium is being convened by Prof. Soubhik Chakraborty, Department of Mathematics, with Dr. Anindita Bera and Dr. Pawan Kumar Shaw serving as Co-Conveners. Dr. Sitanshu Shekhar Sahu, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, is the Organising Secretary, while Dr. Abhinav Chakraborty and Dr. Ayan Chanda, Department of Mathematics, are serving as Co-Organising Secretaries. R. P. Mishra and Dr. Mrinal Kumar Pathak from the Media Cell are also supporting the organisation of the symposium.
With its 30th edition, FRSM 2026 will continue its longstanding effort to bring together disciplines that traditionally approach sound from different perspectives. By connecting mathematics and science with speech, music, technology and human experience, the symposium aims to foster meaningful academic exchange and encourage new directions in research and collaboration.
