Research Training Group MOSAIC: Multi-dOmain and context-dependent Spatial approaches to AcoustIC well-being

The MOSAIC research training group, consisting of eight chairs from RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital Aachen and TU Berlin, is dedicated to researching acoustic well-being in different indoor and outdoor spaces and in various activities such as living, learning, working and leisure over a period of 48 months starting July 2025.The overarching goal of the research group is to promote and further develop the construct of “acoustic well-being” across disciplines, domains, and scales within the context of the multidisciplinary and context-dependent spatial approach. This also aims to make a substantial contribution to the relatively new research area of ​​”soundscape.”

The interdisciplinary research group, under the scientific leadership of Prof. Marcel Schweiker and Prof. Janina Fels, takes into account numerous factors that influence acoustic experience. These include reciprocal effects of temperature, lighting conditions, air quality, as well as room height and geometry. Furthermore, research is conducted into how people physiologically respond to different acoustic environments. To answer these questions, the research group uses a broad mix of methods including laboratory experiments, field studies, interviews, surveys and much more.

In addition to individual and collaborative research work, the Research Training Group aims to expand the professional and methodological skills of doctoral students across disciplines. The aim is to prepare future generations of scientists for increased interdisciplinary collaboration on the topic of acoustics between the participating disciplines and beyond. This will create  exceptional opportunities for the promotion of young scientists, who can work on highly topical, innovative scientific issues with an interdisciplinary approach while being integrated into an extensive network.