LASER Brussels : Resonant Realities: Investigating the Nexus of Sound, Space, and Neuroscience

With Giulia Vismara, Axel Cleeremans and Brona Martin

Chaired by: Alexandra Dementieva

Moderated by:  Peter Friess

Supported by: FÉDÉRATION WALLONIE-BRUXELLES CULTURE.BE(link is external) and CYLAND

EVENT INFO

When: Friday, April 18, 2025 at 7 PM CET (UTC +1). Find your timezone HERE

Where: Hybrid event

• Online: Livestream via YouTube – www.youtube.com/@ademalex/streams(link is external)

• In-person: IMAL 📍 Quai des Charbonnages 30, 1080 Brussels

Introduction:

Sound is more than a mere sensory experience; it is a fundamental force that sculpts our perception of space, time, and memory. From the rhythmic pulses of neural oscillations to the vast expanses of immersive auditory environments, sound resonates through every layer of cognition, influencing emotions, spatial awareness, and even physiological states. This talk delves into the interdisciplinary intersection of sound studies, cognitive neuroscience, and spatial acoustics to examine how auditory stimuli shape our lived realities.

As advancements in 3D audio technologies redefine the ways we engage with soundscapes, we are presented with new frontiers in perception research, therapeutic applications, and artistic expression. Immersive auditory environments have been shown to enhance memory recall, reduce stress, and foster a sense of inclusion and well-being. By integrating empirical findings from perceptual science with artistic and compositional practices, this discussion seeks to unravel the cognitive and cultural dimensions of auditory experience.

In the words of the late neuroscientist Oliver Sacks: "Music, uniquely among the arts, is both completely abstract and profoundly emotional… it is the most direct and mysterious way to reach the brain". This sentiment is echoed by composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, a pioneer in electronic and spatial music, who once said: "I spent decades learning how to project sound into space and give it the same plasticity as a sculpture. Sound should envelop and move around the listener, transforming their perception of time and reality."

Building upon this notion, we explore how sound can not only evoke deep-seated memories but also act as a transformative medium for healing, social cohesion, and environmental awareness.

Key areas of exploration include:

-      The interplay between sound, spatial perception, and cognitive memory systems.

-      Cutting-edge applications of 3D audio in therapeutic and creative domains.

-      The role of soundscapes in fostering psychological resilience, inclusivity, and emotional well-being.

This Laser Talk invites a transdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, composers, and sound artists, alongside audience engagement, to illuminate the profound interconnections between auditory perception, cognition, and the environments we inhabit.

BIOS

Giulia Vismara, an electroacoustic composer and researcher, investigates the spatialization of sound and its impact on perception, memory, and emotional resonance. Her work explores how immersive audio environments influence our cognitive mapping of space and time, revealing the intricate connections between sound, embodiment, and lived experience.  

www.giuliavismara.com

Axel Cleeremans is a Research Director with the National Fund for Scientific Research (Belgium) and a professor of cognitive science with the Department of Psychology of the Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels.

Brona Martin, a sound artist and composer, explores the emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of soundscapes. Her work focuses on how immersive audio compositions can foster inclusivity, psychological well-being, and a sense of place. By integrating field recordings and electroacoustic techniques, she demonstrates how sound can be used as a tool for storytelling, healing, and community engagement.
https://www.gre.ac.uk/people/rep/las/brona-martin  

Peter Friess is a Brussels-based independent artist and senior researcher. Ph.D. in self-organising social systems and space technology engineering. Exploration of AI, mixed realities, and humanities, with emphasis on research creation and critical art making.
petermfriess.com

Alexandra Dementieva is a multimedia artist and researcher, based in Brussels. 

alexdementieva.org

Together, these speakers offer a multidimensional perspective on the ways in which sound interacts with cognition, emotion, and spatial awareness, opening new pathways for both scientific discovery and creative innovation.

SPONSORS

The Leonardo/ISAST LASERs are a program of international gatherings that bring artists, scientists, humanists and technologists together for informal presentations, performances and conversations with the wider public. The mission of the LASERs is to encourage contribution to the cultural environment of a region by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and opportunities for community building to over 50 cities around the world. To learn more about how our LASER Hosts and to visit a LASER near you please visit our website. @lasertalks