Cairns will host the 6th World Ecoacoustics Congress from 17 to 20 August 2026 in partnership with James Cook University. The event will bring international researchers, scientists, engineers and practitioners to the Cairns Convention Centre to explore advances in ecoacoustics and environmental monitoring.
The congress is organised by the International Society of Ecoacoustics and is held every two years. The 2026 edition follows previous events in Brisbane in 2018 and Madrid in 2024, making it only the second time the congress has been hosted in Australia.
Ecoacoustics is an interdisciplinary field focused on natural and human-made sound and how it relates to ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental change. Cairns was selected as host city because of its location between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, two globally significant ecosystems known for their biodiversity.
Professor Paul Roe, Dean, Research at James Cook University, said Cairns offered a unique environment for the congress.
“Cairns is a natural fit for the World Ecoacoustics Congress because it gives delegates access to one of the most acoustically and ecologically diverse regions in the world. From rainforest soundscapes to reef environments, this is a place where ecoacoustics can help us better understand ecosystem health, biodiversity and the impacts of environmental change,” said Professor Paul Roe.
Professor Roe said the field was continuing to develop through projects that support conservation and collaboration.
“At James Cook University, we are also seeing the field evolve in exciting and meaningful ways. Projects such as Listening to Country are helping build ecoacoustic capacity with First Nations groups across Queensland and supporting research and land and sea management through genuine collaboration,” said Professor Paul Roe.
He added that the congress would continue to support international cooperation despite broader global challenges.
“While delegate numbers are expected to be slightly lower than initially hoped due to broader global challenges, the congress is set to deliver a high-quality scientific programme and meaningful international collaboration, with a clear focus on advancing the frontiers of ecoacoustics,” said Professor Paul Roe.
Professor Roe is recognised for his work on the Australian Acoustic Observatory, which uses hundreds of continuously recording sensors across Australia, and the Open Ecoacoustics project, which develops tools and platforms for conservation-focused acoustic monitoring.
Tara Bennett, General Manager Partnerships & Events at Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, said the congress aligned strongly with the region’s strengths.
“The World Ecoacoustics Congress is exactly the kind of international meeting that aligns with Cairns’ strengths in science, sustainability and nature-based experiences. In partnership with James Cook University, this win reinforces Cairns’ reputation as a destination where global delegates can come together to exchange knowledge while being immersed in an environment that directly reflects the themes of the conference,” said Tara Bennett.
Janet Hamilton, General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, said the event would deliver tourism and economic benefits for the region.
“With delegates expected from around the world, we are looking forward to hosting them in our Centre. The congress will deliver valuable economic and academic impact, while also creating strong potential for visitors to extend their stay and experience the venue, reef, rainforest and wider Tropical North Queensland region,” said Janet Hamilton.
The congress website is already promoting Cairns and Tropical North Queensland as a travel destination for delegates planning their visit. Registration has opened and organisers are currently accepting abstract submissions for the August 2026 event.
