VCCA2026 – Post-conference Report

VCCA 2026 Post-conference Report

Click on the image to download the VCCA 2026 Post-conference Report in a PDF file.

Thank you for making VCCA 2026 a remarkable success.

The Virtual Conference on Computational Audiology (VCCA 2026) brought together researchers, clinicians, engineers and industry professionals from around the world for two days of cutting-edge science, inspiring discussions and new collaborations.

With 1,367 registered participants, 114 accepted scientific abstracts, more than 23 hours of scientific programming, and attendees joining live from across the globe, VCCA2026 became one of the largest and most internationally diverse editions of the conference to date.

The 1,367 VCCA2026 conference attendees, together with 88 registrations for the first pre-conference workshop on Scientific Communication, 155 registrations for the second workshop on Machine Learning, and 116 registrations for the third workshop on Computational Modeling, brought the total number of registrations across all VCCA2026 activities to 1,726.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making VCCA 2026 such an outstanding event!

A multidisciplinary organizing committee

VCCA 2026 was organized by a multidisciplinary team whose expertise spans engineering, clinical audiology and hearing science, reflecting the collaborative and interdisciplinary spirit of the Computational Audiology Network. The conference was chaired by Dr. Joaquín T. Valderrama-Valenzuela (University of Granada), with Dr. Amparo Callejón-Leblic (Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville) and Dr. Miriam I. Marrufo-Pérez (University of Salamanca) serving as co-chairs. Together, they combined complementary expertise in signal processing, computational modelling, cochlear implants, machine learning, psychoacoustics and hearing research.

Supported by an outstanding Scientific Committee, dedicated technical and media teams, and the Executive Board of the Computational Audiology Network (CAN), the organizing committee worked over many months to create a conference that was not only scientifically outstanding but also free, fully virtual and accessible to participants worldwide. This collaborative effort reflects one of the core values of CAN: fostering an open, inclusive and international research community that advances hearing science through collaboration and innovation.

Joaquin T. Valderrama (Chair), Francisco Sánchez Martínez (Technical chair), and Iñigo Santaria-Fernandez (Technical chair). University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

 

María Amparo Callejón-Leblic (co-chair). Virgen Macarena University Hospital and University of Seville, Seville, Spain.

 

Miriam I. Marrufo-Pérez (co-chair). University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.

Learning before the conference: three pre-conference workshops

As part of its commitment to education, accessibility and capacity building, VCCA 2026 was preceded by three free, hands-on pre-conference workshops, providing participants with practical training in key methodologies that are increasingly shaping computational audiology. The workshops attracted a highly engaged international audience (more than 360 registrations!) and offered an excellent opportunity for students, early-career researchers and experienced scientists to develop new skills before the start of the main conference. The workshops program covered three complementary areas:

  • Workshop 1: “From Question to Evidence: Building Your Research and Scientific Communication in Audiology”, led by Dr. Natàlia Gorina-Careta (Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya, Spain) and Dr. Helia Relaño-Iborra (Eriksholm Research Centre, Denmark, and University of Rochester, US), which provided practical guidance on communicating research effectively through presentations, posters and scientific writing.
  • Workshop 2: “A Practical Introduction to Machine Learning for Hearing Science”, delivered by Dr. Mark Saddler (Technical University of Denmark, Denmark), introducing a high-level overview of the ways machine learning is transforming hearing research.
  • Workshop 3: “Computational Models of the Auditory Periphery: From Normal Hearing to Impairment”, led by Ms. Annesya Banerjee (Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, USA). This workshop provided hands-on experience with computational approaches for modeling normal and impaired auditory peripheral processing.
From left to right: Dr. Natàlia Gorina-Careta (Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya, Spain); Dr. Helia Relaño-Iborra (Eriksholm Research Centre, Denmark, and University of Rochester, US); Dr. Mark Saddler (Technical University of Denmark, Denmark); and Ms. Annesya Banerjee (Harvard University, USA; MIT, USA).

 

Our sincere thanks go to all workshop instructors for generously sharing their expertise with the community.

Scientific excellence at the highest level

VCCA showcased the latest advances in computational audiology and hearing science through an outstanding scientific program. VCCA2026 welcomed four distinguished keynote speakers from world-leading universities in Australia, the United States, and Spain, whose lectures reflected the breadth and excellence of contemporary hearing research. Covering topics from auditory neuroscience and cognitive mechanisms of auditory attention to pediatric auditory physiology and computational modelling for precision audiology, the keynote talks highlighted how interdisciplinary research is shaping the future of hearing healthcare.

From left to right: Prof. Harvey Dillon, Macquarie University, Sydney (Australia); Prof. Barbara Shinn-Cunningham, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA); Prof. Linda J. Hood, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (USA); and Prof. Enrique A. Lopez-Poveda, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
Complementing the keynote program, VCCA 2026 featured four outstanding invited speakers from Canada, the United States and Germany/Spain, who presented cutting-edge research spanning neurofeedback technologies, hidden hearing loss, novel hearing device development and neuroplasticity in hearing loss. Together, these presentations highlighted how advances in auditory neuroscience, biomedical engineering and computational methods are driving the next generation of diagnostic tools, rehabilitation strategies and hearing technologies, while strengthening the bridge between fundamental research and clinical translation.
From left to right: A/Prof. Andrew Dimitrijevic, University of Toronto, Toronto (Canada); Prof. Sharon Kujawa, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston (US); Prof. Dr.-Ing. Waldo Nogueira, Hannover Medical School, Hannover (Germany); and Prof. Anu Sharma, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO (USA).

In addition to the keynote and invited lectures, VCCA 2026 showcased 114 peer-reviewed scientific contributions presented as podium or poster presentations. These contributions reflected the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of computational audiology, spanning fundamental auditory science, artificial intelligence, computational modelling, clinical audiology, neuroscience and hearing technologies. The scientific program was organized into twelve thematic sessions, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest advances across the field.

The scientific sessions covered the following topics:

  • Computational Audiology & Digital Hearing Research
  • Binaural Hearing & Spatial Sound Perception
  • Speech-in-Noise and Auditory Scene Analysis
  • Cognition, Listening Effort & Brain Connectivity
  • Hidden Hearing Loss and Subclinical Auditory Disorders
  • Objective Measures and Biomarkers in Hearing Research
  • Machine Learning & AI for Hearing Science
  • Tele-Audiology and Next-Generation Clinical Tools
  • Cochlear Implants: Challenges and Prospects
  • Hearing-Aid Innovation and Performance Assessment
  • From Lab to Clinic: Ensuring Impact of Computational Hearing Research
  • Multisensory and Vestibular Integration

In total, more than 23 hours of high-quality scientific content were delivered across two days, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in computational audiology.

The VCCA 2026 Awards: Recognizing scientific excellence

A longstanding objective of VCCA is not only to disseminate high-quality research but also to recognize outstanding scientific contributions and support the next generation of researchers in computational audiology. Following a rigorous evaluation by the Scientific Committee, three awards were presented during the Closing Ceremony to acknowledge excellence in scientific innovation, methodological quality and scientific communication.

The VCCA 2026 Best Podium Award was presented to Joanna Luberadzka (Eurecat – Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Spain) for the presentation “An AI Voice Agent for Speech Communication Assessment”, recognizing the originality of the research, the innovative experimental approach and its potential impact on future developments in computational audiology.

The VCCA 2026 Best Poster Award was presented to Rutendo Chatiza (Cambridge Hearing Group, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, UK) for the poster “Towards Modelling the Impact of Spread of Excitation on Classical Psychophysical Paradigms with Cochlear Implant Users.” As the first edition of VCCA to feature a Digital Poster Gallery, the award celebrated an outstanding contribution distinguished by its scientific quality, methodological rigor and clarity of presentation.

The VCCA 2026 Emerging Scientist Award recognized Miguel “Mickey” Temboury (Technical University of Denmark, Denmark) for the presentation “Inferring Cochlear Cell Damage From Auditory Evoked Potentials Using Physics-Informed Machine Learning.” The award highlights exceptional promise in early-career research, acknowledging methodological excellence, innovative thinking and outstanding scientific communication.

Introducing the first Digital Poster Gallery

One of the major innovations introduced in VCCA 2026 was the launch of the conference’s first Digital Poster Gallery, marking an important step forward in enhancing scientific interaction within a fully virtual environment. Unlike traditional online conferences, VCCA combined permanent online poster access with dedicated Poster Blitz Presentations, allowing authors to briefly showcase their work before engaging with attendees.

Each accepted poster included a high-resolution digital poster, a three-minute pre-recorded presentation, and an individual online page, enabling participants to explore the research at their own pace throughout and beyond the conference. This format significantly increased the visibility of poster contributions while providing a lasting scientific resource freely accessible to the community.

The Poster Gallery featured research spanning the full breadth of computational audiology, including computational modelling, artificial intelligence, hearing technologies, auditory neuroscience, cognitive hearing science, cochlear implants, hearing aids and digital hearing care. Together with the oral sessions, the 47 posters contributed to the 114 peer-reviewed scientific contributions presented during VCCA 2026, further demonstrating the vitality and diversity of the international computational audiology community.

Open access to all scientific contributions

In line with the Computational Audiology Network’s commitment to open science, the complete VCCA 2026 Program & Abstract Book has been permanently archived on Zenodo with its own Digital Object Identifier (DOI), ensuring long-term preservation, discoverability and citability of the conference proceedings. The publication includes the full scientific program, abstracts of all 114 accepted contributions, keynote and invited lectures, poster presentations and pre-conference workshops.

The proceedings are openly accessible through Zenodo: Valderrama-Valenzuela JT, Callejón-Leblic MA, Marrufo Pérez MI (Eds.). VCCA 2026 Book of Abstracts. Zenodo, 2026. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20735749.

To ensure that the scientific discussions continue beyond the conference, all sessions have been recorded and will be freely available through the Computational Audiology Network YouTube channel. Whether you missed a presentation or simply want to revisit your favorite talks, the complete conference program can be watched on demand: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fWTn0XfaXm6Qs4UmjUUtA.

Bringing the spirit of Spain to a global audience

Beyond delivering an outstanding scientific program, VCCA 2026 sought to create a welcoming and memorable conference experience by sharing a taste of Spanish culture with participants from around the world. As this year’s edition was organized from Granada, Seville and Salamanca, attendees were invited to experience the atmosphere of the host country through a dedicated “Spanish Mood” initiative.

The initiative featured a curated playlist showcasing Spanish artists across a variety of musical styles, a recipe for traditional alcohol-free sangría, an introduction to the world of specialty coffee, and a collection of virtual backgrounds highlighting some of Spain’s most iconic cities. Participants could virtually join the conference from the Alhambra in Granada, from the Cathedral of Seville, or the Cathedral of Salamanca, adding a distinctive cultural dimension to the fully online event.

These initiatives reflected one of the guiding principles of VCCA2026: that a virtual conference can be more than a platform for scientific exchange by also fostering community and informal interaction. By celebrating the culture and hospitality of the host country, the conference created a welcoming atmosphere for its international participants. Together, these elements made VCCA2026 an engaging and memorable experience beyond the scientific program.

Thank you to our sponsors

The success of VCCA 2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their contribution plays a fundamental role in making VCCA 2026 possible and in helping us provide a high-quality, fully virtual, and freely accessible international forum for researchers, clinicians, students, and industry professionals working across computational audiology and hearing science.

We are deeply honored and privileged to have the support of the organizations listed below. Their commitment to advancing hearing research, innovation, education, and clinical practice helps strengthen our community and contributes to the success and long-term sustainability of initiatives such as VCCA and the Computational Audiology Network.

On behalf of all participants, speakers, session chairs, and organizers, thank you for making VCCA 2026 possible.

We encourage attendees to learn more about their work and their contributions to hearing research, hearing healthcare, and innovation by visiting their websites.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Supporting Organisations

Looking ahead

VCCA continues to grow as a truly international meeting point for computational audiology. The success of the 2026 edition reflects the strength, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit of our community. We look forward to welcoming you to VCCA 2027 and continuing to advance hearing research together. The VCCA 2027 organizing team is composed of Gloria Araiza (University Medical Center Groningen, NL), Étienne Gaudrain (Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, CNRS, FR), and Deniz Başkent (University Medical Center Groningen, NL). We warmly congratulate the team and look forward to the next edition of VCCA under their leadership.

Thank you for being part of VCCA 2026!

 

VCCA 2026 Links