International Conference on Advances in Quantitative Laryngology,Voice and Speech Research (AQL)

Project Abstract This proposal requests support to convene the next three International Conferences on Advances in Quantitative Laryngology, Voice and Speech Research (AQL). During the 5 years of requested support, the 14th, 15th, and 16th AQL (2021, 2023, and 2025 respectively) will be assembled. The 14th AQL will be held in Bogota, Colombia, South America, June 9 and 10, 2021 (pre-conference workshops June 7 and 8), the 15th will be in Phoenix, AZ, USA, in April 2023, while location of the 16th AQL conference will be determined during the 2021 conference (potential locations in South Korea or Germany). AQL is a valuable scientific meeting in the field of voice research and is regarded by voice and speech science specialists as a high quality international scientific meeting. AQL fosters the exchange of theoretical, experimental, and methodological advances, thereby progressing the translational and clinical aspects of voice and speech science. This multidisciplinary conference brings together scientists, clinicians, and students from around the world in various disciplines including Engineering, Biology, Physics, Otolaryngology and Speech Pathology. This proposal will allow for conference development and continuity to ensure an equitable conference that maintains its cutting-edge focus and provide support for students and early career investigators. The continuity of support will also ensure metrics and evaluations from previous conferences to be used to guide future AQL planning. The goals of this proposal are: to promote and support the education and development of young and underrepresented investigators in the voice and speech research community, organize special sessions on emerging research areas specific to quantitative laryngology, voice and speech research, to develop and foster digital networking strategies to provide a more inclusive and equitable conference, and to establish a Steering Committee. NIH funds are requested to provide support for child/family care, conference support for students and keynote speakers, students to assist Chair/Co-Chairs with various logistic needs, before, during and after the AQL conferences, website design and management, and streaming support during the meeting. In the off- conference years, necessary activities will include: student research trainee support, maintaining AQL website, Steering Committee meetings for conference evaluation and planning.