Researchers from the University of York are set to explore the role of engineers in sound recording.

The research is being led by Dr Jez Wells from the university’s electronics Department, in fellowship with the sociology department, and aims to make engineering more accessible to the public, and also give engineers the skills to explain clearly what they do.

Dr Wells said: “The fellowship is about getting people within the sound recording industry and other professional engineers to think and talk about what they do. For example, what are their everyday practices and how do they engage in activities and build up knowledge and expertise?

“This will serve to increase awareness of what engineering is and those aspects of sound recording and wider music technology which embody this discipline.”

The study will begin in September with a number of forums aimed at drawing three key groups into a debate on whether sound recording is engineering.

Sociologist Dr David Beer said: “The forums will allow us to collect some very interesting data about identity and how sound engineers define themselves as a community. There are also issues around the practice of making culture.”