MusicMedicine explores human–human and human–computer interaction, where sound and technology shape connection, emotion, and healing.
Speaker
Prof Walter Werzowa
Agenda
12:00 - Event start with welcome and introductions
12:05 - Talk
12:45 - Q&As
13:00 - Event close
Synopsis
Music has long been understood as an artistic and social force, yet emerging science now reveals it as a powerful sociotechnical medium capable of shaping human cognition, physiology, and interaction. In this keynote, composer, entrepreneur, and researcher Univ.-Prof. Walter Werzowa explores MusicMedicine through the lens of Human–Human and Human–Computer Interaction, showing how sound can move beyond entertainment into evidence-based applications for health, communication, and creativity.
Drawing on research in respiratory entrainment, auditory beat stimulation, stress regulation, motivation, and neuroplasticity, the talk demonstrates how rhythm, pitch, and frequency can measurably influence biological systems. Case studies include large-scale sonic branding systems such as Intel and T-Mobile, AI-assisted creative projects including Beethoven X, and the development of HealthTunes - an evidence-based streaming platform using music and sound design to support anxiety reduction, sleep, cognitive health, and wellbeing.
The keynote asks urgent sociotechnical questions:
- Can creativity be augmented by AI without losing human agency?
- How can computational systems learn from neuromodulation and musical intelligence?
- And how might future healthcare platforms use personalized sound as a non-invasive digital intervention?
Blending science, art, and technology, this session offers a provocative vision of music as one of the most underused interfaces between humans, machines, and society.
About the speaker
Univ.-Prof Walter Werzowa, M.A., FRSA Composer | Innovator | Professor | MusicMedicine Pioneer
Walter Werzowa is an Austrian-American composer, entrepreneur, and professor whose work bridges film, music, health, and technology. He gained international acclaim for composing some of the world’s most iconic sonic identities, including the Intel mnemonic, and has scored numerous feature films for directors such as Steven Spielberg, Wim Wenders, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Werzowa pioneered the field of audio branding, and is the only composer to co-author a symphony with Ludwig van Beethoven—Beethoven X, an AI-powered reconstruction that garnered over €1 billion in earned media. His collaborations span the worlds of art and popular music, including work with Robbie Williams, Pharrell Williams, and Refik Anadol.
A platinum-awarded artist (with his #1 international hit Bring Me Edelweiss), Werzowa is also the founder of HealthTunes, a non-profit streaming platform delivering evidence-based MusicMedicine. He serves as Professor of Film Music at the prestigious mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, currently ranked above Juilliard, where he mentors emerging composers in immersive sound and interdisciplinary innovation. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), a member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), and an advisor to Spatial Inc., Werzowa continues to shape the evolving role of music in film, wellness, and society. His work brings a unique perspective to the intersection of storytelling, neuroscience, and digital creativity.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
Please note: if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via groups@bcs.uk, and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.
This event is brought to you by: Sociotechnical specialist group
