Young professionals bring new energy, ideas, and skills to European standardization. As our society undergoes rapid transformations, their contributions are key to ensuring that standards remain relevant, forward-looking, and impactful.
In the context of the green and digital transitions, and as Europe strengthens its efforts to build a skilled and forward-looking workforce, we are continuing our interview series dedicated to young professionals. Through conversations with young professionals working in standardization across different sectors and countries, we will highlight their experiences, motivations, and visions for the future.
This campaign aims to shed light on the vital role of skills, collaboration, and innovation in keeping European standardization fit for tomorrow’s challenges – and on the people who are already helping to shape it.
For the first episode in this year’s series of interviews, we interviewed Michal Bugala, an expert in acoustics and vibrations from Slovakia, on the importance of standardization in various areas of life.
1. Please, present yourself. How are you involved in standardization?
My name is Michal Bugala, and I work as an expert in acoustics and vibrations at a private accredited testing laboratory that provides a wide range of acoustic services – from technical measurements and assessments to designing solutions for noise and vibration reduction.
In my work, I encounter standards in the field of acoustics and vibrations on a daily basis – whether in building, urban or spatial acoustics. I am currently a newcomer at the national technical committee – TK21 Acoustics and Mechanical Vibration – for standardization in the field of acoustics and mechanical vibrations, where I participate in reviewing and approving technical standards.
My involvement in this committee allows me to bring practical experience directly into the process of standard development. Thanks to this, I understand that standards are not just theoretical concepts but tools that truly impact the quality of our environment. Being part of this process is an opportunity for me to actively contribute to improving professional standards in Slovakia and Europe.
2. Why and how did you become interested in standardization?
I came to standardization naturally and gradually through my work. However, I started to take a deeper interest in the topic after completing the Slovak Young Professionals program. I realized that standards are the foundation of my work – they guide how we measure, evaluate results, and propose solutions. Without them, there would be no unified procedures or criteria.
As an active user of standards in practice, I wanted to get involved in shaping them – to ensure they reflect real-world practice, users’ problems, and the technical possibilities of measurement. That is why I applied to join the national technical committee. Today, I see standardization not just as a professional activity but as a tool for improving quality of life.
3. What are you currently working on? Can you describe the connection between your work and standardization?
At the moment, I am working on a wide range of projects, including acoustic design for new buildings, measurement and evaluation of airborne and impact sound insulation, assessment and reduction of traffic noise pollution, and consultation on the use of unconventional building materials from an acoustic perspective. All of these tasks are based on applicable standards – whether Slovak STN or European EN ISO standards.
In our measurements, we use standardized methods and procedures to ensure results are comparable, reliable, and reproducible.
My goal for the future is to help ensure that standards are as applicable as possible in real-life conditions. It is this practical relevance that makes my involvement in standardization meaningful.
4. Why do you think standardization is important in your field? What benefits or impact have you observed?
In acoustics, standardization is absolutely crucial – without it, we would face major issues. There would be no unified procedures for measurements, no way to compare results with existing requirements or to determine whether proposed solutions are appropriate. Standards ensure uniform requirements and methodologies that guarantee quality and protect the public from noise.
From my own experience, I know that well-designed standards make everyone’s job easier – from designers and investors to regulatory authorities. Thanks to standards, we can base arguments on facts and real results, not impressions or feelings. They also provide a foundation for legal certainty, as many normative values and procedures are incorporated into regulations and laws.
A well-designed standard helps prevent conflicts, increases comfort, and supports development. Without standardization, acoustics would lose its precision and become a subjective discipline – something we cannot afford in today’s society.
5. Why should there be more young people in standardization? What advice would you like to tell your fellow young professionals to invite them into the world of standardization?
Young people are drivers of change, creativity, and adaptability to new technologies – and that’s exactly what the world of standardization needs. In acoustics, there is an increasing use of new software tools, digital simulations, and modern measurement systems, all of which should be reflected in modern standards.
Young professionals often come into contact with these technologies first, and their perspectives should be respected in shaping the rules. Additionally, standardization opens doors to international opportunities, allowing them to meet other experts from different countries and build a network of contacts.
I would encourage young professionals not to be afraid to get involved and bring new ideas – because without them, standards will only reflect the past, not be a tool for the future. Participation in standardization is clearly an investment in the future that will undoubtedly pay off.
6. What skills can young people learn from participating in standardization?
They can gain many valuable skills that go far beyond their technical specialization. First and foremost is precision – learning to work with standards, documentation, and especially details that determine the outcome.
They will develop communication skills because technical committees involve discussions, disagreements, and finding consensus. This also improves language skills and the ability to express oneself professionally in an international environment.
They will also understand that a good standard does not come together in a day – it is a team effort requiring patience and respect. They will gain skills in planning, organization, and the ability to view technical problems from multiple perspectives.
7. Do you think standardization has a role to play in addressing big challenges, such as the digital transition or climate change?
Yes, I strongly believe that standardization plays a key role in addressing global challenges such as digitalization and climate change. In acoustics, we are increasingly seeing the need to integrate digital technologies into the processes of measurement, analysis, and design – and that requires innovation in rules and standards.
Without standardized procedures, solutions would often be uncoordinated and difficult to compare. Standardization ensures that innovations are safe, sustainable, and compatible. I believe that thanks to standards, we can ensure that technological progress aligns with health protection, quality of life, and environmental sustainability.
This article is part of our special series dedicated to the Young Professionals in European Standardization: through a series of articles and interviews with standardization professionals, experts and business leaders coming from a variety of backgrounds, we will explore the interaction between innovation, skills and standardization in some of the most relevant sectors for Europe’s long-term competitiveness. You can read the other articles related to the campaign here.
