We research and teach the theory and practice of professional translation as well as the post-editing of machine-translated texts, transcreation, localisation and multilingual text production. In doing so, we investigate how complex content is designed, written and structured across various languages and cultures so as to ensure that it can be seamlessly integrated, understood by its recipients and used for its purposes. We also analyse the work processes and conditions of professional multilingual communicators, how they go about their work and what they need to be able to complete their assignments in a competent, efficient, self-determined and motivated fashion.

In a global economy and a multilingual country like Switzerland, companies and institutions are often multilingual. Well though-out communication processes are fundamental to the success of these multilingual organisations and contribute to both their national and international reach. We develop and evaluate processes for the management of multilingual communication in organisations and conduct research into how linguistic and cultural knowledge as well as the use of language technology can be integrated into business processes, corporate strategies and decision-making processes and utilised to achieve organisational goals. 

Language technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, is changing multilingual communication. While it is creating new opportunities for people to communicate between different languages and cultures, it also poses risks in terms of understanding, the building of trust and credibility and the development of language and communication. With a particular focus on machine translation, we analyse how language technology can be used in various contexts in a well-considered, sustainable and targeted manner, advise organisations on this and promote the development of AI literacy, i.e. the skilful and responsible use of AI in various target groups within society.

We analyse the digital transformation and job profiles in the language industry. We support organisations in their change management processes and research how work processes can be shaped, structures adapted and stakeholders trained with a view to increasing their awareness so that everyone is able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by progress and innovation and help to shape them in a proactive manner. For training and continuing education, we define the skills that language professionals need now and will require in the future in order to design multilingual communication in a precise, emotionally intelligent and ethical way, use language technology in a creative, well-considered and responsible manner and assume leadership roles.