About Cambridge Language Sciences
Why Language Sciences?
Technological advances in brain imaging, machine learning and AI mean that applied research in language sciences is having a growing impact on our everyday lives, from the development of Large Language Models, prevalence of virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, to applications in biomedical text mining and dementia research.
We also face new research challenges posed by the increasingly multilingual and multicultural society associated with migration and social change.
About Cambridge Language Sciences
Cambridge Language Sciences is one of a select group of University-wide Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IRCs) at the University of Cambridge. These IRCs are designed to build research capacity in tackling some of today’s greatest challenges.
Our mission is to promote dialogue between language scientists of all disciplines. The aim is to stimulate innovative thinking and to catalyse the formation of new interdisciplinary partnerships for novel research and creative teaching.
A virtual network across Cambridge University and beyond
Our virtual network includes members from across the university including humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, medicine, computer science, engineering and technology. We also collaborate closely with Cambridge University Press and Assessment, and have strong links with other world-leading partners in the field of language sciences.
The interdisciplinary approach and collaboration between researchers across the Cambridge Language Sciences network strengthens our ability to tackle complex issues in key areas including technology, health, education and society.
Our strategy is underpinned by a number cross-cutting research themes and associated “moonshot” questions.
• Language, Trust & Society: How can people with diverging views be supported to successfully communicate and negotiate?
• Language, Health & Well-being: How can language use allow us to understand and predict mental health conditions?
• Language, Learning & Diversity: What does language diversity tell us about the past, present, and future of humankind?
• Language & Education: How can learning a second language be made effortless?