Sabine Braun

Dr Sabine Braun is a Professor of Translation Studies, the Director of the Centre for Translation Studies at the University of Surrey, UK, and a Co-Director of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI. She specialises in human-machine integration in translation and interpreting to improve access to information, digital content and public services. In 2019, the research centre she leads was awarded an ‘Expanding Excellence in England’ (2019-24) grant by Research England to expand the centre’s research in this area. For over a decade, she spearheaded a European-funded research programme investigating video-mediated interpreting in legal proceedings to improve language access in the justice sector (AVIDICUS 1-3; 2008-16), while contributing her expertise in video interpreting to other justice sector projects (e.g. QUALITAS, 2012-14; Understanding Justice, 2013-16; VEJ Evaluation, 2018-20). Subsequently she advised justice sector institutions on the use and risks of video-mediated interpreting, delivered training/CPD on interpreting and technologies, developed European guidelines, and co-authored a DIN standard. She also explored the use of video and virtual reality platforms for training interpreters and users of interpreting services (IVY, 2011-3; EVIVA, 2014-15; SHIFT, 2015-18; EU-WEBPSI, 2021-24) and is currently involved in projects investigating the application of communication technologies and AI-enabled language technologies in different settings (MHealth4All, 2021-24; Interpret-X, 2021-24; EmpASR, 2024-25). Furthermore, she conducts research on audio description and other translation modalities related to accessible communication. In the Horizon 2020 project MeMAD (2018-21), she explored the potential for (semi-)automating audio description to enhance digital media inclusion. In 2024, she launched a Leverhulme Trust-funded Doctoral Training Network on AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA). Her overarching interest centres on fairness, transparency, and quality in the use of technology in language mediation.