A large group of researchers and students from Lancaster University took part in EuroSLA 35 in Lisbon, one of the world’s leading conferences on how people learn and use additional languages in multilingual societies.

Held at NOVA University Lisbon and organized by CLUNL, the Linguistics Research Centre of NOVA University Lisbon, the conference took place in Portugal for the first time. It brought together 414 participants from 36 countries and territories, representing 197 universities across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.

The Lancaster delegation reflected the University’s internationally recognized strength in language learning, multilingualism, cognition, education, and related areas. It also highlighted the close links between Lancaster University and NOVA University Lisbon, supported in part through the work of the Camões Institute Chair for Multilingualism and Diversity.

Professor Patrick Rebuschat, Director of the Camões Chair and Professor of Linguistics and Cognitive Science at Lancaster University, was one of the four organizers of EuroSLA 35. He also contributed to the scientific program and moderated the Language Learning Round Table, “Pathways to Impact: Connecting Research, Innovation, and Society.”

Professor Rebuschat said: “It was particularly rewarding to help organize the conference and to see such a strong Lancaster presence in Lisbon. Our colleagues and students contributed to the scientific program, supported the delivery of the event, and took part in conversations that will lead to new collaborations. The conference showed the value of bringing together researchers from different countries, disciplines, and career stages.”

The Round Table brought together perspectives from academia, education, public institutions, language policy, and technology. It focused on how research can generate meaningful impact beyond universities, including in teaching, assessment, curriculum development, public policy, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

EuroSLA 35 received a record 820 submissions. Its program included 30 Doctoral Workshop presentations, 133 conference papers, 139 posters, and four keynote lectures. Across four days, participants presented research on second, additional, and heritage language learning, multilingualism, language processing, education, assessment, neuroscience, language technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Lancaster researchers and students contributed to different parts of the program, demonstrating the breadth of language-related research across the University. Lancaster students also worked alongside volunteers from CLUNL to support the delivery of the conference, gaining direct experience of a major international academic event.

The conference further strengthened the longstanding relationship between Lancaster University and NOVA University Lisbon. These links include collaborative research, academic exchange, doctoral training, and the work of the Camões Chair, which promotes the study of Portuguese, multilingualism, and linguistic diversity within an international and interdisciplinary framework.

Professor Rebuschat added: “The scale of the conference was impressive, but its greatest value lay in the conversations, collaborations, and new connections it made possible. Having such a strong Lancaster group present gave us an excellent opportunity to showcase our work and deepen our international partnerships.”

The Lancaster presence at EuroSLA 35 demonstrated the University’s contribution to internationally leading research on language learning and multilingualism and reinforced its connections with researchers and institutions around the world.