Surrey’s Centre for Translation Studies wins outstanding contribution to Languages
The annual Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) Awards 2026 took place on 10 June 2026 at King’s College London, to celebrate outstanding achievement, leadership and impact for linguists and languages.
From left to right: Dr Diana Singureanu, Dr Félix do Carmo, Dr Fang Wang, Professor Sabine Braun, Baroness Jean Coussins, Dr Elena Davitti, Dr Yuan Zou
Presented since 1935 to recognise significant contributions to languages, the most esteemed award, the Threlford Cup, was received by Professor Sabine Braun on behalf of the University of Surrey’s Centre for Translation Studies (CTS), for its sustained impact in research, education and engagement with public policy and professional practice.
The Centre is recognised for excellence in teaching and research, as well as for its role in bridging academia, public policy and professional practice. Its work includes leading research into the practical uses and limitations of AI in languages.
Director of CTS, Professor Braun accepted the award on behalf of the whole Surrey team, many of whom were there to receive Baroness Coussins's thanks and appreciation in person. Surrey CTS's citation read:
“Celebrating 40 years of their Masters in Translation, as well as their leading-edge research on the practical uses and limitations of AI for languages and linguists, Surrey CTS has established itself as a leading institution in the field of translation and interpreting studies. It is known for its high-quality educational programs, including their MA degrees in Translation, Audiovisual Translation, and Interpreting.
The Centre attracts students from around the world. Its faculty has consistently demonstrated research excellence, contributing significantly to the academic discourse and performing well in research assessments – but also significantly influencing policy and practice in the real world. The Centre as a bridge between academia, public policy and the professional world of translation and localisation.
Through interdisciplinary collaborations, public engagement initiatives, and a strong publication record, the Centre has not only advanced the academic field but also promoted broader understanding of translation and interpreting in society.”
Professor Braun commented “We are absolutely delighted to be this year’s recipient of the Chartered Institute of Linguists’ Threlford Cup and deeply honoured that our contributions to research, education and public engagement have been recognised in this way. Our sincere thanks go to the CIOL and Baroness Coussins for placing their trust in us. We would also like to thank the many friends, collaborators, alumni, students, and colleagues whose support, encouragement, and kind messages continue to inspire us.”
Baroness Coussins noted how important collaboration and public policy engagement are in promoting broader understanding of translation and interpreting, in this age of AI.
CTS continues to inspire and educate, with more events this week:
- 15-17 June: 1 Research Summer School on AI-enabled Digital Accessibility organised by Surrey’s Leverhulme Trust funded Doctoral Scholarships Network in AI-enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA)
- 17-19 June: CTS’s 2 Convergence Conference: Convergence 2026: Human-AI Integration for Multilingual and Accessible Communication
Explore the postgraduate and research degrees offered in the Centre for Translation Studies here.
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