Upcoming opportunities in translation, interpreting, accessible communication, and AI

The ADA network explores how advances in AI can be used alongside human expertise to improve access to digital content for a wide range of users. Our focus is on enhancing accessible communication and creating high-quality accessible content at scale. We are delighted to share upcoming opportunities to study at CTS as part of our ADA Network. 

• Fully funded PhD studentships in AI-enabled Digital Accessibility (4 years) for October 2026
• Fully funded Master’s plus PhD studentships (1+4 years) for September 2026
• MA and MSc Studentships for September 2026
• Summer School in AI-enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA): June 2026
• Convergence 2026 conference: Human-AI Integration for Multilingual and Accessible Communication: June 2026

ADA Summer School: June 2026

15-17 June CTS are hosting the first ADA Summer school, designed for PhD students and early-career researchers in translation studies, audiovisual translation, accessible communication, computer science, human-computer interaction or adjacent fields who want to learn more about AI applications to accessible digital communication. This intensive 2.5-day Summer School will equip participants with critical knowledge, research insights, and methodological skills to develop or refine research in this field. Through interdisciplinary engagement with current projects, participants will strengthen collaborative research and explore human-centred approaches to integrating AI in accessible communication.

Applications are open until 15 March: ADA Summer School Application Form 

ADA thematic strand at Convergence 2026: Human-AI Integration for Multilingual and Accessible Communication

Following the success of Convergence 2023, we will be welcoming colleagues back to Surrey from 17-19 June for Convergence 2026. The conference will include a dedicated thematic strand on ADA. More broadly, the conference will bring together innovative research on the evolving landscape of AI in the context of multilingual and accessible communication, reflecting on the complexity and effects of using AI-driven technologies in these fields. 

The call for papers is open until 2 March and all details can be found on the conference webpage. 

We are delighted to be able to offer discounted rates to those attending both the Summer School and the Convergence2026.

ADA PhD Studentships (4 years): October 2026

ADA is dedicated to training interdisciplinary researchers in AI-enabled accessible communication who integrate computational, social, and humanities-led approaches to language and multimodal content. ADA promotes an AI-enabled approach, in which humanities and social-science evidence of user needs, guides responsible and nuanced solutions for accessible digital content. 

In October 2026 we will be welcoming our third cohort of Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholars, and we have a limited number of studentships available.

ADA PhD studentships include: 

• Tuition fees
• Stipend paid at UKRI’s standard rate for up to 48 months
• £10,000 individual research grant 

Full details on how to apply can be found on the ADA PhD programme webpage

ADA Master’s plus PhD studentships (1+4 years): September 2026 

As part of the ADA Network we are pleased to announce that for the first time we have Master’s plus PhD studentships available for applicants who would like to complete an MSc degree at CTS before starting their PhD in the ADA Network. Successful applicants, who meet funder criteria, will be eligible for a studentship which covers Master’s fees, and PhD fees and stipend at UKRI’s standard domestic rate. This is an exciting opportunity to apply for a fully funded pathway from Master’s to PhD in the ADA Network. 

Applications are now open: ADA Master's plus PhD Studentship Application Form 2026/27