Talk by Prof. Claudia Borg, Associate Professor, Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Malta

The challenges faced by the Maltese language in the age of AI
What does it take for Maltese to work properly in digital tools like spell-checkers, translators and AI assistants? This is the question that Prof Claudia Borg is addressing through her research as she works on building the data, models and linguistic foundations that machines need before they can process and understand the human complexities of our national language.

Prof. Borg's main focus is on applying AI techniques to the Maltese language, spanning research areas such as large language models and bias analysis. She coordinated LT-BRIDGE, an H2020-Widening-Twinning project aimed at bridging research between Europe and Malta in AI and Language Technologies. Currently, she leads multiple projects to develop computational tools for Maltese, supported by organisations like Xjenza Malta, MDIA, Malta Enterprise, and other EU entities. She also serves as the National Coordinator for DARIAH, the Digital Research Infrastructure in Arts and Humanities. Her achievements include developing Malta's first automatic speech recognition system via the University of Malta Research Excellence Fund. In 2023, she was honoured with the Women and Girls Inspirational Leadership Award by the British High Commission for her contributions to innovation and technology.

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