Language barriers in science: consequences and solutions

23 April 2026 - 23 April 2026

Region(s): Nationwide

Type(s): presentations

The issue of language barriers in science has long been perceived as the 'English' barrier faced primarily by non-native English speakers, resulting in the lack of a concerted effort to solve the problem from within the scientific community. However, recent research has revealed that this is a multi-faceted problem that can have serious implications for scientists – both native and non-native English speakers –, the science they do, and how science is applied to addressing global challenges and communicated to the wider community.

This free presentation by Tatsuya Amano, Associate Professor at the School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Australia will first provide a framework for understanding how language barriers can impede science in three major ways, barriers to:

• the generation of scientific knowledge by non-native English speakers,

• the global synthesis of scientific knowledge scattered across different languages, and

• the application of English-language knowledge to local problems in countries where English is not widely spoken.

Tatsuya will then discuss practical solutions for overcoming language barriers in science, including the role of artificial intelligence.

He will conclude the presentation by introducing an initiative to promote linguistic inclusivity at the 32nd International Congress for Conservation Biology through a range of language accessibility measures.

For more information and to reserve a place: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/language-barriers-in-science-consequences-and-solutions-tickets-1985485733276.

This event is supported by the Multilingual Research Reading and Discussion Group. This is a joint initiative between Deakin University and the University of Waikato that brings together researchers working with multiple languages.