Successful Conclusion of the International Conference TIERA 2026 in Corfu

The International Conference Translating and Interpreting in the Era of Algorithms (TIERA 2026), held from 9 to 11 October at the Ionian University in Corfu, concluded with outstanding success and widespread international acclaim. The conference was co-organised by the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting (DFLTI) and the MA Programme "Science of Translation" of the Ionian University, as part of the celebrations marking 40 years of academic operation and contribution of Greece’s sole university department dedicated to educating Greek-speaking translators and interpreters at undergraduate level.

The conference brought together more than 250 delegates and 120 speakers from across the world, representing leading universities, research institutes, and European and international bodies. The speakers presented cutting-edge research, exchanged perspectives, engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in translation and interpreting, and explored best practices for training future professionals in the field. A common denominator across all deliberations was the realization that AI is a powerful tool, yet not a panacea. The responsibility of mediation between AI and the end recipient of translation or interpreting consistently rests –and must continue to rest– with humans. The future of communication and languages is shaped primarily by human empathy, critical judgment, and respect for professional ethics and deontology.

Pioneering Keynote Speeches and Scholarly Dialogue
The opening ceremony took place at the historic building of the Ionian Academy, featuring welcoming addresses by the Rector of the Ionian University, Professor Andreas Floros; the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Stefanos Vlachopoulos; and the Head of the DFLTI and Conference Chair, Professor Maria Tsigou. Proceedings commenced with a video message on the future of translation by Professor Emerita of the University of Warwick, Susan Bassnett, followed by the keynote address delivered by Christos Ellinides, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Translation (DGT) of the European Commission, on multilingualism and the operational limits of algorithms within European institutions. Subsequently, invited speakers Professor Helena Moniz from the University of Lisbon and Associate Professor Joss Moorkens from Dublin City University addressed, respectively, the evolving role and agency of language professionals within the contemporary technological ecosystem, as well as the ethical, environmental, and labour dimensions of large language models. Over the course of the three-day event, crucial reflections emerged on legal and institutional translation, the safeguarding of cultural identity in literature, the evolving challenges of conference interpreting, and the vital role of accessibility through audio description and sign language.
Warm Thanks to Sponsors, Supporters, and Volunteers

We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to the smooth organization of the conference: the members of the organising and scientific committees, the keynote speakers and paper presenters, the dedicated team of interpreters and student volunteers from DFLTI, as well as the members of the academic community and the translation and interpreting profession who supported this milestone anniversary conference of the Department with their participation. Special gratitude is due to the sponsors and supporters whose contribution ensured an exceptional level of hospitality: the Ionian University for its substantial support, Voulgaris Hospitality Group (VHG), the Panhellenic Association of Professional Translators Graduates of the Ionian University (PEEMPIP), Corfu Microbrewery (Corfu Beer), Corfu Spirit, Michalas S.A., Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets and Ktima Tselepos, the catering establishments Zisimos (Ta Olympia – Liston) and Stoupas, Corfu Print Shop, Pagkratis and Pinelies, as well as media sponsors Kerkyra Simera and sindetiras.gr. Finally, special thanks are owed to Ionian Technomedia for providing technical support and managing the conference website.

Establishment of the TIERA Conference Series
The extraordinary success of the international conference Translating and Interpreting in the Era of Algorithms (TIERA 2026) has left such a profound footprint on the international academic community and received such wide acclaim that, on the initiative of Conference Chair Maria Tsigou and with the support of her close collaborators in this endeavour, Vilelmini Sosoni and Stavroula-Paraskevi Vraila, as well as professors Antonia Cristinoi (ESIT, Paris), Helena Moniz (University of Lisbon), Joss Moorkens (Dublin City University) and Anne Martin (University of Granada), the biennial convening of the TIERA Conference is officially established  internationally, with the next conference, TIERA 2028, to be hosted by the École Supérieure  d’ Interprètes et de Traducteurs (ESIT) of the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, in Paris.

Contact Details:
Organising Committee, TIERA 2026 Conference
Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting
Ionian University, Corfu
Email: tiera-conf@ionio.gr
Conference website: https://conferences.ionio.gr/tiera/