ECSPM Symposium: Internationalisation of Higher Education, Multilingualism and Translation

2026 ECSPM Symposium

Dates: 19–20 March 2026

Location: Saarbrücken, Germany (Hosted by the Language Council of Saarland and Saarland University of Applied Sciences)

Description: The 2026 European Civil Society Platform for Multilingualism (ECSPM) Symposium addresses the evolving landscape of Higher Education (HE) through the dual lenses of Internationalisation and the Translation of Academic Knowledge.

In an era where universities face unprecedented structural and societal challenges, this symposium reframes internationalisation. Rather than viewing it as a threat to local identity or academic standards, the event explores it as a vital gateway to new possibilities, fostering resilience and innovation within global academic networks.

A central pillar of the discussion is the critical role of translation in the dissemination of knowledge. The symposium examines how the translation of academic research is deeply intertwined with the internationalisation process, ensuring that scientific insights transcend linguistic boundaries to impact diverse global communities.

Key Themes:

• HE Internationalisation: Strategies for turning modern challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

• Knowledge Translation: The linguistic and systemic mechanisms of sharing academic expertise across borders.

• Plurilingualism in Academia: Addressing the multilingual realities of international research and teaching.

Institutional Support & Patronage: This symposium is held under the patronage of the Lord Mayor of Saarbrücken and carries the official endorsement of the Saarbrücken Municipality and the State Chancellery of Saarland.

Partners and Sponsors:

• Co-hosted & Co-funded by: The Language Council of Saarland (Sprachenrat Saar) and Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar).

• Sponsored by: The University of Strasbourg.

Links:

https://ecspm.org/ecspm-events/conferences-symposia/internationalisation-of-he-multilingualism-and-translation/

https://ecspm.org/ecspm-2026-symposium-speakers-and-discussants/