Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is set to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, the world’s largest event focusing on spoken language processing, thanks to the concerted efforts of Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and the Australasian Speech Science and Technology Association (ASSTA). Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University’s Department of Linguistics played a crucial role in the successful bid, alongside colleagues from the University of NSW. This landmark conference will draw around 1,200 participants and aims to highlight the multilingual diversity of Australasia while encouraging a focus on under-resourced languages. BESydney has been instrumental in supporting the bid and will provide ongoing assistance to ensure the event’s success, with the underlying goal of driving change and shaping the future of speech science.
Astraea’s Insight
The anticipated Interspeech 2026 Conference in Sydney represents a significant opportunity to showcase innovative work in the realm of speech science, particularly concerning multilingual and under-resourced languages. This aligns with global efforts to promote linguistic diversity in technology and academic research. Furthermore, the success of this bid underscores the importance of collaboration among academic institutions and the strategic role that local organizations like BESydney can play in supporting the international dissemination of scientific advancements. Such conferences not only amplify individual and collective research contributions but also foster interdisciplinary cooperation, paving the way for future breakthroughs in speech technology and its application across diverse linguistic landscapes.