Background
The PLURILINGMEDIA COST Action promotes research on media in regional and minority languages (RML). The network seeks to bridge the gap between academia and media practice by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and sharing expertise and knowledge.
The network has four Working Groups (WGs), each with a different focus:
WG1: Audience and Content Creator Habits
WG2: Legislation and Standards
WG3: Language Vitality
WG4: Journalism
Within each of these four areas, Artificial Intelligence, especially generative AI, is almost ubiquitous. For example, AI is used to generate content, images and to edit videos. It is further used in script writing or to gain insights into audience preferences. Furthermore, AI is used in language learning and the preservation of languages.
Although these AI tools work extremely well for larger languages, such as English or Spanish, this is often not or less the case for RML. AI models must be trained in the RML to provide high quality output in these languages. However, RML usually lack sufficient high-quality, ethically obtained training data. As a result, the AI tools are less accessible, less effective and even discriminatory for speakers of a RML, and consequently, mistakes are made, or its speakers use these tools in a more dominant language.
Purpose
The AI committee of PLURILINGMEDIA will examine the role of AI within each of the foci of the WGs and develop recommendations to promote linguistic diversity in AI used in media domains. Applicants should be able to show an expertise and/or competence in AI for RML and the European AI Act.
Tasks
The initial task will be to draft an internal report for all four WGs on the applications, benefits and challenges of AI in their topics.
Composition
The committee will consist of 8-10 members. Selection will aim to ensure regional balance and fair gender representation.
Timeline and meetings
The AI committee shall, in principle, meet online every one or two months, starting with an online kick-off meeting on 19 November, and run for 1 year. Members of the AI committee shall be prepared to attend meetings, contribute actively to discussions in the committee, be involved in preparatory work ahead of meetings, and examine, co-write and provide comments on documents under discussion.
Application procedure
Candidates that have interest to join this AI committee are invited to send a brief motivation of their interest and expertise regarding AI and a description of what they could contribute to this AI committee. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025. Apply via Google form.
Selection criteria
Academic publishing experience
Practical experience with AI tools and/or development
Motivation
Demographic considerations according to COST (inclusiveness target countries, young researchers under 40, gender balance)
Geographic and linguistic diversity (a broad, representative group will be sought)
