The jury honoured the innovative technological and linguistic research of Abdelhadi Soudi, who is currently working as a guest researcher at the Centre for Sensor Systems (ZESS) at the University of Siegen together with the research group of Professor Kristof Van Laerhoven.
Professor Soudi and Professor Van Laerhoven have been working closely together for several years to develop a web-based crowd-sourcing platform (AfricaSign project) for recording vocabulary in African sign languages. This platform takes regional differences into account and utilises avatar technologies for the visual representation of signs. Their research has not only gained scientific recognition, but has also had a direct positive impact on the educational opportunities of deaf children in Africa and thus contributes significantly to the integration of marginalised population groups. In addition to developing AfricaSign, Soudi and Van Laerhoven are exploring the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs), e.g. ChatGPT, in the areas of natural language processing and the development of technologies to improve interaction between hearing and deaf people.
The German-African Innovation Incentive Award (GAIIA) bestowed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) honours outstanding achievements by African scientists and promotes the further development of research findings into innovative solutions that address the social and ecological challenges on the African continent and benefit the population.
To read more
International Office: Project AfricaSign (2020)
University of Siegen: ZESS Visiting Researcher Prof Abdelhadi Soudi Recieves Georg Forster Award
