Providing inspiration across disciplines and professions: ALAPP 2025 at the ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics
Scholars from 26 countries and from disciplines within and beyond the realm of applied linguistics, including areas such as business, economics, education, healthcare, journalism and law, met in Winterthur to discuss the latest research into wicked real-world problems where language is key.
Together, they explored how language and communication interact with the professional practices needed to master challenges such as the ethical conflicts and workplace anxiety arising from the use of AI. Open discussions in panels and parallel sessions offered insights into cutting-edge research on real-life practices in workplaces – ranging from courts and hospitals to newsrooms.
Three plenary lectures invited the participants to embark on a journey that traversed ethics all the way through to the practical challenges found at the interface between science and professional practice:
- Erika Darics (University of Groningen) explored “Applied to what”, inviting participants to reflect on the scope, relevance and social responsibility of research in general and in the field of applied linguistics specifically in today’s unstable world and professional contexts.
- Peter Roger (Macquarie University, Sydney), recipient of the 2025 Candlin Lecture award, discussed “Patterns of collaboration in applied linguistic research: solving real problems in healthcare practice”, highlighting the relevance of inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to improving communication in healthcare.
- Alice Delorme Benites (Zurich University of Applied Sciences) explained evidence-based scenarios of “Escaping the echo chambers”, contrasting myths and realities regarding the roles and responsibilities of language professionals in AI-enhanced communication environments.
In the concluding session, participants foregrounded the conference’s high-level contributions, insightful discussions and the valuable feedback provided throughout the event. “We enjoyed an intellectually inspiring atmosphere and were captivated by the warm welcome from the host university and the ALAPP community”, as a participant from Japan put it. She had joined ALAPP at the 2024 Conference in Hong Kong for the first time. The ALAPP 2026 Conference will be hosted in New York.
The 15th International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice (ALAPP) was hosted by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Applied Linguistics, from 10 to 12 September 2025.