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Translation is a key term in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda provides an overarching, principled governance framework which requires the development of regional, sub-regional frameworks to facilitate the effective translation of sustainable development policies into concrete actions at national level. Here, translation refers to the complex process of interpreting, adapting abstract, universal sustainable development goals, guidelines, values and principles into country-specific, practical and tangible national policies and social practices. Translation forms an integral part of the socio-cultural and economic transition towards sustainable societies.

How translation can be leveraged as social interventions to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds; how translation can be studied to provide innovative, practical solutions to existing and emerging social problems such as environmental pollution, migration and social inclusion, accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations; how translation studies as a dynamic discipline could develop a strong knowledge base and increase its research capacities to help address diverse social and research challenges in changing situations.

Our research is primarily concerned with, first, the social functions of translations as enabling and empowering instruments; second, the production and social utilization of translation products, services, and modern technologies which prioritize the practical needs of diverse users and specialist groups; and third, the role of translation in the development of new research infrastructure and research partnerships to address pressing global challenges identified.

Specifically, our work on translation research innovation aims to develop new types of translation resources of greater content adaptability, cultural effectiveness, informational practicality, and usability which serve as intervention instruments in the detection, management, and mitigation of social, health and environmental risks and problems.