The rapid rise of generative AI has transformed human–machine interaction, yet systems still struggle with culturally nuanced language, social and relational dynamics and complex context. 

HUMIC, led by Dr. Doris Dippold and supported by the Surrey Institute for Advanced Studies, the BAAL Special Interest Group ‘Humans, Machines, Languages’ and the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI, aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and connect academic insights with industry practice. The aim of the workshop is to advance conversational technologies that are context-aware, socially responsive, and cater for their users’ rapport needs. This workshop will bring together interdisciplinary experts and industry partners to advance socially and linguistically informed conversational AI, enabling more inclusive and effective technologies across health, public services, education and commercial settings.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Maaike Groonewege, ConvoCat, Netherlands - Linguist and Conversation Designer

Bettina Migge, University College Dublin, Ireland - Language and AI Technology

Christian Hildebrand, University of St Gallen, Switzerland - AI and Language in Consumer Behaviour

ORGANISERS

Dr Doris Dippold, Literature and Languages

Dr Fabio Fasoli, School of Psyschology

Dr Di Fu, School of Psychology

Dr Richard Green, School of Health Sciences

Assistant Professor Amal Haddad, University of Granada

Professor Constantin Orasan, Literature and Languages 

Dr Valentina Pitardi, Strategy, Marketing and International Business