The University of Barcelona (UB) is developing an innovative real-time digital transcription system to enhance accessibility in university teaching conducted in Catalan

Named SCRIBAL, the system leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and is tailored to accommodate various Catalan dialects and university-specific terminology. The project is led by Professor Mireia Farrús from the Department of Catalan Philology and General Linguistics at the Faculty of Philology and Communication. It has received funding through the Knowledge Industry program of the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya to develop and validate a prototype in university classrooms.

SCRIBAL enables rapid and accurate transcription of lectures, seminars, and other academic audio content, facilitating study and improving accessibility for students with hearing impairments or those not fluent in the language of instruction. Unlike many educational institutions that lack audio-to-text transcription services due to technological limitations and manual transcription costs, this digital system allows students with hearing disabilities to fully engage in classes and lectures, enhancing their learning experience and reducing barriers to maximizing their university experience.

SCRIBAL is the only humanities project to receive a grant in the Product modality in this call. These grants aim to obtain prototypes and promote the valorization and transfer of research results. The initiative is part of the Knowledge Industry program, an initiative by the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya to encourage the transfer of research outcomes.

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