2025 Edition of the International Double Degree Master’s Program in Specialized Translation and Translation Technologies Begins
The event also celebrated program graduate Ignacia Montero, who received the German Association of Translators and Interpreters’ (BDÜ) award for the best academic record in a Master’s program in Translation or Interpreting in Germany in 2024. Currently pursuing a PhD at the Faculty of Humanities at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Montero also participated in the opening roundtable.
On Thursday, May 15, the Heidelberg Center for Latin America (HCLA) hosted the academic opening of the 2025 edition of the International Double Degree Master’s in Specialized Translation and Translation Technologies, a binational program jointly offered by Heidelberg University (UHEI) and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC). To welcome the fourth binational cohort of students, the roundtable “Beyond Translation: Professional Perspectives in the Private Sector and Research” was held, addressing new challenges and opportunities for translators as interlinguistic mediation experts.
The event brought together academics, current students, alumni, and representatives of German institutions, and highlighted the educational synergy of this program, which has been supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) since its inception. The day concluded with a lively networking reception in the HCLA garden, where participants exchanged ideas and experiences, celebrating the continued success of a program that already counts three generations of graduates.
The discussion focused on how the translator’s profile has evolved alongside the development of new technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—and how highly qualified translation professionals are finding their place in roles where multilingual and multicultural communication expertise is key. Proficiency in specialized technological tools has become a defining skill that distinguishes these professionals from other profiles. Unlike a few decades ago, when the translator’s role primarily involved enabling communication between speakers of different languages, in the third decade of the 21st century, multilingual communication experts are increasingly in demand across both the private and public sectors. Fields such as language technology development and optimization, international project management, global marketing, innovation management, and cultural mediation all rely on their expertise.
According to a market analysis by Mordor Intelligence, the language services industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.32% through 2029. This growth is driven by globalization, digitalization, and the need for personalized international customer service.
These trends are also shaping the landscape of academic research. UHEI and UC are currently developing cutting-edge projects on cognitive aspects of communication—in both native and heritage languages—interlinguistic mediation in healthcare, and terminology standardization for the preservation of cultural heritage. The high level of specialization, relevance to current challenges, and international linkages fostered by this double degree Master’s program address both market needs and research demands in the industry and society at large.