Silvana Deilen

Dr. Silvana Deilen is a Researcher at the Institute for Translation Studies & Technical Communication within the Faculty of Language and Information Sciences at the University of Hildesheim. She joined the university in 2023 after working as a Research Associate at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz from 2018-2024. Her primary research focus centers on accessible communication, particularly in the areas of Easy Language and Plain Language translation, with special emphasis on cognitive aspects of translation processes and AI-assisted translation technologies.

Dr. Deilen earned her B.A. in Multilingual Communication from Cologne University of Applied Sciences (2012-2015), followed by an M.A. in Specialized Translation from the same institution (2015-2018). She completed her doctoral studies (Dr. phil.) in Translation Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (2018-2021) with summa cum laude distinction, supervised by Prof. Dr. Silvia Hansen-Schirra and Prof. Dr. Arne Nagels.

Her research interests span multiple interconnected domains within translation and communication accessibility. A significant portion of her work examines the cognitive processing of compound words in Easy Language, utilizing eye-tracking methodologies to investigate how visual segmentation affects reading behavior and cognitive load. She has pioneered research on AI-assisted translation for health communication, particularly focusing on how large language models can support the creation of accessible health information. Her work bridges theoretical translation studies with practical applications in healthcare, government communication, and digital accessibility.

Dr. Deilen's publication record reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated integration of technology and accessibility. Her recent work shows strong emphasis on evaluating AI systems like ChatGPT for translation tasks, developing editorial workflows for AI-assisted translation of health information, and investigating cognitive aspects of compound translation. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects linguistics, cognitive science, health communication, and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how translation studies can address real-world accessibility challenges.

• 2014 & 2016: PROMOS Scholarships
• 2018-2021: Doctoral Scholarship from Gutenberg Young Researchers College
• 2020: Best Student Paper Award at Swiss Conference on Barrier-free Communication
• 2023: Award for Outstanding Dissertation from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• 2023: Multiple research grants from University of Hildesheim, Wort & Bild Verlag, and Niedersachsen Zukunftsdiskurse
• 2025: DAAD Postdoctoral Research Grant

Dr. Deilen actively collaborates on significant research projects including the KI-GesKom project (AI-Supported Health Communication in Plain Language), which receives funding from the state of Niedersachsen. She works closely with Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Lapshinova-Koltunski, Prof. Dr. Christiane Maaß, and Sergio Hernández Garrido as part of the Research Center for Easy Language. Her work with the Apotheken Umschau demonstrates practical application of research, translating health information into accessible formats for people with communication limitations. Dr. Deilen also contributes to the academic community as a program chair and scientific committee member for international conferences including UCCTS 2025 and Translation in Transition 2024.