Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) and the University of Coimbra (UC) have recently established the Joint Laboratory for Research in Digital Humanities and Applied Language Sciences. The initiative seeks to apply digital technologies to the humanities and linguistics in order to enhance cultural resources and strengthen communication between Portugal and China.

The inauguration took place during a visit by the Rector of MPU, Zhou Zhongrong, to Coimbra in September. He stated that the laboratory forms part of the joint UPM–UCoimbra Global Campus project, planned for Hengqin, and should expand research collaboration between the two institutions.

The Rector of the UC, Amílcar Falcão, expressed the intention to deepen the exchange of teaching staff and students and to promote the practical application of research results in Hengqin.

According to the Director of the UC's General Library, Manuel Portela, the project will use artificial intelligence to preserve and enhance historical heritage, cultures and languages. Among the planned applications are the processing of the different variants of Portuguese and Chinese, and translation into Chinese.

In June, the two rectors signed, in Macao, an agreement for the creation of the joint campus in Hengqin. The project provides for bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes with double degrees recognised in Portugal and Macao, as well as joint incubators.

(Source: Diário de Coimbra, 6 October)