Leading the Way in Corpus Linguistics

The ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science (CASS) at Lancaster University continues to affirm its leadership in the field of corpus linguistics. CASS provides a unique perspective on language analysis using large-scale data (millions and billions of words), cutting-edge computational tools, and specialised software to gain deep insights into societal trends. 

In an era dominated by data-driven research, artificial intelligence (AI), and large language models (LLMs), the study of language’s impact on society is more critical than ever. The Centre’s pioneering research spans multiple fields, including healthcare, education, climate studies, hate speech, language testing, and online security. By applying corpus linguistic methods, CASS addresses urgent social issues and provides evidence-based insights that inform policy and public discourse. 

Expanding Research and Collaboration 

CASS is committed to broadening the reach of corpus linguistics by engaging with researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders. Through comprehensive online and in-person training programmes, the Centre equips individuals, whether newcomers or experienced professionals, with essential tools to integrate corpus methods into their work. 

Beyond training, CASS offers consultancy services to support research projects and policy development. The Centre actively contributes to the creation of policy reports, ensuring that linguistic research translates into meaningful, actionable insights for decision-makers across various sectors. 

New Co-Directors to Lead CASS Forward 

CASS is pleased to announce a new leadership structure, with Professor Vaclav Brezina joining Professor Elena Semino as co-director. Together, they will guide the Centre into an exciting new phase of research, collaboration, and innovation. 

• Professor Elena Semino, a globally recognised expert in healthcare communication, has been at the helm of CASS since 2017, enhancing its reputation as a world-class research hub. 

• Professor Vaclav Brezina, a leading scholar in corpus linguistics, statistics and applied linguistics, brings extensive expertise and fresh perspectives to further expand the Centre’s impact. 

Under their joint leadership, CASS will continue to drive interdisciplinary research, tackle pressing societal challenges, and push the boundaries of corpus-based language analysis. Their strategic vision will focus on issues such as social inequality, health communication, and sustainability, ensuring that CASS remains at the forefront of language research that makes a real-world impact. 

Join the Conversation 

CASS welcomes collaboration with academics, policymakers and industry professionals. Whether through research partnerships, training opportunities, or consultancy services, the Centre invites individuals and organisations to engage with its work and help shape the future with corpus linguistics. 

For more information about CASS, its research, and opportunities for collaboration, contact CASS@lancs.ac.uk