What does MEDAL stand for?
MEDAL stands for Methodological Excellence in Data-Driven Approaches to Linguistics. Our aim is to empower the next generation of linguistics by providing training in research methods for early-career researchers and other affiliated researchers.
Which methods does MEDAL provide training in?
The main focus is on three methodologies: corpus linguistics, experimental linguistics and computational modelling. There is expertise in these methods across the partner institutions.
Which institutions are part of the MEDAL consortium?
MEDAL is an initiative of the University of Tartu, Estonia, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
How long will the MEDAL project last?
Three years, from January 2023 until December 2025.
Who qualifies as an early-career researcher?
You are an early-career researcher if you are an MA student, PhD Candidate or if it’s been 7 years or less since you defended your PhD.
I am an early-career researcher, can I apply for funding?
In general, MEDAL mobility funding is available to members of the MEDAL consortium partner institutions. Please check our Mobility page to see what type of funding you are eligible for.
What kind of support do you provide for early-career researchers?
We organise workshops on various topics including academic and soft skills useful in your academic career. Each year we hold a summer school highlighting the core methodologies in MEDAL: Corpus Linguistics (2023, Tartu), Experimental Methods (2024, Nijmegen), and Computational Modeling (2025, Birmingham). We also provide funding for research exchanges between the four partner institutions and for travel to the summer schools.
Are your events accessible?
Most events are either hybrid or fully online and thus accessible for everyone with an internet connection. If you have any accessibility needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and we will attempt to find the best solution together. You can also check out our Diversity & Inclusion Policy.
I missed the application deadline for applying for mobility funding. Can I still apply?
As a rule, applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Exceptions to this rule are subject to the availability of remaining funds and the ability to process the application.
I can’t attend an event live. Where can I find the materials or recordings?
You can find them at the Events page, under the sub-header ‘Resources’ of the event in question. Note that not all events are recorded.
