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Linguistic Validation (LV) in Life Sciences: Overview and Best Practices

Anyone working in multinational clinical trials involving languages other than English will likely have heard the term “linguistic validation” more than a handful of times. But what, exactly, does it entail? Why is it important that certain types of content are not “just translated”? In this first of two articles, we’ll explore LV, its steps, use cases, the regulatory landscape, and why it’s essential to plan and conduct LV projects carefully. … Continue readingLinguistic Validation (LV) in Life Sciences: Overview and Best Practices

Helpful Practices in Preparing Content for Translation

Localization, the practice of adapting content to meet a target market’s linguistic, cultural, and technical requirements, has become a cornerstone of global brand strategy, allowing world-renowned brands to gain a competitive edge through the art of cross-cultural and multilingual communication. This evolution marks a paradigm shift where understanding and embracing the nuances of diverse cultures is not merely beneficial but essential for sustaining relevance and resonance in the global marketplace. … Continue readingHelpful Practices in Preparing Content for Translation

Simplifying Localization Workflows with Technology Innovation

At the core of any successful localization program is qualified, engaged, and well-managed linguistic talent. With 20 years of industry experience, Justin Murphy, Head of Supply Chain at Vistatec, provides expert insights on finding and managing translation teams, the importance of mutually beneficial long-term partnerships and building communities to drive global brand success. … Continue readingSimplifying Localization Workflows with Technology Innovation

The Ethics of AI in Regulated Life Sciences

In life sciences and other highly regulated industries, we must balance the desire for innovation and efficiency with our industry mandate to do no harm. We must be particularly thoughtful in implementing and using AI because mistakes in our industry can cause life-altering consequences. We cannot currently depend solely on AI vendors to determine what guardrails are necessary and desirable for our industry, which often has a higher standard of care than the tool vendors. … Continue readingThe Ethics of AI in Regulated Life Sciences

Translating Medical Devices: A Rule-Driven Game

We are pleased to present an extract from a new article authored by Karen Tkaczyk Ph.D., Director of Sales at Vistatec, for this month’s European Medical Writers Association. This article titled “Translating medical devices: A rule-driven game” is available in its entirety on the European Medical Writers Association website, free of charge. The below extract provides a glimpse into the valuable insights provided in the full article, which we believe will be of great interest to our esteemed medical professional audience. … Continue readingTranslating Medical Devices: A Rule-Driven Game

Inspiring Hope and the Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Innovation in Life Sciences: Eliana R. Burke, GreenLight Clinical – Life Sciences — In Focus Podcast Ep 2

In this Vistatec Life Sciences – In Focus Podcast episode, we hosted Eliana R. Burke, the Global Head of Client Engagement and Marketing at GreenLight Clinical. Eliana brought her professional prowess into the limelight. She shared her deeply personal and inspirational journey as a cancer survivor, melding professional dedication and personal resilience into a narrative that’s both empowering and enlightening. … Continue readingInspiring Hope and the Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Innovation in Life Sciences: Eliana R. Burke, GreenLight Clinical – Life Sciences — In Focus Podcast Ep 2

Life Sciences — In Focus: Real-World Evidence: Global Regulatory Landscape and Innovation

Real-world evidence (RWE) has been a hot topic in recent years, not only in the research and life sciences industry but also in public health. Given the challenges surrounding its ethical use and regulation, the increasing importance of AI and the sheer volume of data available suggest that this is unlikely to change any time soon. Vistatec invited industry-leading experts to share their insights, thoughts, and predictions on the role of RWE going forward at our recent “Real-World Evidence: Global Regulatory Landscape and Innovation” event.
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How Are LLMs Shaping the Future of Translation Technology? 

LLMs are still in their infancy and are prone to mistakes such as terminology mismatches, style discrepancies, and hallucinations. As they improve, their use in translation will no doubt increase. The question is: which tasks will they handle, and which ones will be left to humans?
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Beyond Translation: How Brands Can Think Differently About Content to Drive Global Growth

30 years of experience in globalization. In this interview, Sibylle shares insights on the trends shaping global content creation and how businesses can future-proof content production processes to gain a competitive advantage. … Continue readingBeyond Translation: How Brands Can Think Differently About Content to Drive Global Growth

Driving Diversity and Change in the Life Sciences Industry with Aman Khera: Life Sciences — In Focus Podcast Episode 1

In this new episode of the Life Sciences — In Focus podcast, hosted by Karen Tkaczyk, we welcomed a genuinely remarkable guest, Aman Khera, Vice President of Regulatory Science, Strategy, and Innovation at Worldwide Clinical Trials. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Khera is a force of innovation and a staunch advocate for diversity and patient inclusion in clinical research. Her journey from a curious student in the UK to a leading executive in the clinical research organization (CRO) space is a testament to her passion, resilience, and dedication to making healthcare better for all. … Continue readingDriving Diversity and Change in the Life Sciences Industry with Aman Khera: Life Sciences — In Focus Podcast Episode 1

Transparency, Comprehension, and Compliance: Key Factors in Translating and Localizing Lay Summaries (LS)

Lay summaries (LS) “translate” complex medical terminology and concepts into language patients and consumers can understand – a task that must done carefully to avoid losing meaning or accuracy. Making these available in multiple languages is a highly complex, intricate process that requires the expertise of an experienced life sciences localization team to ensure successful communication and cultural appropriateness. … Continue readingTransparency, Comprehension, and Compliance: Key Factors in Translating and Localizing Lay Summaries (LS)

Choosing MT Tools and Automation to Localize at Scale

The localization industry is no stranger to AI translation – Machine Translation has been around for over four decades, many global businesses have used it for years, and the advancements over time have been considerable. Yet it’s getting more press lately with the advent of new AI translation models like ChatGPT, and many global businesses are clamoring to get on board. … Continue readingChoosing MT Tools and Automation to Localize at Scale

The Importance of Preserving Endangered Languages

As time progresses, history inevitably moves forward. Yet, in its wake, it can inadvertently leave behind fragments of language and culture. These elements risk being irretrievably lost unless we make concerted efforts to preserve them. Such a loss can profoundly impact entire cultures, erasing unique identities and rich heritages. According to a shocking article by The Guardian last year, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction by the end of this century. With each loss, we also lose a rich cultural history and identity. … Continue readingThe Importance of Preserving Endangered Languages

Building Linguistic Communities for Global Brand Success

At the core of any successful localization program is qualified, engaged, and well-managed linguistic talent. With 20 years of industry experience, Justin Murphy, Head of Supply Chain at Vistatec, provides expert insights on finding and managing translation teams, the importance of mutually beneficial long-term partnerships and building communities to drive global brand success. … Continue readingBuilding Linguistic Communities for Global Brand Success

Language, Translation and Localization: Key Factors in Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs)

With improved guidance and the maturation of digital health technologies (DHTs), decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are here to stay. This is excellent news in many ways: DCTs provide a path to addressing tough, longstanding challenges in clinical trials. Properly planned and executed, DCTs allow for accelerated cohort recruitment and clinical development timelines. Additional benefits include enhanced retention, better participant adherence, greater diversity, and more representative patient access, leading to a more robust evidence base. … Continue readingLanguage, Translation and Localization: Key Factors in Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs)

Life Sciences – In Focus: Leveraging Data and Trends for 2024 – Key Learnings

In the first installment of Vistatec’s Life Sciences – In Focus series, Amanda Murphy, Senior Director of Data Intelligence and Solutions at GlobalData, presented the biopharmaceutical industry’s outlook for 2024. The event yielded valuable insights into the trends and themes predicted for the upcoming year, focusing on the clinical trials landscape, including decentralized clinical trials and diversity. Read the key learnings here. … Continue readingLife Sciences – In Focus: Leveraging Data and Trends for 2024 – Key Learnings

Diversity in Clinical Trials: The Role of Language Services

Participant diversity is critical to achieving equitable representation in the clinical trial landscape. Sponsors must proactively plan outreach, enrollment, and retention strategies for diverse communities.
Such strategies should incorporate professional translation, language access, and culturally sensitive localization. Discover the importance of diversity in clinical trials and how LSPs can help.

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GreenTech Growth and Innovation Across Borders

GreenTech is one of the most significant areas of growth around the world. More startups are seeking green technology options than ever before. In fact, countries that do not participate in the rise of green technology may, according to the UN, fall behind. Learn more about recent GreenTech innovations, and how localization can assist in reaching global audiences effectively. … Continue readingGreenTech Growth and Innovation Across Borders

Navigating Medical Device Regulation with Boston Scientific’s Olga van Grol-Lawlor – VistaTalks Ep 127

In this episode, Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Olga van Grol-Lawlor, Senior Global Regulatory Intelligence and Advocacy Manager at Boston Scientific. The medical device industry stands at the intersection of healthcare and technology, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. However, with innovation comes the need for regulation, a topic that often finds itself at the center of many industry discussions. … Continue readingNavigating Medical Device Regulation with Boston Scientific’s Olga van Grol-Lawlor – VistaTalks Ep 127

AI tools, translation and teams

How AI Impacts Tools, Translation, and Teams

AI-powered technologies can automate workflows, streamline translations, and promote cross-functional collaboration. Yet, like any technology, AI can also disrupt industries and alter the role of humans in the workplace. As AI advances, staying up-to-date and adapting to its capabilities is essential. Doing so will make the difference between success and failure in any organization in the language services industry.
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Sustainable technology

How Does Localization Support Sustainable Technology?

As climate change and other environmental issues intensify, businesses have an obligation to reduce their impact on the planet. Sustainable technologies can help achieve these goals but are not always suitable for every market. To maximize success and adoption, you must understand local conditions and tailor the technology to them. And that’s where localization comes into play. … Continue readingHow Does Localization Support Sustainable Technology?

The Process Innovation Challenge and LocWorld – VistaTalks Ep 126

In this episode, Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Alex Bernet, Manager of the Master Class Program at The Localization Institute and Co-Producer of LocWorld’s Process Innovation Challenge (PIC). Alex shares information on the PIC, a platform for innovations and innovators in the localization and translation industry. … Continue readingThe Process Innovation Challenge and LocWorld – VistaTalks Ep 126

copywriting

How Copywriting Plays a Critical Role in Translation

Copywriting plays a critical role in translation, as it is the art of crafting persuasive and engaging content that resonates with the target audience. Copywriting becomes even more crucial when translating content from one language to another. In this article, we will explore the importance of copywriting in translation and how it can impact the success of a translated piece. … Continue readingHow Copywriting Plays a Critical Role in Translation

Visiting the History of Localization to Understand the Future

Studying the history of localization is valuable in understanding its future trends and implications. Localization refers to adapting products, services, or content to cater to a specific target market’s linguistic, cultural, and regulatory requirements. This practice is essential for reaching diverse global audiences and fostering effective communication. Our latest All Things Global episode featuring Jon Ritzdorf explores how the history of localization can shed light on its future. … Continue readingVisiting the History of Localization to Understand the Future

Five Easy Steps to Creating the Company Culture Your Employees Crave

Your company culture is more than just critical to ensuring your employees have a great workplace. It’s also crucial in retaining employees and attracting top talent in your field. For example, companies with a strong learning culture may keep 30-50% more than those without it. Also, 73% of professionals have left a company over poor cultural fit. If you’ve been struggling with employee retention or want to improve your overall company culture, these five steps can help create the environment your employees crave. … Continue readingFive Easy Steps to Creating the Company Culture Your Employees Crave

GreenTech

How Localization and Translation Benefit GreenTech

The fight for a clean environment is a never-ending process that requires continuous investment. Companies that leverage GreenTech to achieve sustainability on the global level often need to pay more attention to the importance of localization. While the fundamental goal of the green technology industry is to save the planet, success requires a holistic approach. Implementing green tech begins with local adaptation, whether wind power, solar energy, bioenergy, or hydropower. Adaptation efforts include localization and translation. … Continue readingHow Localization and Translation Benefit GreenTech

human-machine collaboration

Bridging Language Barriers, Human-Machine Collaboration, and the Future of Translation – VistaTalks Episode 118

Bridging Language Barriers, Human-Machine Collaboration, and the Future of Translation – VistaTalks Episode 118 Effective translation and localization services are critical in a world where communication and understanding are paramount. … Continue readingBridging Language Barriers, Human-Machine Collaboration, and the Future of Translation – VistaTalks Episode 118

localization industry

Learning From the Past, Planning For the Future: Industry Insights From Vistatec’s Chief Sales Officer

The language and localization industry is constantly evolving. Over the last few months alone, we have seen tremendous changes throughout the industry, especially regarding AI and translation. We asked our Chief Sales Officer, Unn Villius, a few questions about her time in localization and what she sees for the future of our rapidly changing industry. … Continue readingLearning From the Past, Planning For the Future: Industry Insights From Vistatec’s Chief Sales Officer

DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Impact on Language, Culture, and Global Brands

With 72% of consumers stating that they prefer to purchase from brands that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), global brands need to pay close attention to DEI in their content and messaging. LSPs, collaborating with their clients’ internal DEI and Localization teams, can recommend ways to integrate DEI into global messaging to support local markets better. … Continue readingDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Impact on Language, Culture, and Global Brands

low-resource languages

How to Overcome the Need for Data for Low-Resource Languages

Neural machine translation (NMT) has revolutionized the language services industry, enabling providers to deliver large volumes of translated content quickly, affordably, and accurately. This presents a problem for low-resource languages (LRLs) that need more linguistic resources, such as extensive parallel corpora, annotated data, and pre-trained language models. … Continue readingHow to Overcome the Need for Data for Low-Resource Languages

The Art of Dubbing

We have entered the age of global video. As national video consumption barriers continue to erode, new approaches are necessary to optimize the user experience.
Enter video dubbing, a concept that has increased in some countries for decades but is just making its name in others. When done correctly, it is a perfect example of audio localization within individual videos.
That means treating dubbed videos’ translation and recording as an art form. What is the rise of dubbing, and how can you leverage it?
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MPTE

What Is MTPE?

Almost 40% of marketers now use machine translation in their localization efforts. While that strategy brings undeniable benefits, its drawbacks can be just as significant. Fast work only matters when it does not come at the expense of accuracy.
Enter Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE), a process that seeks to retain the benefits of machine translation while adding the human element back into the equation. This guide will explore the nuances of MTPE while sharing some best practices to maximize its advantages in your translation and localization strategy. … Continue readingWhat Is MTPE?

untranslatable

Do Untranslatable Words Exist?

Anyone who has experienced multiple languages has encountered one phrase at least once: you just cannot translate that word. But is that true? Do untranslatable words exist, and if so, how can (and should) businesses and anyone interested in translation approach them? … Continue readingDo Untranslatable Words Exist?

linguistic professional

What Makes a Good Linguistic Professional?

This guide will help you understand what makes a good linguistic professional, why using a professional with these qualities is so important, and how choosing the right multilingual partner can benefit not just individual translation efforts but your entire localization strategy. … Continue readingWhat Makes a Good Linguistic Professional?