UEA’s student-led subtitling initiative wins international award
By: Communications
A student-led initiative at the University of East Anglia has received a prestigious international award for its work producing subtitles for charities and nonprofit organisations.
The Support Access for Audiovisual Media (SAAM) Project won the inaugural ‘Premio Chosen for Impact al mejor Proyecto’ award, presented by Applied Linguistics students at Nebrija University in Spain.
It was given in recognition of the SAAM Project’s innovative approach, social impact, and commitment to inclusion and diversity. The nomination was made by Rosa Davila-Cubas, a former UEA exchange student from Nebrija, adding particular personal significance to the award.
Founded and led by Dr Carlos de Pablos-Ortega, Associate Professor in Spanish and Applied Linguistics in the School of Media, Language and Communication Studies, SAAM is a student-led initiative that harnesses the skills of language and translation students to produce subtitles and audiovisual content for charities and nonprofits, making their work more accessible to wider audiences.
Now in its 10th year, the project has engaged over 550 volunteers, 49 coordinators, and 30 worldwide charities and nonprofits, making a tangible difference to communities both locally and internationally.
Earlier this month Dr de Pablos-Ortega travelled to Madrid to collect the award on behalf of the SAAM Project at the graduation ceremony of Nebrija University.
He said: “This award belongs to every volunteer, coordinator, and partner who has given their time and energy to SAAM over the past decade.
“To be recognised by students in Spain, through a nomination from a former exchange student, speaks to the reach and human connections that make this project so special.
“I am proud to have accepted this award representing the School of Media, Language and Communication Studies and UEA.”
Dr Carlos de Pablos-Ortega (left) with Rosa Davila-Cubas (right)
Lola Hopkins, SAAM Project Coordinator and Applied Translation Studies Master’s student, said: “Volunteering as a SAAM Coordinator has given me an invaluable opportunity to work alongside local and international organisations, creating a truly positive impact across communities.
“The skills that I developed have provided me with a strong foundation of experience for the workplace, and it has been a privilege to work with so many talented individuals from different linguistic backgrounds.”
The recognition comes as the SAAM Project was also shortlisted as a finalist in the Social Impact category of the UEA Innovation and Impact Awards 2026, making it a landmark year for the project and for the School of Media, Language and Communication Studies.
Dr de Pablos-Ortega's acceptance speech, delivered at the Nebrija University graduation ceremony and subtitled in English, French, and Spanish, can be watched on the SAAM Project YouTube channel.
For more information about the SAAM Project, contact Dr Carlos de Pablos-Ortega: c.de-pablos@uea.ac.uk.
UEA Innovation and Impact Awards finalist
Dr Carlos de Pablos-Ortega was also a finalist in the Outstanding Social or Cultural Impact category at this year's UEA Innovation and Impact Awards, recognised for the SAAM initiative.
The Awards recognise and reward projects which are changing lives, helping shape our understanding of the world, and addressing local and global challenges.
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