The Motivation Award for Young Researchers, awarded annually by the Science & Technology Council, was presented at Rannís‘ Research Conference at Hotel Grand on 21st September 2017.
This year‘s recipient was Dr Anton Karl Ingason, lecturer in Icelandic linguistics and language technology at the University of Iceland. This year‘s award was presented by Kristján Þór Júlíusson, Minister for Education and Culture, and Chair of the Science & Technology Council.
Anton Karl Ingason was born in 1980. After high school, he began working in computer programming and teaching and later completed a BA in linguistics and Icelandic in 2010. In 2016 Anton completed his doctorate in linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and began work as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Iceland. In 2017 he was appointed lecturer in Icelandic linguistics and language technology.
Anton combines linguistics, language technology and his knowledge of programming to tread new paths in Icelandic research. His research scope is broad, spanning syntax, derivational morphology, social linguistics and new language technologies - to name but a few. He has presented his research at some of the most sought after and prestigious academic conferences in his field, as well as publishing in notable journals such as Linguistic Inquiry. On Anton‘s initiative the University of Iceland will host the 48th annual conference of the North Eastern Linguistic Society later this autumn. It is one of the most important and sought after conferences in linguistics in North America and this will be the first time the Society holds its conference outside of either the USA or Canada. It is an honour and mark of recognition for the field of linguistics in Iceland and for Icelandic linguists themselves that this event will be held here.
Anton has a great interest in teaching and combines that well with his research work. He has created two new courses in language technologies – creating the course content and materials as well as using new teaching techniques to good effect.
