Dr Robert Smith, PhD

Dr. Robert G. Smith is a Lecturer in the School of Informatics & Cybersecurity at Technological University Dublin. His research spans sign language linguistics, corpus linguistics, and computational approaches to signed language processing, with a particular focus on Irish Sign Language (ISL).

From 2017 to 2024, Dr. Smith served as Chairperson of the Irish Deaf Research Network. Between 2018 and 2020, he held the position of Assistant Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin, where he taught Sign Language Linguistics. Within TU Dublin, he has delivered a wide range of modules across the General Computing and Creative Digital Media programmes. In 2024, his commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) led to his appointment as EDI Champion for his School. He also contributes to TU Dublin’s University of Sanctuary application steering committee and the Staff Disability Supports Task Group.

Dr. Smith began his career in the computer industry, working with companies including Siemens and Data Electronics. He later became Technical Lead at the Irish Deaf Society, where he first developed an interest in sign languages and began learning ISL. In 2009, he joined Dublin City University as a Research Fellow in the Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL). There, he contributed to the development of a multimodal corpus incorporating ISL video, English text, HamNoSys notation, and avatar-based ISL generation.

He holds an MSc by Research, which investigated the role of emotional and facial expression in sign language generation with 3D avatars. His PhD, awarded by TU Dublin in 2024, is entitled “Exploiting Association Rules Mining to Inform the Use of Non-Manual Features in Sign Language Processing.” This work employed corpus analysis and machine learning methods to investigate the linguistic role of non-manual features in ISL.

Dr. Smith’s current research focuses on improving access and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students and academics. Through his involvement in the 'Access2CS' and 'ISL Interpreting in Higher Education' projects, he is working to help create more inclusive and supportive university environments for DHH students and staff.

Chief areas of interest include Sign Language Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, Sign Language processing and Sign Language Analytics.

Subcategories and secondary areas of interest include: Association Rules Mining, sign language corpora, Irish Sign Language (ISL), non-manual features (NMF’s) in sign languages, sign language notation/transcription methods, FATE (Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics) in AI sign language processing, sign language synthesis, sign language recognition, synthetic signing, humanoid/avatar animation, attitude and emotion in avatar animation, 3D & 2D computer graphics, digital realities, computer game design & development.