Research on visual communication continues to unveil the powerful ways images influence human perception and interaction, driving innovations across technology, education, and marketing.

In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the landscape of linguistics and cognitive science, the German Research Foundation (DFG) has greenlit a second funding phase for the Priority Program 2392, known as Visual Communication: Theoretical, Empirical, and Applied Perspectives (ViCom). This interdisciplinary initiative continues to delve into the intricate mechanisms underlying visual forms of communication, such as gestures, signs, and emojis, establishing novel frameworks that reveal how humans encode and decode meaning beyond spoken language.

Since its inception in 2022, ViCom has emerged as a pivotal research consortium, uniting diverse academic disciplines to confront the complexities inherent in visual semiotics. Over the course of its initial phase, the program encompassed 19 meticulously designed subprojects at German universities and research centers, each exploring diverse facets of visual communication. The contributions ranged from in-depth analyses of sign language grammar to empirical studies of gesture usage in verbal interactions and computational approaches to emoji interpretation. This body of work has catalyzed numerous publications and conferences while fostering a cohesive, international research community.

As ViCom embarks upon its next stage, the emphasis shifts from exploratory research to the consolidation and theoretical formalization of findings. Employing a vast corpus of empirical data harvested through rigorous experimental methodologies, researchers aim to construct sophisticated linguistic and cognitive models that capture the full spectrum of visual symbolic expression. This includes not only the syntactic and semantic underpinnings of sign languages but also the pragmatic functions that gestures fulfill in real-time conversational dynamics and the semiotic evolution of digital iconographies such as emojis.

At the forefront of this ambitious initiative are Professors Cornelia Ebert from Goethe University Frankfurt and Markus Steinbach from the University of Göttingen, linguistic scholars renowned for their contributions to semantics and pragmatics. Their leadership orchestrates a collaborative ecosystem integrating linguistics, psychology, neurosciences, and computational sciences, thereby fostering breakthroughs that span multiple scientific domains. Ebert elucidates that “visual communication intricately bridges language, corporeality, and cognition, constituting a fundamental mode of human understanding,” underscoring the imperative to deepen theoretical insights within this relatively nascent discipline.

Professor Steinbach adds that the initial phase of ViCom not only generated substantive empirical findings but also cultivated a vibrant interdisciplinary network. “Our objective for this second phase is to expand upon these synergies,” he notes, “through innovative research projects, dedicated support for emerging scholars, and international summer schools designed to enhance cross-cultural scientific discourse.” Their vision manifests a forward-looking agenda that strengthens scholarly exchange and nurtures the next generation of experts in visual communication.

Integral to ViCom’s philosophy is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, recognizing the importance of fostering research environments that accommodate diverse participant needs. During the program’s first phase, significant strides were made in advancing equal opportunities, including the implementation of mentoring initiatives, family-friendly policies, and sign language interpretation at academic gatherings. These measures not only ensure equitable participation but also reinforce the program’s core thematic focus on diverse modalities of communication.

Looking ahead, Phase Two intends to amplify these structural supports, placing special emphasis on pragmatic actions that assist junior researchers in their academic trajectories. This approach involves tailored mentoring frameworks, expanded networks for international collaboration, and greater integration of accessibility features to facilitate participation by individuals with varying abilities. ViCom thereby exemplifies a model research program that aligns scholarly rigor with social responsibility.

Financially, the second funding phase is underpinned by an investment of €6 million from the German Research Foundation, mirroring the commitment level of the inaugural phase and reaffirming confidence in the program’s scientific trajectory. This funding supports 17 active subprojects distributed across prominent German academic institutions, enabling sustained comprehensive investigations into the theoretical, empirical, and applied dimensions of visual communication.

Prof. Cornelia Ebert’s academic tenure is marked by an interdisciplinary approach to semantics, combining computational linguistics foundations with experimental pragmatics. Since joining Goethe University Frankfurt in 2019, she has led pioneering studies investigating the semantic structures underlying visual-gestural communication. Her career trajectory includes notable fellowships and leadership roles in priority programs that emphasize innovative methods and experimental evidence, positioning her as a central figure in advancing language theory frameworks.

Likewise, Prof. Markus Steinbach has distinguished himself through prolific research focused on semantics, pragmatics, and sign language linguistics. His academic journey—the culmination of studies in German philology, philosophy, and experimental linguistics—has fostered a robust scientific expertise that informs his role as head of the experimental sign language laboratory at Göttingen. Steinbach’s editorial activities and stewardship of collaborative research projects enhance the breadth and impact of ViCom’s scholarly contributions.

Together, Ebert and Steinbach symbolize a dynamic collaboration that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, positioning ViCom as a beacon of innovation in decoding the multifaceted nature of human communication. Their work enriches understanding not only of linguistic structures but also of how embodied and digital forms of expression inform cognition and social interaction in the modern world.

As visual communication increasingly permeates digital media, social networking, and intercultural exchanges, ViCom’s research offers critical insights into how meaning is co-constructed through visible modalities. By integrating linguistic theory, cognitive neuroscience, and computational analysis, the program anticipates fostering transformative applications in areas such as human-computer interaction, accessibility technologies, and multilingual education.

The roadmap for ViCom’s second phase thus encapsulates a vision that is both scientifically ambitious and socially engaged. With renewed funding and an established research infrastructure, the initiative is poised to deliver foundational theoretical models and practical frameworks that illuminate the evolving landscape of human expression in a visually-centered communication era.

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