Dr Liang Xu’s doctoral research within the SFI CRT–d-real programme (2020–2024) developed the research prototype for Cipher, a digital game-based Irish-language learning platform that underpins the Cipher AI proposal. His PhD established the extensive research foundation behind Cipher. His research has been recognised through national and international publications. He has extensive experience conducting classroom-based evaluations in Irish primary schools and leading design-based research projects combining pedagogy, AI, and game design. His expertise ensures technical innovation, inclusivity (particularly for dyslexic learners), and methodological rigour. He will direct the technical and research dimensions of Cipher AI. He will commit a minimum of 50% of his time to the project. A full-time Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Lead will be recruited to lead day-to-day commercialisation activities, working closely with the Cipher team. The entrepreneurial lead will drive customer discovery, market validation, and investor engagement, and will avail of relevant ARC Hub training programmes. Cipher AI is Liang’s brainchild, and he is 100% committed to seeing Cipher AI reach the market as a commercially successful product.
Last updated:
Research Themes:
Digital Education & Online Communication
Research Programmes
ACROSS
A multi-agent AI platform that applies each company's own terminology and style rules to machine translation, cutting costly human post-editing.
Cipher AI
A game-based AI language learning platform combining speech, text and image generation to improve vocabulary, literacy and learner motivation.
Happy Maths
A game-based platform helping primary pupils practise maths while reducing maths anxiety, with adaptive gameplay and progress tools for teachers.
