MioFFAn: An Annotation Software for Formula Formalization with LLM Automation Capabilities

Nicolas Sibuet Ruiz, Horacio Saggion, Riccardo Rossi


Abstract
The automatic translation of mathematical expressions in scientific literature into executable symbolic code—a process we refer to as Formula Formalization—is hindered by a severe scarcity of high-quality, ground-truth datasets specialized for technical scientific domains. In this paper, we present MioFFAn, an open-source, document-centric, and customizable framework designed to facilitate rapid annotation for this task. Building upon the MioGatto architecture, we extend existing features to overcome structural limitations and pivot its scope by introducing specific functionalities for Formula Formalization, such as selection of equations of interest and aided symbolic code specification. By allowing users to configure custom taxonomies and properties for identified symbols, and compatible symbolic operators, we ensure the framework is adaptable to diverse specialized scientific fields. Furthermore, MioFFAn is designed to incorporate partial automation via Large Language Models. By defining a modular set of automated sub-tasks with strict output formats, we enable researchers to iteratively refine automation capabilities and evaluate competing strategies using standard NLP metrics. We specify the current automation methodology and perform a preliminary evaluation that demonstrates to efficacy of this human-in-the-loop approach.
Anthology ID:
2026.nslp-1.20
Volume:
Proceedings of Natural Scientific Language Processing (NSLP) @ LREC 2026
Month:
May
Year:
2026
Address:
Palma, Mallorca (Spain)
Editors:
Georg Rehm, Stefan Dietze, Danilo Dessi, Diana Maynard, Sonja Schimmler
Venues:
NSLP | WS
SIG:
Publisher:
ELRA Language Resources Association (ELRA)
Note:
Pages:
206–217
Language:
External URL:
https://lrec.elra.info/lrec2026-ws-nslp-20
DOI:
10.63317/4s56b6f4i3u9
Bibkey:
Cite (ACL):
Nicolas Sibuet Ruiz, Horacio Saggion, and Riccardo Rossi. 2026. MioFFAn: An Annotation Software for Formula Formalization with LLM Automation Capabilities. In Proceedings of Natural Scientific Language Processing (NSLP) @ LREC 2026, pages 206–217, Palma, Mallorca (Spain). ELRA Language Resources Association (ELRA).
Cite (Informal):
MioFFAn: An Annotation Software for Formula Formalization with LLM Automation Capabilities (Sibuet Ruiz et al., NSLP 2026)
Copy Citation: