Digital Humanities in Practise
28 April - 30 April 2025
Join us to explore how technology can empower your research and creativity—and discover how to confidently make these tools your allies in driving change in the arts
Join us to explore how technology can empower your research and creativity—and discover how to confidently make these tools your allies in driving change in the arts
Meet the Convenors
We are Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders in the Managing Arts and Cultural Heritage in Global Markets programme, coordinated by the University of Glasgow. This year, we received the June Cockburn Prize to lead a career-enhancing initiative designed not only for students but also for those interested in digital humanities.
In today’s fast-evolving arts landscape, staying ahead means mastering cutting-edge technologies. Yet, diving into digital tools without a tech background can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re hosting a dynamic series of sessions with leading professors in Digital Humanities.
Programme Overview
Monday, April 28
Dr., Prof. Lily Díaz-Kommonen
Aalto University
Designing Virtual Reality for Cultural Heritage
Design has been defined as a future-oriented domain of knowledge concerned with how things ought to be. (1) This session explores two innovative projects where design tools such as human centred-scenario design and cultural heritage converge. We’ll dive into a VR reconstruction of the Vrouw Maria shipwreck, created with Finnish cultural institutions, and a Horizon 2020 project that developed a Pop-up VR Museum using artifacts from Design Museum Helsinki. Both case studies aim to reveal how immersive technologies can deepen engagement with heritage and promote social cohesion through shared digital experiences.
1. Herbert Simon, The Science of the Artificial, (Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1968) p. 5.
Optional Readings: Before the session, you may explore these resources: Vrouw Maria, SPICE, SPICE H2020, Beyond Matter, and Beyond Heritage.
Recording available. Passcode: &fYG6=rQ
Design has been defined as a future-oriented domain of knowledge concerned with how things ought to be. (1) This session explores two innovative projects where design tools such as human centred-scenario design and cultural heritage converge. We’ll dive into a VR reconstruction of the Vrouw Maria shipwreck, created with Finnish cultural institutions, and a Horizon 2020 project that developed a Pop-up VR Museum using artifacts from Design Museum Helsinki. Both case studies aim to reveal how immersive technologies can deepen engagement with heritage and promote social cohesion through shared digital experiences.
1. Herbert Simon, The Science of the Artificial, (Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1968) p. 5.
Optional Readings: Before the session, you may explore these resources: Vrouw Maria, SPICE, SPICE H2020, Beyond Matter, and Beyond Heritage.
Recording available. Passcode: &fYG6=rQ
14:00 – 15:00
BST
BST
Dr Eleanor Dare
University of Cambridge
Workshop: Learn Photogrammetry and AR
This workshop will provide both a conceptual and pragmatic introduction to photogrammetry. We will investigate the idea of digital immateriality and intangible heritage and its relationship to 3D imaging, as well as introducing projects which deploy photogrammetry. In the second half of the session participants will create and scan their own research objects using the free version of the photogrammetry app Polycam, as well as the free AR software Adobe Aero, students will learn how to create AR apps and how to import Photogrammetry scans into Blender and the game engine Unity, curating and creating narratives about objects and their (im)materiality.
Please download both of these free software programs before the session:
Polycam (for phones/tablets): https://poly.cam/
Adobe Aero (for laptops): https://www.adobe.com/in/products/aero.html
Recording available. Passcode: nwn8tP*D
This workshop will provide both a conceptual and pragmatic introduction to photogrammetry. We will investigate the idea of digital immateriality and intangible heritage and its relationship to 3D imaging, as well as introducing projects which deploy photogrammetry. In the second half of the session participants will create and scan their own research objects using the free version of the photogrammetry app Polycam, as well as the free AR software Adobe Aero, students will learn how to create AR apps and how to import Photogrammetry scans into Blender and the game engine Unity, curating and creating narratives about objects and their (im)materiality.
Please download both of these free software programs before the session:
Polycam (for phones/tablets): https://poly.cam/
Adobe Aero (for laptops): https://www.adobe.com/in/products/aero.html
Recording available. Passcode: nwn8tP*D
16:00 – 18:00 BST
Tuesday, April 29
Prof. Andrew Prescott
University of Glasgow
Unpeeling the Layers: Digital Imaging and the Exploration of Manuscripts and Archives
Digitisation is chiefly seen as a means of providing mass access to manuscripts, archives and other heritage material, regardless of location. However, too often, we are presented with a single snapshot, comparable to a colour photocopy. In his presentation, Andrew will discuss how digital imaging enables us to explore the different layers of creation, reading and conservation that characterise manuscripts. He will show how different imaging methods can be used to reveal erased text, read text concealed in bindings and virtually unwrap damaged and burnt manuscripts. He will also show how initiatives such as the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) provide new ways for researchers to interact collaboratively with digital images.
Recording available. Passcode: y6fSw?*h
Digitisation is chiefly seen as a means of providing mass access to manuscripts, archives and other heritage material, regardless of location. However, too often, we are presented with a single snapshot, comparable to a colour photocopy. In his presentation, Andrew will discuss how digital imaging enables us to explore the different layers of creation, reading and conservation that characterise manuscripts. He will show how different imaging methods can be used to reveal erased text, read text concealed in bindings and virtually unwrap damaged and burnt manuscripts. He will also show how initiatives such as the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) provide new ways for researchers to interact collaboratively with digital images.
Recording available. Passcode: y6fSw?*h
11:00 – 12:00 BST
Dr Mia Ridge
Digital Curator for Western Heritage Collections, British Library
Machine Learning for Cultural Heritage Collections
Using examples from the British Library and other museums, libraries and archives, Mia will share machine learning tools and methods that demonstrate the great potential of machine learning for improving access and research with digitised collections. She will also consider some practical and ethical principles for working with machine learning / AI in cultural heritage organisations.
Recording available. Passcode: 0xug+k&3
Using examples from the British Library and other museums, libraries and archives, Mia will share machine learning tools and methods that demonstrate the great potential of machine learning for improving access and research with digitised collections. She will also consider some practical and ethical principles for working with machine learning / AI in cultural heritage organisations.
Recording available. Passcode: 0xug+k&3
13:00 – 14:00 BST
Wednesday, April 30
Dr Antonina Puchkovskaia
King’s College London
Applying Digital Humanities Methods to Historical Networks: A Case Study of Marion Scott's Musical Circles (1900-1920)
This workshop explores Digital Humanities methods to uncover the networks of women musicians in early 20th-century London, focusing on Marion Scott. The workshop is structured in two main parts: first, introducing popular Digital Humanities methods, including frequency analysis, histograms, and chronological visualisation of Scott’s activities; followed by a focused exploration of Social Network Analysis (SNA) demonstrating inner/outer circles, weighted relationships, and cluster formation beyond Scott herself. Using Python via Google Colab, participants will explore practical examples of how these complementary approaches reveal previously hidden patterns of influence. No coding experience is required, though basic Python knowledge is helpful for participants wishing to adapt the demonstrated techniques to their own research.
Recording available. Passcode: 4?6KFAiu
This workshop explores Digital Humanities methods to uncover the networks of women musicians in early 20th-century London, focusing on Marion Scott. The workshop is structured in two main parts: first, introducing popular Digital Humanities methods, including frequency analysis, histograms, and chronological visualisation of Scott’s activities; followed by a focused exploration of Social Network Analysis (SNA) demonstrating inner/outer circles, weighted relationships, and cluster formation beyond Scott herself. Using Python via Google Colab, participants will explore practical examples of how these complementary approaches reveal previously hidden patterns of influence. No coding experience is required, though basic Python knowledge is helpful for participants wishing to adapt the demonstrated techniques to their own research.
Recording available. Passcode: 4?6KFAiu
10:00 – 11:00 BST
Dr Janos Mark Szakolczai
University of Glasgow
‘The Right to Be Ignored’ in the Age of Hyper-Exposure
In an era of hyperconnectivity, privacy is no longer just about being left alone—it is about controlling how we are seen. While tools like blockchain and obfuscation have long been debated for their lay practicality and stigma associated with their use, the rise of AI and VR technologies further complicates our interactions—both online and offline—by automating surveillance and reshaping personal boundaries. This talk examines how privacy has shifted from a refuge to a strategic act, arguing that defending our ‘offlife’ (Szakolczai, 2023) is about ‘persona’ protection and reclaiming autonomy over our digital selves.
Recording available. Passcode: 75@S%F.N
In an era of hyperconnectivity, privacy is no longer just about being left alone—it is about controlling how we are seen. While tools like blockchain and obfuscation have long been debated for their lay practicality and stigma associated with their use, the rise of AI and VR technologies further complicates our interactions—both online and offline—by automating surveillance and reshaping personal boundaries. This talk examines how privacy has shifted from a refuge to a strategic act, arguing that defending our ‘offlife’ (Szakolczai, 2023) is about ‘persona’ protection and reclaiming autonomy over our digital selves.
Recording available. Passcode: 75@S%F.N
12:00 – 13:00 BST
Registrations Closed
Thank you for your interest! We are not accepting new registrations at the moment. Stay tuned for future events and updates.
