Digital Humanities

The DSI Community Digital Humanities, a special interest group within the University of Zurich, delves into the multifaceted origins, explores the vast and exciting research opportunities, and critically examines the significant consequences of digitalization and use of computational methods in the humanities. This group brings together enthusiastic members from various disciplines who are passionately engaged in understanding and shaping the intersection of digital technology and the humanities.

The new DSI Community Digital Humanities at the University of Zurich (UZH) aims to establish a dynamic hub for research and teaching in the rapidly evolving field of digital humanities. Motivated by the global rise in computational methods in arts and humanities studies and the advancements in AI technology, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap in digital humanities offerings compared to other Swiss universities.

Despite the absence of a dedicated department at UZH, there are numerous ongoing activities in research and teaching, such as computational linguistics (see, e.g., the Department of Computational Linguistics), digital art history (like the Digital Visual Studies), and digital history projects and infrastructures (like the Digital History Lab). The community focuses on consolidating and enhancing these activities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing common challenges through workshops and seminars.

A significant aim is to make digital humanities teaching permanent, emphasising core digital competencies and critical reflection on digital transformation's societal impact. The vision of the  community is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that connects scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in digital humanities and facilitates the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise. The DSI Community Digital Humanities aims to provide resources, support and a platform for collaborative research, innovation, and education.