Digital Humanities and Digital Communication: Integrating traditional and innovative tools – Modena, June 3rd-6th 2025
Digital Technology is a major enabler as recent developments in research in the humanities have shown. New applications, software and techniques have raised the level of analysis we can perform. Machine learning in the form of deep neural networks has revolutionized our ability to process large datasets and classify or otherwise learn from their content. We now have sophisticated tools for the compilation, annotation and analysis of corpora, distant reading methods and techniques, increasingly complex digital archives and Large Language Models for faster and better translations.
Although AI is indeed pushing the boundaries of technological progress further and further beyond what was conceivable perhaps even just a few years ago, we cannot overlook the value of traditional knowledge, skills and abilities. While far from defending a Luddite position on the question, it can be argued that the human element in research is still fundamental when using these digital tools, not least of all to guarantee representative data to avoid bias. Furthermore, the sensitivity, cultural awareness and knowledge of researchers can continue to benefit the interpretation of data. Traditional methods and innovative tools should be seen as complementary to each other, not the replacement of one for the other. However, knowing how researchers should interact with AI and work in tandem is fundamental for success.
The 2025 Summer School of the UNIMORE Doctoral Program in Human Sciences will explore how innovative digital tools can be integrated with traditional methods and practices. The sessions will include both lectures by prominent researchers and hands-on workshops.