Christian Schwartz was awarded a bursary to attend the Digital Humanities Oxford Summer School in 2024. To join the mailing list and learn about the next summer school sign up here. Read about Christian's experience at the summer school here:
Attending the 2024 Digital Humanities at Oxford Summer School (DHOxSS), particularly the Humanities Data strand, was an experience that not only met but surpassed my expectations. As a Research Associate at the Science Museum Group and contributor to archiving projects at the Centre for Documentation of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (CPDOC-FGV) in Brazil, I was eager to deepen my understanding of Digital Humanities in order to enhance my research into polymaths like John W. Dunne and Euclides da Cunha. What I gained was far more than technical knowledge; it was a profound insight into the future of DH and its vast potential for research and archival work.
The programme provided a strong foundation in working with DH, exploring various types of data—textual, visual, and tabular—and demonstrating how to apply digital tools to manage and analyze them. A recurring theme was the role of generative AI in these processes, which sparked intriguing discussions on how AI can be used to support complex data interpretation, particularly in archival research. For my project, which involves navigating extensive archives of letters, maps, and sketches, understanding the role of AI in cataloging and cross-referencing these materials has opened new avenues for exploration.
One of the unexpected highlights of the week was the Poster and Miscellaneous sessions. Though relatively short, they offered a fascinating glimpse into the diverse work of my fellow participants. The hour-long sessions showcased projects ranging from text-mining historical documents to innovative approaches to data visualization. I found these peer-led presentations particularly inspiring, and I believe extending these sessions in future editions would allow for even richer exchanges and learning opportunities. It’s clear that we have much to learn from each other’s research, and these sessions were a goldmine for fresh ideas and methodologies.
A special mention must be made of the Enriching Exhibition Stories optional strand, which introduced Quire, a tool developed by the Getty Museum for creating digital exhibitions. This tool has the potential to revolutionize how smaller institutions can present rich, interactive stories using digital platforms. As I prepare to dive into John W. Dunne’s archives, housed at the Science Museum Group, I can already see how Quire could help bring his work to life for a broader audience. The ability to weave structured data into compelling narratives offers a new dimension to archival research and public engagement.
One recurring theme throughout side discussions with colleagues was the challenge of funding. As Digital Humanities continues to evolve rapidly, securing financial support for research projects becomes increasingly crucial. The opportunities and demands in this field are growing, and finding sustainable funding models is something we, as a community, need to address. Collaborative projects and shared resources could be a potential solution, but it’s a conversation that will require ongoing attention as the field matures.
In conclusion, DHOxSS 2024 was not only a chance to acquire new skills but an inspiring experience that broadened my perspective on Digital Humanities. The insights gained, particularly around AI, digital storytelling, and data management, will be invaluable as I move forward with my research on polymaths. I am excited to apply what I’ve learned to my work on John W. Dunne’s archives and look forward to further exploring the potential of DH in future exhibitions and scholarly projects.
