Digital Humanities at Oxford Summer School 2024: A Week of Innovation and Inspiration

Zine El Abidine Larhfiri 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 Zine's experience at the summer school here:

The Digital Humanities at Oxford Summer School (DHOxSS) 2024 has once again proven to be a pivotal event in the field of digital humanities. Held at the prestigious University of Oxford, this year's summer school brought together scholars, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the intersection of technology and humanities research.

Opening with a Bang

The event kicked off with a powerful keynote by Professor Andrea Wallace, setting a high tempo for the week ahead. The excitement was palpable as participants dove into various workshops, presentations, and networking sessions.

Diverse Learning Experiences

Throughout the week, attendees were treated to a rich array of learning experiences. From hands-on workshops on tools like QUIRE to in-depth discussions on data analysis and applied data (ADA), the summer school offered something for everyone. The poster reception on Monday provided a platform for researchers to showcase their work, with the posters remaining on display for further discussion throughout the week.

A classroom of summer school students sit around a large table, facing a screen showing text

Photo by Zine El Abidine Larhfiri

Spotlight on Innovation

One of the highlights was Neil Jefferies' presentation on the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF). Jefferies shared insights into IIIF's genesis and the future challenges it faces, providing valuable context for those working with digital images and manuscripts.

A lecture theatre with a slide showing text titled 'Primary key', in the foreground in a leaflet saying 'I want to improve group's digital skills'

Photo by Zine El Abidine Larhfiri

Community Building

DHOxSS 2024 wasn't just about learning; it was about building a community. Participants like Juan Pablo Angarita shared their passion for digital humanities, fostering connections that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations. The event's structure, including social events and group discussions, encouraged networking and idea exchange.

A group of people standing in Blackwell Hall

Photo by Zine El Abidine Larhfiri

Inspiring Keynotes

Bookending the event were two powerful keynotes. While Professor Wallace set the tone at the beginning, Nanna Thylstrup's closing keynote was described as a "goldmine" for information scholars and professionals. These talks not only informed but also inspired attendees to push the boundaries of their research.

A lecture theatre - people are looking towards a slide on a projector in the background

Photo by Zine El Abidine Larhfiri

Looking to the Future

As participants left St Anne's College with notebooks full of ideas and new connections, the impact of DHOxSS 2024 was clear. The event fostered a strong sense of community and learning, equipping attendees with new digital skills and perspectives to apply in their work.

Acknowledgments
The success of DHOxSS 2024 was largely due to the hard work of the organizing team, led by Dr. Megan Gooch and Professor David De Roure. Their efforts in curating a diverse and engaging program were widely appreciated by all attendees.
As the digital humanities continue to evolve, events like DHOxSS play a crucial role in shaping the field's future. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering innovation, the summer school continues to be a cornerstone event for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and humanities research.
For those who missed out this year, keep an eye out for DHOxSS 2025. If this year's event is any indication, it promises to be another week of inspiration, learning, and community building in the heart of Oxford.