DARIAH-EU Cooperating Partnership creates opportunities for Digital Hellenic Studies
What did we do?
In July 2023, the Summer Institute in Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies, facilitated by DARIAH and co-organized by the Center for Digital Humanities at Princeton University, the Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, the UNESCO Chair for Digital Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), and the MSc in Digital Methods for the Humanities programme at AUEB, trained scholars from Princeton and Greek Universities in digital tools and methodologies to advance research in Hellenic cultural heritage.
Why did we do it?
The Summer Institute in Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies, held in Athens from July 3-7, 2023, aimed to empower scholars with vital digital skills and methodologies. By fostering collaboration between international institutions, it advanced research capabilities and bolstered efforts to safeguard and promote Hellenic cultural heritage in the digital age.
Who did we do it for?
The workshop was open to Princeton affiliates as well as students and scholars from universities or cultural heritage institutions in Greece.
Overview
The Summer Institute on Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies marked the beginning of a collaboration between Princeton University, a DARIAH co-operating partner, and Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), to explore innovative digital methodologies in the study of Hellenic culture. Hosted by the Seeger Princeton Center, in partnership with the UNESCO Chair for Digital Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences (AUEB) and the MSc Program in Digital Methods for the Humanities (AUEB) this five-day workshop aimed to catalyse interdisciplinary research and foster international networks and collaborations.
The workshop gave scholars the opportunity to explore DH theories, methods, and techniques to advance their own research projects. Instructors from Princeton’s Center for Digital Humanities and the MSc Program in Digital Methods for the Humanities at AUEB served as instructors, providing both theoretical background as well as technical guidance for DH project design. The workshop provided a conducive environment for scholarly exchange and hands-on learning. Participants, including scholars, students, and cultural heritage professionals from both Princeton University and Greek institutions, engaged in lab-style sessions were invited to bring and present their own digital research initiatives and collaborate on them with the group.
In essence, the Summer Institute in Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies served as a pivotal platform for advancing digital scholarship, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and empowering scholars of various academic levels to address contemporary challenges in the study and preservation of Hellenic cultural heritage.
Description of the Impact
The Summer Institute on Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies has fostered collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange, which all align with DARIAH's Strategic Pillars.
Here are some key aspects of its impact:
Fostering Collaboration and Networking: The event provided a platform for scholars of various career levels to collaborate on projects, share resources, and build networks across institutions and disciplines. This collaboration led to the development of innovative digital projects and research initiatives, such as exceptionally good Master’s Theses submitted by Greek participants, which would not have been as feasible without the interdisciplinary exchange facilitated by the Summer Institute on Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies.
Training and Education: The Summer Institute on Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies offered training activities on digital tools, methods, and best practices, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to further incorporate digital humanities approaches into their own research and teaching. This training helped to bridge the gap between traditional humanities scholarship and digital methodologies, empowering scholars to harness the potential of digital technologies in their work.
Interdisciplinarity and Innovation: Bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds, ranging from classics to computer science, the event stimulated a vibrant community of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation by fostering dynamic exchanges of ideas and methodologies. Through hands-on exercises and games, and focusing on collaborative projects, participants explored new frontiers in digital humanities, forging connections between traditional Hellenic studies and cutting-edge technological tools.
Evidence of the Impact
Being exposed to such an interdisciplinary and transnational environment challenged and inspired me. So far, as a DH student, I had only interacted with Greek colleagues and academics. My master's thesis would not have been the same had it not been for this event - and it was also so much fun!
Sofia Kastanidi, Postgraduate student in Digital Humanities in AUEB
In our session in this Princeton/AUEB event, which would not have taken place had it not been for DARIAH, we decided to teach a difficult conceptual model using a card game: it's always more pleasant to learn by playing and it's even more pleasant to teach by playing! Nothing like watching your students enjoy a course!
Vicky Dritsou, local instructor
Teaching and games aside, the event featured a round table discussion, in which DARIAH Directors Toma Tasovac and Agiatis Benardou had the opportunity to discuss the Digital Humanities landscape in Greece vis a vis Europe with Panos Constantopoulos (UNESCO Chair for Digital Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences at AUEB and Chair of the DARIAH Scientific Board) and Natalia Ermolaev (Center for Digital Humanities at Princeton University). The discussion was attended by a number of invitees, including Professors in various Greek institutions, as well by the Rectors of two major universities in Athens, AUEB and Panteion.
The success and impact of the Summer Institute in Digital Humanities for Hellenic Studies is further demonstrated by the fact that AUEB will be officially joining DARIAH-GR in the coming funding cycle, as well as by the fact that, in 2024, a second Summer Institute will be organized, this time focusing on methods for analyzing the textual culture of the Greek world from antiquity to the present.
Contributors
Lead Author: Agiatis Benardou
Contributing Authors: Natalia Ermolaev, Panos Constantopoulos
