Towards Digital Humanities

Researchers from the Institute for Recent History of Serbia, Dr Dmitar Tasić, Principal Research Fellow, and Dr Nataša Milićević and Dr Jelena Rafailović, Senior Research Fellows, visited Ljubljana from 9 to 11 September, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the Institute of Contemporary History and its Department of Digital Humanities.

During their visit, the Director of the Institute of Contemporary History, Dr Andrej Pančur, presented the Institute’s organisation, work and activities, while colleagues from the Department of Digital Humanities presented their programmes, research activities and experience in applying digital technologies in the humanities.

The lectures and presentations by Dr Mojca Šorn, Dr Vojko Gorjanc, Dr Neja Blaj Hribar, and other colleagues provided an insight into various aspects of research and work in the field of digital humanities. Particular attention was devoted to the Sistory portal, the digitalisation of historical sources, e-publications and copyright issues, as well as projects focusing on the victims of the First and Second World Wars and the digital processing of census data. Different models and approaches to the digitalisation of historical materials were also presented, along with the work of the library and experiences in developing and using digital platforms and tools.

The exchange of experiences with colleagues from the Institute of Contemporary History provided an opportunity to learn about contemporary approaches to digital humanities and the possibilities for their application. Further steps in cooperation between the two institutes were agreed upon, as well as possibilities for joint work on future initiatives.