Humanities Hub: A Hotbed of Innovation
In two weeks' time, the official opening of the Humanities Hub will take place in the Huizinga Building. The first projects have already begun. Users of the hub share their experiences.
Jaap de Jong, Professor of Journalism and New Media: 'The journalism lab primarily caters to our 140 minor and 40 master's students in Journalism and New Media. They can use this space for the practical component of their studies. The layout makes it easy to transform the space into a newsroom suitable for collaborative work, while all computers are equipped with more powerful software for audio, video and photo editing.
‘At present, they are editing the podcast series with Twan Huys, for which an episode is recorded every few weeks. In this case, it's recorded in a lecture theatre with an audience, but we also have a studio in the hub for smaller recordings. Lecturer Willem van Rooijen is always on hand to provide students with technical advice. It works tremendously well.'
Jelena Prokic, university lecturer: 'In the Digital Humanities lab, students and researchers can work with a combination of technology, culture, history and literature. The lab offers workshops on digital tools and methods, provides expert advice on how to use these tools effectively and offers access to specialised equipment such as VR, 3D scanners and 3D printers.
‘They can also use the AI Humanities Lab, a dynamic space where researchers can conduct research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanities. This lab focuses on collaboration and brings together scientists from various disciplines to develop and apply AI technologies. Furthermore, it stimulates innovative research in the humanities.
‘Currently, we are organising a series of interactive workshops where students practise digital skills and science communication (MediaLab+), monthly advanced workshops for PhD candidates and students focusing on AI and Digital Humanities, and a Winter School in Digital Skills. There are also 10 PhD candidates affiliated with these labs, all conducting research at the intersection of digital technologies and humanities.'
Opening of the Humanities Hub
The Humanities Hub officially opens on 3 December, and all staff and students are very welcome. The opening provides ample opportunity to become acquainted with the labs and studios where numerous demos will be given, such as a Digital Mapping demo, another with a Tobii eye tracker, or a session on 'Become a subtitler for a day'. For more information about the opening, read here: Opening Humanities Hub in Huizinga - Leiden University.