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AI4DH

Kick-Off Meeting: A New Chapter for Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Humanities

On 13 February 2025, the Faculty of Computer and Information Science at the University of Ljubljana hosted the kick-off meeting for the EU-funded ERA Chair project Artificial Intelligence for Digital Humanities (AI4DH), marking the official launch of a new Centre of Excellence (CoE). 

The AI4DH project aims to empower researchers across the humanities and social sciences (SSH) by facilitating access to cutting-edge AI tools and expertise.

Setting the Vision

The event was opened by ERA Chair holder Dr. Antoine Doucet, who introduced the AI4DH project, outlining its motivation and long-term goals. He discussed the frequent misalignments between what SSH disciplines expect from AI and what AI can realistically deliver, classifying these into:

  • Demands that appear easy to meet, but often are not,
  • Demands that are exciting and feasible, but complex,
  • And those that are currently unrealistic.

To respond to these challenges, the AI4DH Centre of Excellence will:

  • Build on existing AI research expertise,
  • Provide tailored support and training for DH scholars,
  • Engage students through innovative teaching approaches,
  • Collaborate at the international level,
  • Attract research project proposals to ensure long-term sustainability of the CoE
Core team members Core team members of the project, from left to right: Maja Zupančič Justin, Igor Vobič, Špela Arhar Holdt, Polona Tratnik, Antoine Doucet, Simon Krek, Marko Robnik Šikonja, Kaja Dobrovoljc, and Ajda Pretnar-Žagar (Photo credit: Faculty of Computer and Information Science, UL FRI)

Work Packages and Collaborative Planning

The meeting brought together researchers for a half-day programme focused on strategic alignment, team introductions, and future planning. Each work package (WP) leader presented its objectives and upcoming activities:

  • WP1 – Management and Planning: Dr. Marko Robnik Šikonja
  • WP2 – Infrastructure and Research Challenges: Dr. Kaja Dobrovoljc
  • WP3 – Services and Support for Research Development: Dr. Antoine Doucet
  • WP4 – Innovative Training and Teaching: Dr. Marko Robnik Šikonja (on behalf of dr. Slavko Žitnik)
  • WP5 – Dissemination and Visibility: Dr. Špela Arhar Holdt

In addition to presentations on structural and scientific objectives, the agenda included discussion of the project timeline and anticipated milestones for 2025 and beyond.

The meeting was attended by key team members including: Marko Robnik Šikonja, Antoine Doucet, Špela Arhar Holdt, Polona Tratnik, Simon Krek, Kaja Dobrovoljc, Igor Vobič, Ajda Pretnar-Žagar, Nada Lavrač, Tinca Lukan, and Maja Zupančič Justin.