Shifting the paradigm: machine-assisted scholarly digital editing

Details

This project explores how machine learning and artificial intelligence can transform the scholarly digital editing process, not only by potentially automating and enhancing editorial workflows, but also by helping to reimagine digital editions beyond the constraints of print-based models. In particular, it researches and analyses  how computational and AI-driven methods, including but not limited to machine learning, Natural Language Processing, large language models, data visualisations, and linked open data, can help streamline and improve editorial workflows. At the same time, it considers how digital editions can break away from static, book-like representations of historical texts, to take full advantage of digital medium—incorporating interactive, multimodal, and networked elements, and experimenting with new ways of engaging and digitally re-presenting  historical and cultural texts. PhD applicants will be expected to advance the state of the art in digital editing, using their own case study (historical/cultural texts) within their own subject expertise. Historical/literary texts in any language, of any genre are welcome. 

Successful candidates will have academic experience in textual cultural data, editing historical texts, scholarly digital editing, text encoding, or machine learning and AI, or will be able to show how their interests and experience align with the project.

About the supervisor

Isabella is a Lecturer in Digital Humanities in the Digital Humanities Institute (DHI), with a particular research focus on the intersection between digital philology and digital editing, text and data analysis, cultural analytics, digital archives, mediaeval and early modern studies, mercantile and transcultural mediaeval cultures. To find out more about Isabella's research interests and publications, please visit her University staff profile. 

We would advise that you get in touch with Isabella directly (via i.magni@sheffield.ac.uk) to outline your proposed research proposal. This will allow us to ensure that your application is relevant to the DHI, and also that we have suitable expertise to supervise your project. This is the first step in the application process. 

About the Digital Humanities Institute (DHI)

Established in 1994, the DHI’s mission is to support the innovative use of technology and computation within arts, humanities and heritage research as both a method of inquiry and a means of dissemination. Digital culture is everywhere, and it is driven by cultural data.

We collaborate with a wide range of academic and research colleagues, as well as professionals in the heritage, culture and information industries, across the UK and internationally on funded projects with a computational component or digital output. Since the DHI was established, we have delivered over 120 externally funded research projects, collaborated with more than 125 external partners, and received grants from 39 funders.

Our expertise include database development, computational ontologies, natural language processing, computational linguistics, data visualisation and 3D, user-centred design and mobile apps.

In addition to the digital expertise within our institute, you will have access to our diverse range of research expertise across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, allowing you to explore your research interests in depth, collaborate with a wide range of researchers and gain insight from different perspectives. 

To find out more about the DHI’s research, please visit our DHI research website. 

As a student you will also be part of our supportive research community in the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities. You can find out more about our School and research culture on our School website.