The AIUCD 2023 conference (5-7 June 2022 – University of Siena) aims to explore digital memory, and forms of textuality (intended in a broad and transversal sense) and of Knowledge Organization. Particular attention will be given to theoretical and methodological reflections in the following fields/areas: digital philology and computational analysis, the organization and preservation of digital and digitally born collections, the application of artificial intelligence techniques, and the problems concerning digital heritage preservation.
Possible topics of interest include but are not limited to:
(1) Archives, Digital Editions, Knowledge Organization
We welcome methodological reflections on the organization and management of digital collections, including collections of audio and oral materials, as well as papers exploring techniques and critical issues in the field of digitization and the management of born-digital Cultural Heritage. The themes that consider areas relevant to Digital Scholarly Editions are explored, with particular attention to reflections on the Knowledge Organization and on the use of Semantic Web technologies and Linked Open Data.
(2) Computational analysis of texts
We welcome papers analyzing methods and tools for the computational analysis of texts, including historical reflections on the evolution of research leading to the most recent theoretical frameworks. Particularly relevant are approaches to the analysis of literary texts and corpora which consider on the one hand computational models for literary criticism and, on the other, research in the area of computational linguistics, including NLP techniques. In this section we also welcome reflections on methods and projects not strictly linked to the Humanities.
(3) Artificial Intelligence and models applied to Cultural Heritage
We welcome theoretical papers or projects on the application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to material and immaterial cultural heritage, including experiments in the generation of texts, images, and code. This section also encompasses reflections and experiments in the field of translation (both literary and non-literary) and in the field of virtual restoration, as well as the creation of models for the representation of Cultural Heritage.
(4) Preservation of memory and digital heritage
We welcome proposals on the preservation of memory and Cultural Heritage, including specific reflections on the preservation of the results of DH research and digital scientific projects. Papers on infrastructural criticalities and on sustainability issues of projects related to the digitization and conservation of born digital collections are encouraged, as well as proposals for the implementation of good practices that guarantee, in addition to preservation, also effective access to the Heritage.
Participants in the conference can present a paper or a poster. Workshops (2 hours each) will also be held during the morning on the first day of the conference.
When submitting their paper or poster, authors should specify in which way they would like to take part in the conference. However, based on the peer review process, the Scientific Committee will decide whether the accepted contribution is more suitable for an oral communication or a poster presentation. It should be noted that there is no difference in quality between the paper and poster presentations. Generally papers are usually more suitable for theoretical and methodological reflections, also connected to field experiences; posters, possibly accompanied by demos, are more effective in describing specific projects, tools, and digital resources.
Proposals for papers should be sent in the form of a contribution of a minimum of three (3) pages up to a maximum of five (5) pages, bibliography included. If the proposal is accepted, the maximum length of the final contribution will be six (6) pages (excluding bibliography).
Poster proposals must consist of a one (1) to two (2) page submission, including bibliography. If the proposals are accepted, the maximum length of the final contribution will be two (2) pages (including bibliography).
Workshop proposals must consist of a contribution of one (1) to five (5) pages, bibliography included. If the proposals are accepted, the maximum length of the final contribution will be six (6) pages (including bibliography).
The presentation format of the interventions must comply with the template and the indications found on the information page for authors.
Contributions must be sent using the EasyChair platform
The paper must be anonymized by removing the names of the authors and internal references, as far as possible, without preventing an accurate evaluation of the proposal by the reviewers.
It is possible to present at most two proposals from two different areas of the call as first contributor. During the conference it is possible to discuss a maximum of two contributions as author or co-author, among those possibly accepted.
The official languages of the conference are Italian and English. Choosing one or the other for the contribution is not binding for communication during the conference.
Evaluation criteria of the proposals
Proposals will be evaluated through a double-blind review process. Each proposal will be submitted to three reviewers. The evaluation will be conducted upon the basis of the following criteria:
- pertinence of the contribution to the aims of the conference
- originality, relevance and innovative approach of the contribution
- methodological rigour
- critical analysis of the literature on the topic and relevant and updated bibliography
- adequacy of the theoretical and conceptual setting with respect to the reference domain
- quality of the presentation and adequacy of the organization of the contribution
- critical attitude towards the adopted strategies and the tools in use
- replicability of the described results.
Publication of the proceedings
Accepted proposals will be published, before the beginning of the conference, in the Conference Proceedings – including DOI and ISBN, and made freely available on the conference website www.aiucd2023.unisi.it and on the «Umanistica Digitale» website. The opportunity to publish a more extensive version of their contribution in Umanistica Digitale will subsequently be offered to all participants, following a peer-review process.
Giuseppe Gigliozzi Award
AIUCD offers two awards of 300 euros each for non-tenured scholars (students, PhD Candidates, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellows) who will present at the conference. Applicants can apply for the scholarship by ticking the corresponding box in the EasyChair submission portal. Prior to the conference, the AIUCD Board will carry out a preliminary review of all suitable proposals and will produce a list of candidates. The winning applications will be chosen by a jury, upon the basis of the academic quality of the contributions, and will be announced during the conference.
Deadlines
The deadline for the submission of proposals is set for 11.59 pm on February 26, 2023 March 6, 2023 (23.59, CET/GMT+1)
Information on acceptance will be communicated to the authors by April 7, 2023.
The camera-ready version will be received by April 26, 2023.