1^st International Conference on Digital Science in Culture

We are proud to announce the inaugural conference of the new international conference series on DIGITAL SCIENCE, organized by the German University of Digital Science. This conference focuses on the theme “Digital Tools and Methods in Cultural Sectors, and Implications for Society.”

Date: November 28-29, 2024

Location: German University of Digital Science, Potsdam, Germany

Key Information

• Abstract Submission Deadline: October 15, 2024
• Registration Opens: October 15, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: October 30, 2024
• Conference Dates: November 28-29, 2024
• Paper Submission Deadline: January 10, 2025
• Paper Notifications: March 7, 2025
• Camera-Ready Completion Deadline: April 4, 2025
• Scheduled Publication Date: 2025

The Conference Program is available for download HERE.

Conference Theme

In recent years, digital tools and methods have increasingly influenced cultural sectors. This conference showcases the plurality of approaches and latest innovations for the protection, analysis, and presentation of cultural heritage. It fosters critical discussions on the challenges and ethical considerations of managing cultural data. Additionally, it explores how digital approaches are driving novel cultural practices. Covering diverse fields such as museums, corporations, academic institutions, art, our relationship with nature, and social connectedness, the conference brings together researchers, scholars, and practitioners to exchange insights and seek new collaborative opportunities.

Call for Papers

We invite proposals for papers, symposia and workshops on a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence in Cultural Heritage: Applications of AI in the protection, analysis, and presentation of cultural heritage, including automating preservation techniques, uncovering patterns in large datasets, enhancing accessibility, and supporting interactive cultural experiences.
• Protection, Conservation, Restoration, and Preservation (PCRP) of Cultural Heritage: Advanced methods for safeguarding both physical and digital heritage, integrating innovative technologies and practices.
• Cross-Reality Technologies (AR/MR/XR/VR) for Cultural Heritage: Utilizing immersive technologies to create interactive, multisensory experiences that bring cultural heritage to life, supporting learning, distribution and re-use of cultural assetts.
• Data Acquisition and Processing for Cultural Heritage: Techniques for capturing, digitizing, and processing cultural heritage data, such as 3D scanning or metadata creation.
• Data Modelling, Analysis, Knowledge Management, and Display: Approaches to organizing, analyzing, and representing cultural heritage data, including through visual, sonic, or other modalities, as well as interactive formats to make information accessible and engaging.
• Digital Approaches to Documentation, Dissemination, and Utilization of Cultural Heritage: Leveraging digital tools for documenting heritage, sharing it globally, and developing tools for research and education.
• e-Infrastructures, Sustainability, and Long-Term Preservation of Digital Cultural Heritage: Ensuring robust, scalable digital infrastructures that support long-term access, sustainable management, and preservation of cultural heritage data.
• Addressing Archival Silences, Biases, and Gaps in Cultural Heritage Collections: Critical analysis of missing voices or biases in collections, with strategies for inclusivity and correcting historical imbalances.
• Power-Critical Analysis of Historical Data Creation, Processing, and Archiving: Investigating how power dynamics influence the creation and preservation of historical data, focusing on ethical and inclusive practices.
• Evaluation of Information Infrastructures and Authority Data: Examining the systems that validate and maintain cultural heritage data, including their governance, biases, and transparency.
• Digital Innovation for Accessibility and Inclusivity: Developing cutting-edge digital methods and platforms to democratize access to cultural heritage, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering inclusivity.
• Digital Science to Explore Relations between Culture and the Natural World: While ecosystems may influence regional culture, the primary focus is on understanding how culture affects ecosystems. By using digital tools and methods, this approach supports sustainability efforts, e. g., by critically examining cultural impacts across history.
• From Digital Innovation to Culture: How digital tools and methods shape culture, introducing new social practices. This theme reflects on technology-driven trends, opportunities, and risks across fields like business, art, education, and others.
• Digital Science in Institutions: Museums, corporations, and schools may cultivate distinct cultures. This theme explores how digital science can preserve, communicate, and evolve such cultural practices.

Key information is summarized in the Call for Proposals.

Invited Submissions

We welcome proposals for:

• Papers: Individual or group research presentations (20-minute input, 10-minute discussion).
• Workshops: Interactive, skill-building sessions (90 minutes as a standard; time-adjustable).
• Symposia: Thematic discussions with 3-4 related papers (90 minutes total).
• Displays/Demos: Media exhibits or artistic installations presenting cultural data or utilizing digital approaches to enable new cultural practices (can remain in the showroom throughout the conference days)

Submission Requirements

• Paper: Title, max 300-word abstract and 150-word speaker bio, up to 5 keywords and 3 references.
• Workshop: Title, max 300-word abstract and 150-word bio per session chair, up to 5 keywords and 3 references, maximum participant count, and any tooling or room needs.
• Symposium: Thematic introduction and 3-4 papers. For each: title, max 300-word abstract, up to 5 keywords and 3 references, and max 150-word bio per speaker.
• Display/Demo: Title, max 300-word abstract, a 150-word author bio, up to 5 keywords, and 3 references. You may include photos, videos, or links to web resources. Indicate if you wish to leave the installation in the showroom throughout the conference and/or if you want to host a demo (specify duration).

How to Submit

Send your proposal via email to conf-office@german-uds.de by October 15, 2024. Abstract decisions will be announced by October 25, 2024.

We look forward to your presentation of innovative research at the intersection of digital science and culture.

Publication

Accepted conference contributions will be invited to submit full papers for publication in the conference’s Springer-Nature proceedings volume, scheduled for 2025. Full papers must be submitted by January 10, 2025, not exceeding 12 pages in total, following the Springer-Nature template. After a double-blind peer review, notifications will be sent by March 7, 2025, with the final camera-ready version due by April 4, 2025. Authors of accepted papers are required to pay a 200 € contribution towards publication costs, due by April 4, 2025. This fee is separate from the conference registration fee.

Conference Tickets

On-Site (Regular): 270 €
Online (Regular): 120 €
On-Site (Students): 100 €
Online (Students): 50 €

You can reserve your place at the conference dinner by emailing conf-office@german-uds.de (cost: 60 €, payable at the event).

Presentations and Co-Work

Beyond inspiring presentations, the venue at German UDS offers convenient co-working spaces where you can discuss your next project collaborations with new partners you get to meet at the conference.

Directions to the Venue

The conference takes place at the German University of Digital Science, Marlene-Dietrich-Allee 14, 14482 Potsdam.

You can find more detailed directions to the venue here.

Contact Information

The conference is organized by:

• Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel
• Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen
• Dr. Sree Ganesh Thottempudi
• Dr. Julia von Thienen

For any questions, please contact us at: conf-office@german-uds.de.