Interested in history, researching your family history or exploring Russian history? Join us on Wednesday 2 December for a workshop on the values that matter when using AI to explore historical archives.
AI makes historical archives easier to search, but it can also overlook important nuances or present events from a single perspective. Take Tsar Alexander II, for example. Some regarded him as a reformer, while others believed his reforms did not go far enough. Who decides which values and perspectives matter when AI interprets historical sources?
In this workshop, organised by Waag Futurelab and TNO, you'll explore the values that should guide how AI searches and interprets historical sources. Your experiences and insights will contribute to the further development of GPT-NL, a Dutch language model. As a thank you for taking part, you'll receive a book voucher.
What will we do?
During the workshop, you'll work with Dutch newspaper articles about the assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881. Using GPT-NL, we'll explore:
- how AI can help search for, select and summarise historical sources;
- how AI handles different perspectives, historical context and changing social norms;
- which values matter when using AI for historical research, and how users can help shape its development.
Waag Futurelab and TNO will use the insights from the workshop to develop recommendations for improving GPT-NL.
Who is the workshop for?
The workshop is open to anyone interested in historical research and AI. This includes people researching their family history or with an interest in Russian history, as well as journalists, history students, historians and archive professionals.
You don't need any prior knowledge of Tsar Alexander II or experience with GPT-NL. Whether you explore historical sources out of personal interest or use them professionally, your experiences and perspectives are valuable to this research.
Practical information
| Date: | Wednesday 2 december |
| Time: | 19:00 - 21:30 |
| Location: | Waag Futurelab, Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam |
| Costs: | Free |
| Compensation: | A book voucher for participants |
We kindly ask you to bring your own laptop to the workshop.
Sign up for the workshop
Would you like to contribute your perspective on the values that matter when using AI in historical archives? Please register by Wednesday 25 November using the registration form. You'll receive further information about the workshop after registering.