Digital Humanities Hub
The Digital Humanities Hub was established as part of a collaborative in-house project between professional services and academic researchers to enhance the quality of Arts and Humanities research at the University of Reading and promote innovation through DH principles, digital tools and methodologies.
The project was established with RETF funding and is a key part of the University of Reading’s long-term strategy for the Heritage & Creativity (H&C) theme, spearheaded by Roberta Gilchrist, Research Dean. The first phase of the project (2021-23) established a sustainable base for Digital Humanities support within the University Library.
The Library serves as the entry point to a cross-service team that combines expertise from the University Library and Collections Services, DTS, and Research Services (RES), working closely with academic colleagues. Digital Humanities is also integrated with existing Research Engagement support provided within the Library, including Open Access and Open Research.
The project’s main outcomes were as follows:
- An online resource (i.e. this website) providing access to internal and external resources, training, and guidance to help researchers develop ideas for employing digital approaches in research
- Face-to-face support, including drop-in surgeries, facilitation of best practice workshops and networking events
- Collaborative support for the development of grant proposals that involve a digital element, overseen by RES and provided from across the Hub team
- Establishment of and support for a scholarly community based around the principles of Digital Humanities research, including a Community of Practice, led by the Academic Champion
- Development of new processes and approaches to support provision for research projects, in conjunction with DTS and UMASCS
The DH Hub team undertook a consultancy exercise across the H&C theme and met with researchers representing all divisions to gain insight into the areas to prioritise for support. The support we provide is directly informed by the needs of our research community, and this dialogue remains open.
Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Digital Humanities
Following the success of the Digital Humanities Hub, the Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Digital Humanities was created in August 2025 to help position the University of Reading as a global leader in cross-disciplinary digital scholarship, bridging Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Key Priorities and Objectives of the Centre include:
- Enhancing interdisciplinary digital research by bringing together diverse expertise across the University
- Developing a collaborative model of shared ownership by integrating professional services leaders into the research process
- Supporting the University’s strategic priorities by advancing institutional aims related to Open Research, AI, and digital sustainability
- Increasing grant acquisition and building institutional capacity through structured support and mentorship for academics
- Fostering partnerships with cultural institutions and industry by co-developing projects with external stakeholders that promote the integration of leading digital research and practice
- Contributing to the University’s Research Culture Project by exemplifying a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment that encourages interdisciplinarity