LABORATORY HISTORY

Introductory Remarks

In the field of humanities in general and in the context of modern theological and religious research in particular, manuscripts in their various manifestations constitute a fundamental source for research and study. Moreover, the study of the transition of religious knowledge from manuscript to printed and then to digital form is recognized as crucial in our multi-cultural and multi-religious society.

On this perspective in 2018-2019, the Manuscripts’ Digital Research and Study Laboratory was established at the University of Athens/Department of Social Theology and the Study of Religion (F.E.K. No 601 Issue 2, February 26th, 2019). Later in the same year, Dr. George Filias, Professor in collaboration with the Dr. Athanasios Antonopoulos, Assistant Professor, they approached various research organizations, as for example the Early Manuscripts Electronic Library (EMEL) to discuss in detail the development of the laboratory in terms of its research collaborations with the international scientific institutions and organizations both in Europe and in the United States of America (U.S.A.).

Research and Academic Aims

Along with its cooperative parties, the Λaboratory seeks to:

• Develop and implement innovative technological solutions to various research questions in manuscripts’ study and preservation.
• Train undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as scholars in the theory and application of imaging and analytical technologies to manuscripts, as well as the research methodologies of digital humanities.
• Provide image processing, data management, infrastructure, and administrative support for research projects on manuscripts.
• Facilitate digital access to manuscripts in research and provides the appropriate tools for the preparation of critical editions performed by the laboratory’s affiliated scholars and students.
• Organize conferences and symposia on the manuscripts’ research.