The View From: Visiting Researchers
Last term, the Landecker Digital Memory Lab welcomed visiting researchers from University of Bern, Dr Mykola Makhortykh and Maryna Sydorova who specialise in humanities and data science with a particular interest in machine learning and AI. Find out about the productive knowledge exchange that took place.
by Prof. Victoria Grace Richardson-Walden, in conversation with Dr Mykola Makhortykh and Maryna Sydorova
Prof. Victoria Grace Richardson-Walden: So, Mykola and Maryna, what did you do during your time with us at the University of Sussex?
Dr Mykola Makhortykh: We did a lot in two weeks. We agreed to do a symposium on the use of AI for producing historical knowledge and possible considerations regarding it, and a guest lecture about some of our ongoing projects on the use of AI for (mis)representing modern armed conflicts.
We also brainstormed future collaborations with the Lab team and possible funding applications.
The Lab’s director Prof. Victoria Grace Richardson-Walden prepared a schedule of daily to-dos, so we got our fellowship period planned in lots of detail.
For me, it worked really well and I think we had an incredibly productive time both in terms of networking with Lab members and other Sussex scholars. We got a lot done in terms of advancing some existing and preparing future projects. Also, massive thanks to Dr Kate Marrison for ensuring that I did not get lost in the labyrinth-like Sussex campus hallways.
Maryna Sydorova: I also found the stay at the Lab incredibly inspiring and productive. I was impressed by the collaborative and dynamic environment created by the Lab team.
Excellent scheduling allowed us to enhance planned activities with spontaneous brainstorming sessions, which often led to great ideas and insights. One of the highlights was the possibility of engaging with the Lab members and exploring how diverse methodologies can be integrated into our research. We also got some inspiring ideas that I believe have great potential for impactful future projects.
VGRW: Tell us a bit more about the symposium and the guest lecture
MM: During the symposium held in the Sussex Digital Humanities Lab, we met with members of the Lab team, together with other colleagues from across the University of Sussex, to discuss how different forms of AI interact with diverse types of historical knowledge (from individual biographies to collective memories) and what the challenges of studying these interactions are, as well as how we can try to nudge these interactions into more constructive directions.
The session was designed in a way influenced by the Falmer method to organise the discussion and solicit initial reflections. (This approach was new to me and I learned that it was born at the University of Sussex!).
Maryna and I shared datasets regarding AI-based representations of historical knowledge that we established in Bern (specifically, regarding the Holocaust) to think together with symposium participants about what kind of analyses we can run to better understand the data.
MS: For me, one of the most engaging parts of the symposium was the spirit of non-hierarchical collaboration, with the range of perspectives brought in by the participants, who came from varied disciplines and included undergraduates through to professors!
It was fascinating to see how the group tackled complex questions, such as the ethical implications of AI in representing sensitive historical events like the Holocaust, while also brainstorming innovative ways to approach these challenges.
The guest lecture, which we presented as part of the Sussex AI seminar series, was an excellent opportunity to showcase some of our ongoing projects regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the role of AI in representing and misrepresenting it. I particularly enjoyed sharing insights on how AI can both inform and distort perceptions of modern armed conflicts and receiving feedback from the audience on this timely, important topic.
VGRW: Did you feel your stay at the Landecker Digital Memory Lab was productive?
MM: It certainly was. Besides the events mentioned above, we did concrete planning and writing for a book proposal, looked into the possibility of doing a small AI and memory art project, and planned a networking grant submission. For me, it was one of the most productive periods of the year.
MS: Our stay at the Lab was very productive! We advanced several ongoing projects, explored a number of innovative ideas during brainstorming sessions, and planned future collaborations and funding applications.
Beyond these tangible outcomes, I also feel that working with the Lab was very useful for expanding my perspective on interdisciplinary approaches to studying AI and memory. It made the stay deeply enriching on a personal and professional level.
VGRW: How did you both like Brighton?
MM: At some point, Victoria told us that Brighton is one of those places which you either hate or you never want to leave after you get there. I see where the feeling of never wanting to leave comes from. While we had a couple of winter storms during our stay, we had a fair share of sunny days, so we walked on the beach almost daily. Also, a special callout for Brighton Curry at Upper St James’s Street for serving the best Indian food I ever ate.
MS: Brighton’s beach was an absolute highlight of my stay. Walking along the shore, feeling the sea breeze, and watching the vibrant life around the pier was so invigorating. It offered a perfect balance to the intense work at the Lab and became our go-to spot, both for unwinding and for reflecting.
VGRW: Do you have any particular highlight of your stay?
MM: I absolutely loved working at the library of the Centre for German-Jewish Studies at University of Sussex, probably the cosiest university library I have ever worked in. It reminded me of my childhood (what you get as a second-generation academic!). Besides that, a half-day farewell trip to Lewes organised by Victoria was just incredible.
MS: Another fantastic experience was visiting the Seven Sisters, which is just an hour by bus from Brighton. Hiking along the (very well-marked) trails provided stunning views.