Join us for the launch of AI and Smart Data for Cultural Heritage: Global Achievements and China’s Innovations, edited by Xiaoguang Wang, Marcia Lei Zeng, Jin Gao and Ke Zhao, and published as part of the Digital Humanities and Intelligent Computing open‑access book series (Routledge / Taylor & Francis).

Event Information

• Open to All
• This event is free, but registration is required.

Organiser

King’s College London, Wuhan University, University College London

About the Event

This book launch of AI and Smart Data for Cultural Heritage: Global Achievements and China's Innovations, the latest volume in the Digital Humanities and Intelligent Computing series, brings together scholars and practitioners working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, smart data, and cultural heritage.

The event marks a collaboration between King’s College London, Wuhan University, and University College London, building on existing research connections in digital humanities and information studies. It precedes the Digital Conference 2026 (23-26 June 2026) organised by the Department of Digital Humanities of King’s College London.

The programme features contributions from chapter authors and invited speakers, alongside a presentation of the book series and the launch of the call for papers for the next volume. The event will conclude with a poster session and drinks reception, providing opportunities for informal discussion and networking.

Agenda

• 16:15–16:30 — Registration
• 16:30–16:40 — Welcome

Dr. Barbara McGillivray, Senior Lecturer, Department of Digital Humanities, KCL

• 16:40–17:10 — Opening Remarks

Prof Graham Wynn, Vice President (Education & Student Success)

Prof. Abigail Williams, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, KCL

Representative, Wuhan University

Representative, the Chinese Embassy in London

Dr Virginia Crisp, Head of Arts Cluster, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, KCL

Dr Michael Marcinkowski (Pro-Vice-Dean, Professional Education)

Dr Niki Cheong, Department Education Lead, Department of Digital Humanities, KCL

• 17:10–17:30 — Introduction to the Book and the Series

Ms. Carolyn Kirby, VP Commercial Lead, EMENA, Taylor & Francis

Prof. Xiaoguang Wang, Dean and Professor, School of Information Management, Wuhan University

• 17:30–18:30 — Speakers’ Presentations: Cultural Heritage, Computing & Global Perspectives

Prof. Marcia Lei Zeng, School of Information, Kent State University, USA

Dr Vassilis Routsis, Lecturer in Technologies in the Digital Humanities, Department of Information Studies, University College London

Dr Eva Nieto-McAvoy, Lecturer in Digital Media, Department of Digital Humanities, King’s College London

Qiongpei Kong, PhD candidate, Department of Digital Humanities, King’s College London

• 18:30–18:40 — Call for Papers: Volume 3

Dr Jin Gao, Lecturer in Digital Archives, Department of Information Studies, University College London

• 18:40–19:30 — Poster Session & Drinks Reception

About the Book

AI and Smart Data for Cultural Heritage, the second volume in the biannual series Global Achievements and China’s Innovations, explores the transformation of Digital Humanities (DH) research by AI and smart data, offering global perspectives on innovative methodologies and practices in cultural heritage, with contributions from Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

Moving from big data to smart data and into the AI era, DH researchers continue to develop new concepts, methodologies and practices. Smart data, which provides insights from trusted, contextualised, cognitive, predictive and consumable data at any scale, will continue to hold significant value in our field with AI providing additional support. Addressing both approach and practice, this volume presents the latest advancements and trends in AI and smart data for cultural heritage in DH. It also makes a valuable contribution to critical theories, methods and practices for leveraging these technologies in cultural heritage.

AI and Smart Data for Cultural Heritage: Global Achievements and China’s Innovations will be published with Routledge in June 2026. DOI: 10.4324/9781003666530

The editors:

Xiaoguang Wang, Dean and Professor, School of Information Management, Wuhan University, China

Marcia Lei Zeng, Professor, School of Information, Kent State University, USA

Jin Gao, Lecturer in Digital Archives, Department of Information Studies, University College London

Ke Zhao, Research Fellow, School of Information Management, Wuhan University, China

Dietary:

Refreshments will include vegetarian and vegan options. If you have any additional dietary requirements, please don't hesitate to get in touch at rachele.rosina@kcl.ac.uk and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Accessibility:

For accessibility information, including directions and facilities, can be found here. For any further accessibility needs, email rachele.rosina@kcl.ac.uk.