Beginners' workshop on the virtual research environment

The DFG Priority Programme 2361 "On the Way to the Fluvial Anthroposphere" is testing the key hypothesis of the pre-modern genesis of a fluvial anthroposphere. The virtual research environment Spacialist is a central element of the joint work and data-based synthesis in the Priority Programme. Last week, 19 members of the Priority Programme met at the invitation of the Priority Programme’s coordination committee for a beginner's workshop on the virtual research environment.

The first day of the workshop focused on the basic functions of Spacialist. Severin Opel and Vinzenz Rosenkranz, IT developers of the Priority Programme, gave short demonstrations on key features. After the demonstrations, the participants were able to apply their new knowledge in prepared instances.

On the second day of the workshop, the focus shifted to advanced data modelling for the individual projects as well as the requirements and expectations of the project participants for Spacialist. After application orientated data modelling in small groups, all participants were able to contribute their requirements regarding the functionalities of the virtual research environment. In a joint process, most common needs were identified and further developed in working groups. The results of the requirements segment form the basis of a roadmap for the further development of Spacialist.

Further workshops on Spacialist and the data-based synthesis within the Priority Programme are planned for the second half of the year and the next two years; topics and specific dates and locations are yet to be announced. We would like to thank all participants for their active participation and the Digital Humanities Center for running the workshop.

Created by: Martin Offermann