Digital literary studies, a subsection of the digital humanities, investigate literary research questions using large datasets and quantitative text analyses to reveal hidden structures and patterns. But despite its potential, this relatively young research area is often lacking representation and systematic bundling of methods.
Researchers in the working group British Literature and Cultural Studies are now closing this gap by establishing the new research group Computational Literary Systems (CLS). The aim is to effectively bundle existing knowledge, support methodological development and strengthen cooperation. Whilst regional meetings promote the networking of initiatives and researchers within digital literary studies, monthly talks featuring guests from Germany and across Europe provide valuable opportunities for professional exchange and collaborative projects. Over the long term, this will enable the development of a tightly knit network capable of pooling resources, purposefully advancing research in a targeted manner and creating synergies across several research areas.
Further aims for the proposed funding period include increased collaboration between the faculty for linguistics and literary studies and the Data Science Center, as well as the Digital Humanities at the SuUB. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance the networking of researchers in the field of CLS as well as the promotion of future collaborations. A blog for the research group is intended to further enhance visibility and networking by providing transparent access to research projects within the CLS. Ultimately, the aim is to establish the research group at the University of Bremen as its central hub in the long term.
As such, the project not only bundles theories and methods of the digital literary studies and CLS but also lays the foundation for future collaborations and interdisciplinary projects. This will enhance the visibility of this dynamic field of research in the long term and strengthen its further development in a targeted manner.
Anyone interested is warmly invited to attend the launch of the newly established research group on June 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in Room 5220 of the MZH. Please register for the event by sending an email to compulitprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
Funding recipient:
Dr. Julia Ditter (Faculty 10 – Linguistics and Literary Studies)
Prof. Dr. Ursula Kluwick (Faculty 10 – Linguistics and Literary Studies)
Kevin Wolf, M.A. (Faculty 10 – Linguistics and Literary Studies)
Funding period:
1st May 2026 – 31st March 2027
Are you interested in the DSC Seed Grant?
You can find more information about the DSC Seed Grant here.
For questions, please contact:
Dr. Lena Steinmann
DSC Coordinator
Tel. +49 (421) 218 - 63941
E-Mail: lena.steinmannprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
