23/01/2026
Unlocking history with AI 🔑
FAU computer scientists are embarking on two groundbreaking projects to unlock the secrets of historical documents, backed by approximately €300,000 in funding from the Schmidt Sciences Humanities and AI Virtual Institute (HAVI). These initiatives aim to revolutionize our access to invaluable historical materials. 📜
Project 1: Rediscovering shorthand manuscripts
Focused on manuscripts from intellectual giants like Kurt Gödel and Erich Kästner, this project employs AI-assisted handwriting recognition to decode the rare Gabelsberger shorthand.
By making these writings machine-readable, they're bringing significant historical and intellectual content back to life.
Project 2: Reviving damaged ancient texts
Utilizing advanced imaging techniques like multispectral imaging and x-ray computed tomography, this project seeks to decipher severely damaged texts such as the Herculaneum scrolls and Manichaean papyrus codices.
By collaborating with international experts, the team is developing AI tools to interpret text and suggest content for missing sections, effectively stitching history back together.
These projects exemplify the synergy between AI and the humanities, creating universal tools to address historical mysteries. 🔮
And don't forget - last year, we reported on the inaugural project in this innovative series, which you can still explore.
Let's continue to bridge the gap between technology and humanities for a brighter future! 🙌
(Images: top: FAU/Boris Mijat, bottom: Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli "Vittorio Emanuele III"/EduceLab, University of Kentucky, background: Critical online edition of the diaries of Michael Kardinal von Faulhabers (1911–1952))