Data-intensive Research Lab (DITLab)

Data-intensive research Laboratory (DITLab) is a shared digital service infrastructure for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). We promote the teaching and development of digital data-driven methods. Our goal is to act as a bridge builder between the fields of computer science, data science and SSH, while providing support for research and teaching.

DITLab focuses on text-based methods, data-intensive research (collection, processing and computational analysis of large datasets) and the long-term development of methodological expertise and teaching. We analyse large bodies of text using corpus-based methods and Natural Language Processing (NLP), bringing together expertise from different fields in areas such as text mining and topic modelling. We also focus on the use, application and development of Large Language Models (LLMs) and deep learning algorithms (neural networks) in research and teaching, as well as data visualization and network analysis.

DITLab offers versatile support to research projects for carrying out data-intensive processes. This support could be in the form of data collection, data structuring and processing of digital research data, as well as the selection, task-specific application and development of digital and data-intensive research methods.

In this way, research projects are able to make more effective use of their data and utilise the project’s resources more purposefully. DITLab’s strategic goal is to strengthen research collaborations within and between various research units and also support UEF researchers and research groups in their applications for competitive research funding.

In sum, DITLab’s strategic objectives are:

1. Consolidate expertise in data-intensive SSH research and provide a forum for interdisciplinary methods development.
2. Increase awareness and competence in data-intensive research methods in SSH, both in research and teaching.

DITLab began operations at the start of 2026. In the initial phase (2026-2027), we collaborate with pilot projects from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Philosophical Faculty.