Victims. Perpetrators. Data. Entity, Identity and Documentation in Holocaust Research and Remembrance

EHRI-ERIC transnational interdisciplinary seminar by EHRI-AT and EHRI-DE.

Date: 28. – 30. September 2026

Location: Former St. Pölten Synagoge

This transnational seminar is dedicated to the methodological and ethical reorientation of Holocaust research in the digital age. The central question is how the historical identities of victims, perpetrators and those persecuted can be translated from fragmented archives and scattered data silos into precise digital entities. Using innovative techniques such as automated text recognition (HTR), spatial analysis (GIS) and data science methods, researchers will discuss the technical tools and, at the same time, their ethical limits.

The programme combines practical insights into working with large databases of personal and documentary records with fundamental reflections on data protection, the protection of individual dignity and the responsibility of a victim-centred culture of remembrance.

The seminar is not open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please send an email to office@injoest.ac.at.

Organisation

EHRI-AT:

Benjamin GRILJ, Sabine HÖDL (Institute for Jewish History in Austria (Injoest))
Susanne BETZ, Peter STADLBAUER (National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism)
Wolfgang SCHELLENBACHER (Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW))

EHRI-DE:

Johannes MEERWALD (EHRI-DE/Center for Holocaust Studies (Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History))