The ACDH-CH plays an important role in knowledge transfer and dissemination, particularly regarding digital competencies. Knowledge transfer and exchange occurs on multiple levels: within the academy, throughout Austria, and internationally. At these different levels, the institute focuses on two main interfaces: on the one hand, it is concerned with communication within the research community and, on the other, it aims to make research activities accessible to the general public.
Both areas are becoming increasingly important in light of the strong dynamics of methodological transformation and the paradigm shifts that are gaining traction in the humanities. The educational aspect represents a crucial conceptual pillar of the infrastructures that has been developed at the institute or that is currently in development.
Key target groups include not only researchers and institutional stakeholders in the education sector but also the media and the interested public. The increased use of digital spaces and methods has made this even more significant in recent years, as there is now a widespread expectation that research content and results need to be disseminated to the society.
The range of measures that the institute is gradually expanding, evaluating, and optimizing includes science communication and knowledge transfer activities, social media presence (e.g., on X, YouTube link), as well as the creation of teaching and learning materials. The institute collaborates closely with institutions within the academy, as well as with other Austrian and international institutions and research infrastructures. Furthermore, the topics of the institute are taught in university courses and lectures at Austrian universities.
Science communication and knowledge transfer activities include thematic conferences and workshops (see Events), as well as established event series like the ACDH-CH Tool Galleries and ACDH-CH Lectures, which have been running since 2015. Since 2022, a new event series, the ACDH-CH Research Days, has also been introduced. Additionally, ACDH-CH is involved in numerous training schools. Another established initiative is the ACDH-CH internships programme, which has been running since 2017, allowing students to gain practical work experience and insight into the functioning of a research institute with a focus on digital methods.
A key point for the institute in terms of knowledge transfer is the effort to ensure the long-term availability of the expertise conveyed through open teaching and learning materials published on platforms like DARIAH-Campus (link) (see online learning materials).
In the area of public engagement, the institute regularly participates in large science outreach events such as "Lange Nacht der Forschung," "European Researchers' Night," or in special events for children like for example the Vienna Children’s University, as well as in science talks, and panel discussions in various contexts. Furthermore, the ACDH-CH designs and organizes its own events targeted to the general public, such as the Campus Festival in honour of Anton Bruckner.
