International Congress on the History of Informatics
When the topics related to the development of informatics, which is defined as “the science of processing information, which is the basis of science and used by human beings in their communication in technical, economic and social fields, in an orderly and rational manner, especially through electronic machines” (Turkish Language Society) are examined, it is understood that the subject dates back to 3000 BC and Mesopotamia. Studies on the history of informatics focus on different periods of history and various regions of the world.
In parallel with technological developments, historical studies have recently experienced a major transformation thanks to digital technologies and their applications. Today, historians and researchers use digital tools and technologies to analyse historical data, archives and collections in new and innovative ways.
The digitisation of historical archives and collections has transformed the way researchers engage with the past by providing access to previously inaccessible material. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also increasingly utilized to analyse historical data and gain new insights. The use of data visualisation and other forms of digital humanities in historical research enables the creation of dynamic and interactive representations of historical data.
However, the growing reliance on digitisation and data-driven approaches raises important ethical questions about the ownership and management of historical data. The history of informatics has played an important role in shaping the development of information technologies and their impact on society.
Historical analysis also informs the development and application of informatics today. As a result, the intersection of informatics and history has opened new avenues for research and analysis, providing valuable insights into the past and helping us understand the present. The use of digital tools and technologies has transformed the study of history, allowing historical data and materials to be explored in ways that were once unimaginable. However, we must also be mindful of the ethical implications of digitalisation and data-driven approaches, and work to preserve and access digital cultural heritage in responsible and sustainable ways. The International Congress on the History of Informatics provides an opportunity to continue the dialogue around these important issues, and to explore new possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
In addition to analysing the historical development of informatics from antiquity to the present day, the congress will cover various topics such as the utilization of history as a tool in computer science education and how to exhibit objects related to the history of informatics in museums. In addition to history, several disciplines including computer sciences, informatics, cognitive science, educational sciences, economics, philosophy, physics, statistics, mathematics, architecture, psychology, sociology, urban planning and settlement archaeology are expected to contribute to the congress. We welcome papers that present new perspectives, theories and empirical evidence on the history of informatics.
The aim of the congress, which is planned to be organised for the first time in Türkiye in collaboration of Turkish Historical Society and Middle East Technical University, is to bring together the leading national and international experts and researchers through a scientific event that addresses the subject in a multidisciplinary manner. We invite academics, researchers and practitioners to submit original and unpublished papers that address the following themes, but not limited to these, and contribute to the field of history of informatics.
TOPICS:
History of Informatics and Computing
History of Digitalization and Digital History
Computational and Digital Archives
History and Digitization of Urban-Rural Spaces
Archaeological History and Computational Archaeology
Historical Re-Creations: GPS and Historical Spaces
History and Globalization of Knowledge
AI, Image Processing and History
Museums and History of Informatics
Computers & Computing in Visual Studies
Teaching History of Computing
Use of Computing in Teaching of History
Use of Big Data in History