Humanitext Project Presented at the Japan Society for Medieval European Studies Seminar

On October 4, 2025, our project member, Ikko Tanaka, delivered a presentation at the 2025 Junior Scholars’ Seminar of the Japan Society for Medieval European Studies (JSMS), titled “Generative AI and the Middle Ages,” held at Keio University’s Hiyoshi Campus.

This seminar was designed to explore the potential and challenges that the rapid advancement of generative AI brings to the research and education of medieval European studies. With the participation of AI development and research specialists, it provided a valuable opportunity for multifaceted discussions, covering everything from specific use cases to ethical considerations.

Dr. Tanaka’s presentation was titled “Philology and Data Infrastructure in the Age of Generative AI: From Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages.” Drawing on his experience in developing AI for textual scholarship through the Humanitext project, he discussed the essential requirements for creating systems that truly meet the needs of researchers, not only in the field of classical studies but also in medieval studies.

The event was a great success, attracting an audience of 100 participants and filling the venue with enthusiasm, indicating the high level of interest in this topic within the academic community. The Humanitext project will continue to share its insights in such interdisciplinary forums and contribute to the future of humanities research.