JADH 2026

JADH 2026: Joint Association of Digital Humanities Conference
September 20–25, 2026 | Lège-Cap-Ferret, France

JADH 2026, the premier international conference of the Joint Association of Digital Humanities (JADH), will convene in the picturesque coastal town of Lège-Cap-Ferret, France, from September 20 to 25, 2026. Nestled on the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux, this idyllic location—renowned for its pristine beaches, pine forests, and oyster farming traditions—offers a serene yet inspiring backdrop for interdisciplinary discourse at the intersection of technology, culture, and humanistic inquiry.

Themes and Scope
The conference will explore the transformative potential of digital methods across humanities disciplines under the overarching theme "Digital Futures: Resilience, Ethics, and Creativity." Key tracks include:
- AI and Machine Learning in Humanities: Examining AI-driven text analysis, predictive modeling, and ethical implications of algorithmic bias in cultural heritage.
- Digital Cultural Heritage: Innovations in 3D reconstruction, digital archives, and participatory approaches to preserving intangible traditions.
- Environmental Humanities: Leveraging GIS, remote sensing, and big data to study climate change, coastal ecology, and sustainability narratives.
- Digital Pedagogy and Public Engagement: Tools for inclusive education, citizen science projects, and democratizing access to cultural resources.
- Critical Digital Humanities: Addressing power structures, digital divides, and decolonizing methodologies in technology-driven research.

Program Structure
JADH 2026 will feature a dynamic blend of academic and interactive formats:
- Keynote Lectures: Renowned scholars will address pressing topics, such as "AI Ethics in Cultural Institutions" and "Digital Methods for Climate Resilience."
- Peer-Reviewed Presentations: Panels, workshops, and lightning talks covering theoretical frameworks, case studies, and technical innovations.
- Hands-On Workshops: Training in digital tools like TEI (Text Encoding Initiative), network analysis software (e.g., Gephi), and 3D modeling.
- Special Events: A hackathon focused on coastal heritage preservation, poster sessions, and an evening of digital art installations inspired by Lège-Cap-Ferret’s landscapes.

Venue and Local Context
Hosted at the Centre Culturel et Sportif de Lège-Cap-Ferret, the conference integrates local culture into its program. Optional excursions will include guided tours of Arcachon Bay’s oyster beds, visits to the Dune du Pilat (Europe’s tallest sand dune), and collaborations with regional museums exploring maritime history. This setting encourages dialogue between global digital humanities communities and local stakeholders, fostering innovative solutions for preserving coastal heritage.

Impact and Participation
Expected to draw over 500 attendees—including academics, archivists, artists, technologists, and students—JADH 2026 will prioritize inclusivity through travel grants and hybrid participation options. Post-conference outputs will include open-access proceedings and a white paper on ethical digital practices.

By merging cutting-edge research with the unique environmental and cultural context of Lège-Cap-Ferret, JADH 2026 promises to shape the future of digital humanities while championing responsible innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.