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Co-organized by the College of Law and Public Policy (CLPP) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently held a novel colloquium entitled Digital Humanities, Big Data, and the Law. The two-hour colloquium, which was attended by students, staff, faculty, guests as well as members of the public, primarily addressed the multiple uses of big data and computation techniques within humanities, public policy making, and the law. The topic is a diverse and growing field of research that brings technological tools and computing methodologies to the study of humanities.
In broader terms, the colloquium discussed the way in which Middle Eastern culture is being defined and driven by digital culture; how big data has opened up new avenues to study social and political phenomena; and methods for improving the collection of big data. Professor Clinton Francis, dean of CLPP, said: “Our recent colloquium sheds light on digital space and addresses its evolution, especially with regards to user safety, rights and responsibilities of the digital community, and the law.”
“Through in-depth discussions, we were able to capitalize on valuable perspectives offered by the experts in attendance, as well as benefit from compelling views on emerging trends and their accompanying challenges.”
The discussion was attended by several key guests, many of whom contributed to the session as they shared their relevant insight and expertise. Key speakers included faculty member at HBKU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), Dr. Salvino Salvaggio; General Counsel at Siemens Qatar, Martin Schulz; Assistant Professor at CHSS, Dr. Wajdi Zaghouani; Research Director of Social Computing at Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), Dr. Ingmar Weber; and General Manager at ADGS, Christophe Billiottete.
As a notable provider of legal education, both on a national and regional scale, HBKU’s CLPP offers training to students from a variety of disciplines. Professors ensure that students understand the diverse legal systems that inform Qatari law and that govern complex events and transactions. In order to foster growth within the educational system and provide broad opportunities, the College has also developed executive training for government and corporate leaders. CLPP offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, which is the first graduate law degree of its kind in the MENA region.
To find out more about HBKU’s colleges, programs, and research institutes, visit hbku.edu.qa.