Its many projects, which combine contemporary history with cutting-edge research on the methodological and epistemological consequences of the digital turn for the science of history and humanities, have earned the C2DH the recognition of its peers and consolidated its position as an international hub for reflection on history in the digital age.
Some of its most prestigious results include the launch of the Journal of Digital History and the publication of three thematic book series in partnership with academic publisher De Gruyter. Over the past five years, the C2DH has also built an extensive network of partners in Europe and the United States, where it has a particularly close partnership with the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University in Washington.
But the C2DH is determined not to remain in an academic ivory tower. It is committed to scientific outreach and knowledge sharing, and its multiple activities in these fields have given it broad visibility in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. Public events – especially the “Forum Z” interactive lecture cycle – as well as several digital exhibitions and cooperation with local cultural players have positioned the C2DH as a key mediator in the promotion of the history of Luxembourg and border studies. It is keen to establish a dialogue with the public and is an active player in the new public history movement, regularly incorporating participatory practices in its research with the aim of engaging with citizens.
On 25 May 2022, the whole C2DH family – every member of which has played its part in building the centre –, came together to celebrate its fifth birthday.
Andreas Fickers, Director of the C²DH, Stéphane Pallage, Rector of the University of Luxembourg, Yuriko Backes, Minister of Finance, and Claude Meisch, Minister for Higher Education and Research, looked back over the past five years, emphasising the importance of history in today’s challenging world and congratulating the centre for its achievements.
Following these opening addresses, Johanna Drucker, Professor of Bibliographical Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), captivated the audience’s attention with a talk entitled “Value Exchange: Digitizing Cultural Knowledge Systems”.
To mark the occasion, the C2DH also published a new brochure presenting its projects and research methods. The brochure, produced with the creative support of ampersand.studio, went on to receive an iF Design Award (Berlin), a DNA Design Award (Paris), a Muse Creative Award (New York), a C2A Creative Communication Award (Los Angeles) and a Gold Award at the 16th International Design Awards (Los Angeles).
