“Bibliotheca Diocesis Macaonensis” is an ambitious, long-term digital humanities project aimed at supporting research on the history of the Diocese of Macau and Catholic missions in East and Southeast Asia. Adopting a multidisciplinary perspective, the project is supported by robust historical research infrastructure utilising computerised data analysis enhanced by artificial intelligence, big data and machine learning technologies.
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) is collaborating with the University of Minho on this project, through the ALGORITMI Centre and the LASI – Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both institutions in March last year.
The project has been in development at USJ for several years and forming the right partnerships has been a crucial step in its progress. The university has systematically worked with collections from various archives and libraries worldwide, notably the exceptional collections from two collaborative partners namely the Portuguese Foreign Affairs Archives and Library, and the Ajuda National Palace Library. This invaluable partnership has enabled significant progress towards the realisation of this project.
USJ hopes to attract more institutions from around the world to participate and welcomes volunteers. Individual researchers interested in getting involved should contact USJ at bdm@usj.edu.mo.
The project is set to launch in 2026 to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Macau on 23 January 1576. This milestone is a celebration of the region’s history and a commitment to preserving and understanding its cultural heritage.
Source: USJ