Project Title (English):
Open Knowledge Ecosystems for the Advancement of Citizen Science
Project Number: No. ZDA-LIP 2025/2
Funding Source: University of Latvia Development Programme with High Impact
Implementation Period: 36 months (2026–2028)
Funding Amount: EUR 300,000
Keywords: citizen science, open data, digital humanities, language technologies, cultural heritage, artificial intelligence
Description
The aim of the project is to develop open knowledge ecosystems and digital solutions that enhance the accessibility of Latvia’s languages and cultural heritage, support their use in research, and foster public participation in knowledge creation.
The ȬPEN project is based on a citizen science approach, integrating researchers, technology developers, cultural heritage institutions, and the public within a shared collaborative environment. The project plans to develop open artificial intelligence solutions, including handwritten text recognition (HTR) and speech recognition models for Latvian, Latgalian, and Livonian languages, while simultaneously strengthening community engagement in heritage digitisation and governance.
The project promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in the fields of digital humanities, linguistics, cultural heritage, and information technologies, while also strengthening the capacity of the University of Latvia in citizen science development and digital innovation.
Main Project Outcomes:
- Open handwritten text recognition (HTR) models for Latvian and Livonian languages;
- Improved Latvian and Latgalian speech recognition model;
- New open datasets (text and speech);
- Recommendations for community engagement in cultural heritage governance;
- Scientific publications and international cooperation;
- Public engagement activities (community digitisation events, seminars, hackathons).
Cooperation Partners:
Internal Partners (University of Latvia)
- Centre for Digital Humanities
- University of Latvia Library
- Livonian Institute in cooperation with:
- Institute of Philosophy and Sociology
- Institute of Biology
- Institute of Latvian History
External Partners
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the UL Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Latvian Open Technology Association
- National Archives of Latvia
Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia
University of Latvia ȬPEN Team
UL Faculty of Humanities – Centre for Digital Humanities
- Sanita Reinsone (Project Lead)
- Ilze Ļaksa-Timinska (Coordinator)
- Luīze Frančeska Dakša
UL Faculty of Humanities Livonian Institute
- Valts Ernštreits
- Gunta Kļava
UL Library
- Uldis Zariņš
- Annija Grīsle
Contact: dhc@lu.lv