AI & Digital Humanities Lab Established in Qom

The Deputy for Information and Communication Technology at the International Foundation of Revealed Sciences (Esra) announced the launch of a Digital Humanities and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, set to begin operations next week.

Engineer Vahid Ahmadi, Deputy for ICT at the Esra International Foundation, stated that numerous expert sessions over the past year have focused on digital humanities and artificial intelligence, and mentioned that “the outcome of these discussions has been the establishment of a dedicated laboratory, which will commence its activities next week”.

Speaking at a press conference held on the occasion of Research Week, Mr. Ahmadi emphasized the growing importance of digital humanities in today’s research landscape. He noted that the Esra Foundation has accordingly prioritized this field, undertaking substantial efforts over the past year in conceptual development and strategic planning.

He confirmed that the laboratory’s primary focus will be on digital humanities—particularly in the Islamic context—leveraging advanced AI technologies to enhance research capabilities.

Among the key initiatives already undertaken is the development of intelligent search services based on the works and lecture archives of Ayatollah Javadi Amoli. These tools aim to facilitate more effective access to his extensive scholarly corpus.

Ahmadi also highlighted the digital implementation of Ayatollah Javadi Amoli’s works, noting that the next phase involves organizing and presenting these materials on a structured platform. Necessary steps have been completed this year, and the content is currently being uploaded.

He further explained that upcoming efforts will focus on integrating AI technologies to enhance search functionality—moving from keyword-based queries toward more intelligent, context-aware systems. Additional projects include AI-powered summarization tools, as well as broader research and development initiatives.

According to Ahmadi, the laboratory’s top priority is to provide researchers with comprehensive access to the archive of Ayatollah Javadi Amoli’s works. While the production of audiobooks based on his writings is also planned, it is not considered a primary objective at this stage.

Source: Esra Information Center