A hybrid one-day symposium at the University of Porto brings SSH researchers together to discuss how large language models are reshaping research methods, data, and infrastructures. Abstracts of 300–500 words are welcome until 15 November 2026, and attendance registration is open until 25 November.
Large Language Models and the Social Sciences and Humanities: Research, Resources and Infrastructures
The University of Porto is hosting a one-day symposium on 30 November 2026 on the role of large language models in Social Sciences and Humanities research. The event is held in collaboration with CLARIN ERIC and draws on PORTULAN CLARIN, the Portuguese national infrastructure. It takes place at the Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), with online participation also possible.
What it covers
LLMs are opening new ways to study historical documents, cultural artefacts, social phenomena, language, and human behaviour, while raising questions about methodology, interpretation, reliability, ethics, and the production of knowledge. The symposium asks how SSH researchers can integrate these models into their work, what the models contribute to established methods, and what resources, tools, and infrastructures support reliable and reproducible research. The programme also introduces participants to CLARIN and PORTULAN CLARIN and their services.
Who should submit
Contributions are welcome from researchers at all career stages and across SSH disciplines, including linguistics, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, communication, psychology, digital humanities, and cultural heritage. Both researchers already working with LLMs and those critically examining their potential and limitations are encouraged to contribute. Work in progress, preliminary results, case studies, and critical reflections are all in scope.
How to submit an abstract
Abstracts should be 300–500 words, in English, describing the research question or motivation, the approach, and the main findings or issues to be discussed. Accepted contributions will be given short oral presentations followed by discussion.
- Abstract deadline: 15 November 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 20 November 2026
- Abstract submission form
How to attend
Registration to attend, in Porto or online, is open until 25 November 2026.
Organised by Henrique Lopes Cardoso (FEUP / LIACC), Rui Sousa-Silva (FLUP / CLUP), Gil Rocha (FEUP / LIACC), and David Freitas (FEUP / LIACC). Contact: hlc@fe.up.pt
