Professor Javier Cha is an Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities in the Department of History at the University of Hong Kong, specializing in the intellectual and cultural history of East Asia, digital history, and the intersection of big data with the humanities. He leads the Big Data Studies Lab (BDSL), a pioneering research group that explores how technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and data science, can reshape the way we study and understand the humanities in the digital age. 

 

With an academic background spanning Harvard University and the University of British Columbia, Professor Cha's interdisciplinary work bridges the gap between traditional historical research and cutting-edge digital tools. His research focuses on how vast amounts of data—spread across digital archives, 3D content, and even holograms—can be utilized to address complex issues in the humanities. 

 

As the keynote speaker for TRACES, Professor Cha exemplifies the conference’s commitment to blending humanities, technology, and sustainability. His work aligns perfectly with the conference’s theme of fostering innovative, transdisciplinary research, making him an inspiring figure for students eager to explore the future of academic inquiry in a digitally transformed world.