We hosted 1 Digital Friday so far in 2025 where HASTAC Scholars and esteemed speakers came together from diverse disciplines, offering insightful presentations that spanned the spectrum of technology, the arts, humanities, and sciences. The vibrancy and depth of these discussions not only enriched our community but also underscored the groundbreaking work being undertaken by scholars across the globe. Here is a glimpse at the 2025 Digital Fridays;
Session 1: February 28th, 2025
Disrupt, Create, Connect: Rethinking Scholarship in the Digital Age
On February 28th, the HASTAC Scholars Program hosted a Digital Friday titled “Difference is Our Operating Motto,” featuring HASTAC Interdisciplinary Area Directors Dr. Kevin Healey (Associate Professor of Communication at the University of New Hampshire) and Prof. Jade E. Davis (independent scholar and media ecologist). This conversation explored how digital humanities, interdisciplinary scholarship, and creative methodologies can challenge traditional academic boundaries and foster more inclusive, collaborative research practices.
A key theme of the discussion was the importance of building community and collaboration. Both speakers emphasized that academia can be isolating, especially for those pushing disciplinary boundaries, and that networks such as HASTAC and the HASTAC Scholars Program serve as vital hubs for connection, support, and innovation. Whether you’re seeking alternative methodologies, building interdisciplinary collaborations, or rethinking how technology shapes knowledge production, this session highlighted practical strategies for navigating institutional challenges while forging new intellectual and creative pathways.