University of Hamburg - to research, to teach, to educate and form, to homepage
CSMC
CSMCCentre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures

Laboratories

Natural sciences and computer science play a key role in the CSMC’s research programme. In our laboratories, we develop innovative methods for analysing sensitive cultural assets, particularly for mobile use, and harness the potential of artificial intelligence and virtual reality for manuscript research.

Content

Artefact Labs

Established in 2012, the threefold Artefact Lab of the CSMC comprises both high-performance stationary equipment and mobile devices. This makes it possible to bring our expertise in non-destructive material analyses to the places where the artefacts are kept without exposing them to the hazards of transportation. We continually update and improve our instrumentation to expand not only the range of portable equipment but also of methodologies.

Computer Science Labs

Computer science plays a central role at the CSMC. Our material- and content-oriented approach to written artefacts, which generates large amounts of data, opens up the opportunity to harness the potential of new developments in artificial intelligence and virtual reality for manuscript research. In our Computer Science Labs, we are developing an advanced data infrastructure, interactive applications, and customised software tools that provide valuable services to researchers worldwide.

Resources

Artefact Profiling Guide

Photo: CSMC

Written Artefact Profiling Guide

The Artefact Profiling Guide is a unique resource for researchers in the humanities who want to harness the potential of cutting-edge analytical methods for their work.

Access the Guide

Videos

Charting History: The Mobile Lab Explores the Fra Mauro Map

What untold stories lie within the very fabric of one of the world’s most famous maps? In early 2025, researchers from the CSMC Mobile Lab travelled to the Biblioteca Marciana in Venice to study the Fra Mauro Map up close. A captivating documentary captures both the scientific and logistical challenges of this journey.

Our Container Lab. Mission 1: Palm Leaf Profilers

This film takes a look behind the scenes of a multi-layered scientific endeavour: ‘Our Container Lab. Mission 1: Palm Leaf Profilers’ follows the laboratory containers and researchers of the CSMC on their journey to India, where they want to figure out the provenance of the historical palm-leaf manuscripts of Tamil Nadu.