Lina Ruth Harder

Lina Ruth Harder is a Research Fellow at the Center for Digital Narrative (CDN) within the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies at the University of Bergen (UiB), Norway. She serves as a Fellow in the Extending Digital Narrative (XDN) project and holds leadership positions as Co-Chair of the STIP-HF PhD candidate committee at the Faculty of Humanities (since January 2025) and Working Group Member for the Norwegian Network for Digital Humanities and Cultural Organizations (DHKO) (since February 2025). Her role bridges academic research and cultural institution collaboration, including partnerships with the Goethe Institute Lisbon and University of Stuttgart.

Her educational background features advanced interdisciplinary training:

• Master’s degree in World Heritage Studies from Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg
• Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies with historical specialization

Harder’s research pioneers the use of AI chatbots for historical reenactment, exploring how figures like Vincent van Gogh and Marie Curie can be interactively simulated to transform informal education. She investigates ethical implications of 'techno-necromancy' in digital narratives and develops inclusive learning spaces through generative AI. Her work critically examines Holocaust education challenges in Poland and integrates audiovisual survivor testimonies, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving historical memory via technology.

Her publications from 2017-2020 demonstrate consistent focus on digital heritage, including analyses of Berlin’s Sites of Unity, Berlin Wall commemoration via social media, and radio history. These early works established her trajectory toward AI-driven historical narratives, with current PhD research expanding into chatbot ontologies, ghost algorithms, and pedagogical impact—all presented at venues like the University of Bologna and Lake Forest College. This evolution highlights her interdisciplinary approach across cultural institutions and academic conferences.

Harder does not supervise students. Her research is funded through the XDN project fellowship at CDN, with additional project engagements such as the Dong Xuan Centre and Karlshorst Theatre exhibitions. She has developed prototypes like the Hedy Lamarr Chatbot using GPT-4o-mini, showcasing applied innovation in museum contexts.

She operates within the Center for Digital Narrative (CDN) ecosystem at UiB, collaborating with DHKO networks and international partners. Current initiatives include the 'More Than Meets AI' exhibition and 2025 presentations on histobots at Lake Forest College and University:Future Festival, emphasizing her active role in advancing AI-narrative integration in historical education.