What: This seminar explores the lifecycle of scholarly 3D data—from scanning methods to research applications (including immersive analytics). The talk will also survey downstream publishing and preservation strategies, anchoring the workflow in real standards and infrastructure (FAIR, IIIF, etc.) that enable interoperability and data citation. Participants will come away with a broad knowledge of tools, methods, and local Harvard resources to support their own 3D scholarship. 

Why: Scientifically accurate 3D models let researchers and learners remotely engage with “spatially relevant" objects-of-study, including anatomical (i.e., patient) data, engineering designs, and historical artifacts. These objects enable analyses that may be impossible or inappropriate given fragile, inaccessible, or destructively sampled source materials, and 3D representations can improve communication with non-experts and distant collaborators. This talk will provide the foundation for rigorous engagement with 3D data by participants. 

How: This is a free 1.5-hour online session that will include a lecture followed by Q&A and group discussion. 

Where: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration).

Who: The talk is aimed at librarians and staff who advise on research data management, repository deposit, metadata/standards, and visualization support—along with researchers, trainees, and service providers who create or steward 3D datasets and want scalable practices that keep 3D outputs credible and reusable across disciplines.

Instructor: Matt Cook, Digital Scholarship Program Manager, Harvard College Library

Matt Cook is a cited expert across the entire 3D data lifecycle and has published R&D in multiple fields, including Architecture, Chemistry, Information Science, and a range of Humanities. Currently Matt is interested in automated workflows that combine the use of handwriting transcription technologies, AI, and Virtual Reality.

Join your peers to meet new people and learn new skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment!