Large language models are increasingly used to explore and query large text corpora, but standard Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems are typically designed for general-purpose question answering. They often obscure how sources are selected, equate similarity with relevance, and present outputs as fixed answers rather than interpretive steps.
This hands-on lab introduces HistoRAG, a framework that embeds historical method directly into the architecture of RAG systems. Instead of treating RAG as a black box, participants will build and critically engage with their own small HistoRAG applications using their own research corpora.
The two-day workshop covers the following topics:
- Build and test HistoRAG-style systems with your own data
- Open up key design decisions (source selection, chunking, temporal balancing, relevance)
- Examine how methodological choices shape outputs
- Reflect on interpretive control and epistemic agency in LLM-based research tools
The workshop combines short impulse talks, hands-on building, and individual mentoring. - More info & registration: Build Your Own HistoRAG – HERMES
Date: 23.09.2026 bis 24.09.2026
Location: Leibniz-Institut für Europäische Geschichte (IEG) | Alte Universitätsstraße 19 | D – 55116 Mainz
This event is organized by the following initiative: Bring-Your-Own-Data Lab
