CCDHHN

Data Bites - File Naming Best Practices for Research Data
2025-10-29 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Halifax) | Ontario
Date: October 29 2025

Instructors: Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Workshop: File Naming Best Practices for Research Data

This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, introduces strategies for consistent and meaningful file naming to support better research organization, collaboration, and long-term data reuse. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, this session helps participants avoid common pitfalls and adopt best practices in their research workflows.

Participants will learn how to:

Avoid problematic file names that can cause compatibility issues across platforms and systems

Apply clear and consistent file naming conventions

Incorporate elements like version control, dates, and identifiers for easy file tracking and retrieval

Building Project Websites with Jekyll and GitHub Pages
2025-10-29 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Date: October 29 2025

Instructor: Kendra Oudyk

This workshop is meant to give you the skills to create and publish a static website using Jekyll and GitHub Pages. We’ll explore the default Jekyll installation setup and walk through the steps to publish a basic web site. We’ll cover the basic building blocks of Jekyll sites and discuss best practices for organizing your content. Finally, we’ll look at customizing your Jekyll site.

Prerequisites:

Some experience working with code syntax and code editors is helpful.

A GitHub.com account. We’ll use GitHub Pages to host our static site.

Some familiarity with working in a command line / Unix shell interface. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, please first start with this workshop: Intro to the Unix Shell.

Some familiarity with Git and GitHub. We’ll use Git and GitHub workflows to publish our site. If you’d like to learn more about Git and GitHub before going any further, please see this workshop: Intro to Git and GitHub.

Makerspace Orientations: Sewing Machines
2025-11-05 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: November 5 2025

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Get started with the makerspace sewing machines. We’ll demonstrate how to set up the machine and show you different stitch patterns. We’ll also go over how to make and find patterns as well as how to cut your fabric properly. Basic fabrics are provided but you’re encouraged to bring your own.

Data Bites - Choosing File Formats for Research Data
2025-11-05 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Date: November 5 2025

Instructors: Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Workshop: Choosing File Formats for Research Data

This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, explores how selecting the right file formats can support long-term preservation, data sharing, and reuse. Aimed at graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session highlights best practices for choosing formats that align with FAIR data principles.

Participants will learn how to:

Apply practical guidelines for selecting file formats throughout the research data lifecycle

Identify preferred file formats for preservation, sharing, and interoperability

Distinguish between proprietary and open formats and understand their implications

Introduction to Python: Part 1
2025-11-05 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
Date: November 5th 2025

Instructor: Kendra Oudyk

This set of five workshops is an introduction to Python programming, with a focus on skills that are relevant to students and researchers who are working with data, particularly tabular data.

The five workshops cover the following:

Part 1: To understand the basics of Python syntax, variables, and data types.

Part 2: To learn how to work with tabular data in Python, including reading, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Part 3: To learn how to automate tasks in Python, including working with multiple files.

Part 4: To learn to use logic and modularity to make Python code flexible and reusable.

Part 5: To develop good habits for programming for research in Python, including handling errors, debugging, and writing reliable code.

Participants must sign up for each workshop individually. It is not necessary to sign up for the first workshop in order to do the second (and so on), but note that each workshop will build on the topics covered in previous workshops in this series.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites needed for this series; no prior programming experience is required.

Setup Instructions:

In these workshops, we will write Python code in a text editor called Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Please follow the following steps/links to complete the setup for this workshop series before you attend:

Install a Python Interpreter

Install Visual Studio Code

Install the Python extension for VS Code. If you want more info on installing extensions for VS Code, see this page on their “Extension Marketplace”

Install this Python Debugger extension for VS Code

NOTE: You may use your own preferred text editor or Jupyter Notebooks to write code in these workshops, but keep in mind that some aspects may be unpredictably different from the way things appear on the instructor’s screen. For example, the instructor will frequently use the Python Debugger in VS Code, and other text editors may have entirely different mechanisms for debugging, and you may have to figure that out on your own. If you want to follow what the instructor is doing exactly, you should install VS Code and the extensions listed above.

Débogue tes humanités: Les systèmes d’exploitation
2025-11-06 00:00 - 23:59 | Université de Montréal, 3150 Rue Jean Brillant, Montreal, Québec, H3T 1N7, Canada
Ça se fait, installer Linux sur un Mac ? Mais bien sûr, et même les deux à la fois ! On a l’impression qu’il n’existe que deux sortes de systèmes d’exploitation : Windows ou macOS. Pourtant, il en existe bien d’autres. Les distributions de Linux sont légères, performantes et sécuritaires : on n’attrappe pas de virus et notre ordinateur ne devient presque jamais obsolète. Ce type de système convient particulièrement bien aux besoin en milieu universitaire : on vous montre pourquoi et comment !

→ Bibliothèque des lettres et sciences humaines (15:30)

→ Louis-Olivier Brassard

Pour plus de détails, veuillez consulter https://debogue.ecrituresnumeriques.ca/

Makerspace Orientations: Stamps and Print press
2025-11-12 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: November 12 2025

Presenter: Jacob Turola

This session demonstrates the creation of custom stamps using various methods. Attendees will explore techniques such as CNC machining rubber, 3D printing with TPU, and laser cutting. Each method will be demonstrated, highlighting the materials and processes involved, allowing participants to choose the best approach for their stamp-making projects.

Data Bites - Creating README Files for Research Data
2025-11-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Date: November 12 2025

Instructor: Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Workshop: Creating README Files for Research Data

This hands-on workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, introduces the importance of README files in documenting research data for long-term access and reuse. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session provides practical guidance for creating clear, consistent, and useful data documentation.

Participants will learn how to:

Use templates and open tools to create and maintain README files throughout the research lifecycle

Identify the key components of an effective README file, including dataset description, file structure, and usage instructions

Apply best practices to improve data transparency, usability, and alignment with FAIR principles

Introduction aux humanités numériques
2025-11-18 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Les humanités numériques réfèrent à l’utilisation d’outils et de pratiques numériques dans les sphères des sciences humaines et sociales et des arts et lettres. Le numérique peut intervenir à différents moments d’une recherche en sciences humaines et sociales et en arts et lettres, et ce, peu importe la nature et la portée du projet.

Cette présentation se veut une introduction aux méthodes et outils en humanités numériques ainsi qu’un tour d’horizon des ressources et services offerts au Service des bibliothèques de l’UQAM en lien avec les humanités numériques.

Guides liés: Humanités numériques by Simon Côté-Lapointe

Creating Compelling Research Impact Visualizations
2025-11-19 00:00 - 23:59 | McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
Date: November 19 2025

The ability to create effective visualizations of your research impact is a valuable skill when competing for grants, awards, and attention in a crowded research landscape. In this hands-on workshop, participants will create simple, eye-catching graphics to communicate impact from a variety of perspectives (from citation rates to collaboration networks to media attention).

Participants will learn how to:

Generate ready-made impact visualizations within a variety of bibliometric tools at McMaster.

Utilize raw bibliometric data and custom templactes to create effective visualizations using Excel. – Effectively incorporate research impact visualizations into reports, grant applications, and award nominations.

This session is ideal for researchers, librarians, and graduate students interested in research metrics, scholarly communications, or mapping academic influence. No previous experience with data visualization is necessary.

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This workshop will not be recorded.

Facilitator Bio: Jack Young (he/him) is McMaster’s Research Impact Librarian, supporting the use of bibliometric data to enhance the reporting and strategic planning practices of the University’s academic departments, institutes, and researchers.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Data Management Plan Bootcamp (Virtual)
2025-11-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Date: November 19 2025

Our popular DMP Bootcamp is back, reformatted into a hands-on online intensive for remote researchers on the go! Data Management Plans (DMPs) are both incredibly helpful research tools and increasingly required for grants but it can hard to know how to complete a Data Management Plan if it’s your first time. This session is carefully timed for researchers completing a CFI or Tri-Agency grant. If you’re in the process of creating a DMP, either for a grant application or for your own research, join RDM Services for this afternoon session. The RDM Services team will provide tailored guidance as you write your plan online–we’ll pop into your breakout rooms to make sure everything is going smoothy. Come away with a clear path forward or even a finished DMP!

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify the 5 key components of a data management plan (DMP).

Compare strong and weak responses in each section of a DMP.

Develop a tailored outline, or potentially a complete draft, of their own DMP!

This participatory session is especially relevant for researchers at all levels in the beginning stages of a research project or streamlining best practices for their research team. Come on your own, send your research staff, or bring your whole research group. Let us know if you’re joining as a research team – we’ll make sure you get an online breakout room to work together in! Bring your own snacks to your desk and enjoy this dedicated time to work on your plan with extra support.

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This workshop will not be recorded.

Facilitator Bio: Danica Evering (they/them) is a Research Data Management Specialist grounded in curiosity and a deep commitment to ethics. Danica is available to help students, postdocs, faculty, and staff with RDM through the data lifecycle—Data Management Plans, storage and backup, data security, data sharing. With an MA in Media Studies, Danica fosters active interest in RDM across disciplines, with a knack for engaging researchers who might not even realize they have data to manage. Outside of work they sing in a choir, play PC games, maintain an art writing practice, grow a garden, contribute Wikipedia articles, and run.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Introduction to Python: Part 2
2025-11-19 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
Date: November 19th 2025

Instructor: Kendra Oudyk

This set of five workshops is an introduction to Python programming, with a focus on skills that are relevant to students and researchers who are working with data, particularly tabular data.

The five workshops cover the following:

Part 1: To understand the basics of Python syntax, variables, and data types.

Part 2: To learn how to work with tabular data in Python, including reading, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Part 3: To learn how to automate tasks in Python, including working with multiple files.

Part 4: To learn to use logic and modularity to make Python code flexible and reusable.

Part 5: To develop good habits for programming for research in Python, including handling errors, debugging, and writing reliable code.

Participants must sign up for each workshop individually. It is not necessary to sign up for the first workshop in order to do the second (and so on), but note that each workshop will build on the topics covered in previous workshops in this series.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites needed for this series; no prior programming experience is required.

Setup Instructions:

In these workshops, we will write Python code in a text editor called Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Please follow the following steps/links to complete the setup for this workshop series before you attend:

Install a Python Interpreter

Install Visual Studio Code

Install the Python extension for VS Code. If you want more info on installing extensions for VS Code, see this page on their “Extension Marketplace”

Install this Python Debugger extension for VS Code

NOTE: You may use your own preferred text editor or Jupyter Notebooks to write code in these workshops, but keep in mind that some aspects may be unpredictably different from the way things appear on the instructor’s screen. For example, the instructor will frequently use the Python Debugger in VS Code, and other text editors may have entirely different mechanisms for debugging, and you may have to figure that out on your own. If you want to follow what the instructor is doing exactly, you should install VS Code and the extensions listed above.

Data Management Plan Bootcamp (In-Person)
2025-11-25 00:00 - 23:59 | McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
Date: November 25 2025

Let us be your body double with this in-person bootcamp! Data Management Plans (DMPs) are both incredibly helpful research tools and increasingly required for grants but it can hard to know how to complete a Data Management Plan if it’s your first time. This session is carefully timed for researchers completing a CFI or Tri-Agency grant this fall. If you’re in the process of creating a DMP, either for a grant application or for your own research, join RDM Services for this afternoon session. The RDM services team will provide tailored guidance as you write your plan on site, and we’ll have some light snacks and refreshments to keep you going. Come away with a clear path forward or even a finished DMP!

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify the 5 key components of a data management plan (DMP).

Compare strong and weak responses in each section of a DMP.

Develop a tailored outline, or potentially a complete draft, of their own DMP!

This participatory session is especially relevant for researchers at all levels in the beginning stages of a research project or streamlining best practices for their research team. Come on your own, send your research staff, or bring your whole research group. Let us know if you’re joining as a research team – we’ll make sure you get a table to work together at!

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre’s Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bio: Isaac Pratt (he/him) is a research scientist by training and has a PhD in Anatomy & Cell Biology. He leverages nearly a decade of interdisciplinary research experience to help support students, staff, and faculty. His expertise lies in questions surrounding data storage, security, planning, archival, and sharing. Isaac also provides support and curation services for McMaster Dataverse. His other interests include reproducible research methods, open science, and data science.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Makerspace Orientations: 3D Printing
2025-11-25 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: November 25 2025

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Join us for this introduction to a staple in makerspace technology! Attendees will get started with 3D printing in the makerspace. The session will cover how to find a file, process it for printing and run the machine. All are welcome, and everyone gets to keep what they make.

Making and Querying Databases in SQL with DuckDB
2025-11-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Date: November 26 2025

Want to work with structured data more efficiently? SQL (Structured Query Language) is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data and it’s easier to get started than you might think.

This beginner-friendly workshop introduces SQL using DuckDB, a lightweight, cross-platform database that runs locally and requires no setup. Through hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to create a database, add data to it, and write queries to find the information you need.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the basic structure and purpose of SQL

Create and populate a DuckDB database

Write and run basic SQL queries to explore and extract data

This session is ideal for beginners in data analysis, researchers, and students who want a gentle introduction to databases using a simple and powerful tool. No prior experience required!

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre’s Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bio: John Fink is the Digital Scholarship Librarian in the Sherman Centre.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Introduction to Python: Part 3
2025-11-26 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
Date: November 26th 2025

Instructor: Kendra Oudyk

This set of five workshops is an introduction to Python programming, with a focus on skills that are relevant to students and researchers who are working with data, particularly tabular data.

The five workshops cover the following:

Part 1: To understand the basics of Python syntax, variables, and data types.

Part 2: To learn how to work with tabular data in Python, including reading, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Part 3: To learn how to automate tasks in Python, including working with multiple files.

Part 4: To learn to use logic and modularity to make Python code flexible and reusable.

Part 5: To develop good habits for programming for research in Python, including handling errors, debugging, and writing reliable code.

Participants must sign up for each workshop individually. It is not necessary to sign up for the first workshop in order to do the second (and so on), but note that each workshop will build on the topics covered in previous workshops in this series.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites needed for this series; no prior programming experience is required.

Setup Instructions:

In these workshops, we will write Python code in a text editor called Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Please follow the following steps/links to complete the setup for this workshop series before you attend:

Install a Python Interpreter

Install Visual Studio Code

Install the Python extension for VS Code. If you want more info on installing extensions for VS Code, see this page on their “Extension Marketplace”

Install this Python Debugger extension for VS Code

NOTE: You may use your own preferred text editor or Jupyter Notebooks to write code in these workshops, but keep in mind that some aspects may be unpredictably different from the way things appear on the instructor’s screen. For example, the instructor will frequently use the Python Debugger in VS Code, and other text editors may have entirely different mechanisms for debugging, and you may have to figure that out on your own. If you want to follow what the instructor is doing exactly, you should install VS Code and the extensions listed above.

Makerspace Orientations: Laser Cutting and Engraving
2025-11-27 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: November 27 2025

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Get started with the makerspace laser cutter. We’ll demonstrate how it works and how you can use the cutter to make amazing designs with wood and acrylic!

Introduction to Python: Part 4
2025-12-03 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
Date: December 3rd 2025

Instructor: Kendra Oudyk

This set of five workshops is an introduction to Python programming, with a focus on skills that are relevant to students and researchers who are working with data, particularly tabular data.

The five workshops cover the following:

Part 1: To understand the basics of Python syntax, variables, and data types.

Part 2: To learn how to work with tabular data in Python, including reading, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Part 3: To learn how to automate tasks in Python, including working with multiple files.

Part 4: To learn to use logic and modularity to make Python code flexible and reusable.

Part 5: To develop good habits for programming for research in Python, including handling errors, debugging, and writing reliable code.

Participants must sign up for each workshop individually. It is not necessary to sign up for the first workshop in order to do the second (and so on), but note that each workshop will build on the topics covered in previous workshops in this series.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites needed for this series; no prior programming experience is required.

Setup Instructions:

In these workshops, we will write Python code in a text editor called Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Please follow the following steps/links to complete the setup for this workshop series before you attend:

Install a Python Interpreter

Install Visual Studio Code

Install the Python extension for VS Code. If you want more info on installing extensions for VS Code, see this page on their “Extension Marketplace”

Install this Python Debugger extension for VS Code

NOTE: You may use your own preferred text editor or Jupyter Notebooks to write code in these workshops, but keep in mind that some aspects may be unpredictably different from the way things appear on the instructor’s screen. For example, the instructor will frequently use the Python Debugger in VS Code, and other text editors may have entirely different mechanisms for debugging, and you may have to figure that out on your own. If you want to follow what the instructor is doing exactly, you should install VS Code and the extensions listed above.

Making Images Talk: writing inside the poetic web.
2025-12-05 00:00 - 23:59 | Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K3, Canada
Date: December 5 2025

Hybrid Event: Zoom and In-person at the Collaboratory

Instructor: Reg Beatty

This workshop will examine the practice of Philippine-born internet artist Chia Amisola, their approach to creating work for the web, as well as their multi-layered browser-based performances.

We will then follow a number of tutorials that Amisola has posted recently. These give unique insights into their procedures and thinking and suggest new directions for anyone interested in pursuing ‘the poetic web.’

Amisola wants us to see the internet, and our lives online, in a different way. In their own words, “Chia Amisola is an artist of agencies and ambiences. Their work is devoted to the internet’s loss, love, labor, and liberation.”

This workshop does not require previous knowledge of making web pages and can act as an introduction.

Introduction to TEI
2025-12-06 00:00 - 23:59 | University of Victoria Libraries, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Description: This workshop offers a three-hour introduction to the eXtensible Markup Language of the Text Encoding Initiative (TEI-XML). It begins by asking how we mark up historical and literary texts in order to create digital editions/archives and will cover the basics of XML terminology before diving into the specifics of TEI elements, attributes, and values. We will dig into the “TEI Guidelines,” discover how they are structured, and do some hands-on encoding of a short poem. As time permits, we will look at some TEI projects hosted by HCMC. This workshop will prepare participants for work on HCMC projects and/or for a longer TEI course offered by the DH training network.

Facilitator Bio: Janelle Jenstad is a Professor in the Department of English and Academic Director of the Humanities Computing and Media Centre. She is the founder and director of the Map of Early Modern London and Linked Early Modern Drama Online; Co-Coordinating Editor of the New Internet Shakespeare Editions, MoEML Mayoral Shows, and Digital Renaissance Editions; and former member of the TEI Technical Council.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Canadian Certificate in Digital Humanities

Number of seats: 15

To register: Contact HCMC Administrative Assistant Marla MacKinnon at hcmcadmin@uvic.ca

Making Images Talk: Writing Visual Novels with Decker.
2025-12-08 00:00 - 23:59 | Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K3, Canada
Date: December 8 2025

Instructor: Jason Boyd

Decker is a multimedia platform influenced by HyperCard and created by Internet Janitor. It can be used for creating and sharing interactive documents, with sound, images, hypertext, and scripted behavior. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to two Decker libraries (Dialogizer and Puppeteer) designed to facilitate the creation of visual novels.

The Decker app can be used in-browser or be downloaded to your computer.

This workshop does not require previous knowledge of Decker and can act as an introduction.

Introduction to Python: Part 5
2025-12-10 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
Date: December 10th 2025

Instructor: Kendra Oudyk

This set of five workshops is an introduction to Python programming, with a focus on skills that are relevant to students and researchers who are working with data, particularly tabular data.

The five workshops cover the following:

Part 1: To understand the basics of Python syntax, variables, and data types.

Part 2: To learn how to work with tabular data in Python, including reading, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Part 3: To learn how to automate tasks in Python, including working with multiple files.

Part 4: To learn to use logic and modularity to make Python code flexible and reusable.

Part 5: To develop good habits for programming for research in Python, including handling errors, debugging, and writing reliable code.

Participants must sign up for each workshop individually. It is not necessary to sign up for the first workshop in order to do the second (and so on), but note that each workshop will build on the topics covered in previous workshops in this series.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites needed for this series; no prior programming experience is required.

Setup Instructions:

In these workshops, we will write Python code in a text editor called Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Please follow the following steps/links to complete the setup for this workshop series before you attend:

Install a Python Interpreter

Install Visual Studio Code

Install the Python extension for VS Code. If you want more info on installing extensions for VS Code, see this page on their “Extension Marketplace”

Install this Python Debugger extension for VS Code

NOTE: You may use your own preferred text editor or Jupyter Notebooks to write code in these workshops, but keep in mind that some aspects may be unpredictably different from the way things appear on the instructor’s screen. For example, the instructor will frequently use the Python Debugger in VS Code, and other text editors may have entirely different mechanisms for debugging, and you may have to figure that out on your own. If you want to follow what the instructor is doing exactly, you should install VS Code and the extensions listed above.

Cultural Expressions of Indigenous Knowledge
2026-01-08 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: January 8 2026

Presenter: Cora Coady

The winter is a time when Indigenous people typically tell stories. This is the perfect time to delve into cultural expressions of Indigenous Knowledge. During this 90 minute workshop we will engage with Indigenous story, art and craft. We will also discuss intellectual property, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. During the second half of the workshop we will create simple beadwork meant to convey a message. No experience needed.

Data Bites - File Naming Best Practices for Research Data
2026-01-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, introduces strategies for consistent and meaningful file naming to support better research organization, collaboration, and long-term data reuse. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, this session helps participants avoid common pitfalls and adopt best practices in their research workflows.

Participants will learn how to:

Avoid problematic file names that can cause compatibility issues across platforms and systems

Apply clear and consistent file naming conventions

Incorporate elements like version control, dates, and identifiers for easy file tracking and retrieval

Best Practices for Managing Data in your Research
2026-01-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
Date: January 14 2026

TIFU (Today I F’ed Up) by losing a ton of data for my research – Have you ever seen a description like this on Reddit? Are your desktop and downloads folders a jumble of files named Data-finalFINAL-USETHISONE? Is all of your lab’s data stored on a single drive located conveniently under a sprinkler system? Join research data management services and learn how investing a small amount of time in organizing your data now can save you a lot of time and prevent future headaches. In this introductory workshop, learn about research data management best practices. We will go over best practices for data planning, storage, organization, preservation, and sharing.

By the end of the session, participants will be empowered to:

Produce a plan for their data

Organize and document their data consistently

Store and back-up their data securely,

Select an appropriate data repository for archival and sharing.

No prior experience with data management is required! This session is perfect for anyone who wants to feel more confident organizing, storing, and sharing their data in clear and practical ways.

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre’s Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bio:

Isaac Pratt (he/him) is a research scientist by training and has a PhD in Anatomy & Cell Biology. He leverages nearly a decade of interdisciplinary research experience to help support students, staff, and faculty. His expertise lies in questions surrounding data storage, security, planning, archival, and sharing. Isaac also provides support and curation services for McMaster Dataverse. His other interests include reproducible research methods, open science, and data science.

Danica Evering holds expansive experience with research support, education, project management, advocacy, and knowledge translation; with fluency in social practice art, healthcare, community research, data, and systems development. Danica supports students, postdocs, faculty, and staff with RDM through the data lifecycle—Data Management Plans, storage and backup, data security, data sharing. With an MA in Media Studies from Concordia, they are interested in fostering RDM within curious scholars and disciplines.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Makerspace Orientations: Sewing Machines
2026-01-14 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: January 14 2026

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Get started with the makerspace sewing machines. We’ll demonstrate how to set up the machine and show you different stitch patterns. We’ll also go over how to make and find patterns as well as how to cut your fabric properly. Basic fabrics are provided but you’re encouraged to bring your own.

Introduction to the Unix Shell
2026-01-14 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This workshop will introduce the Unix shell, a powerful way to communicate with your computer more directly through a command line interface. There are many ways to interact with a computer. Most of the time we click on things and select options with a cursor through a graphical user interface (GUI). A command line is exactly what it sounds like, a way of writing commands to your computer line by line and is incredibly powerful. In this workshop we will show you how to navigate through different parts of your system and introduce some of the most useful commands to be aware of.

No previous experience with the command line is required. This workshop is for beginners.

Pre-workshop setup

Please have a laptop ready for this workshop. We will be using the Unix shell for most of the workshop. If you have a Mac or a Linux laptop you don’t need to install or enable anything. If you are using a Windows 10 PC you will need to turn on the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” setting as per these instructions.

This workshop is part of the Core Skills series.

Débogue tes humanités: Synthèse des sources et Recherche d'Information
2026-01-15 00:00 - 23:59 | Université de Montréal, 3150 Rue Jean Brillant, Montreal, Québec, H3T 1N7, Canada
On vous a sûrement déjà dit que pour limiter les erreurs des IA génératives et pour s’assurer qu’une machine rende les bonnes informations, il fallait passer par un RAG. Mais qu’est-ce qu’un RAG et comment est-ce que ça fontionne exactement ? Dans cet atelier vous apprendrez à disséquer un outil de recherche d’information associé à un outil de synthèse de texte.

→ Bibliothèque des lettres et sciences humaines (15:30)

→ Alexia Schneider, Clara Grometto

Pour plus de détails, veuillez consulter https://debogue.ecrituresnumeriques.ca/

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
2026-01-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
This introductory workshop is targeted toward scholars, practitioners, and researchers who are interested in finding ways to represent their data and research materials spatially. Rather than focusing on a single software or technical workflow, participants will be introduced to a variety of methods, tools, and platforms to create maps or spatial representations. Participants will also be walked through key questions to manage research projects, and learn how to evaluate tools and workflows for their applicability to their projects.

Think of this workshop as a wayfinding tutorial for navigating what questions to ask yourself at the beginning of a project comprising spatial data. By the end of this workshop series, participants will be able to:

Design a project to tell a spatial story with your data

Identify suitable methods/tools/platforms of spatial visualization to best represent research idea

Inventory and assemble the necessary resources to begin

Though there will be an example project, participants are invited to bring their own projects/datasets to work through together.

Not sure if this workshop is for you? Non-geospatial experts are welcome, especially those interested in spatial approaches to humanities research and data.

This workshop is taught by a graduate student in Geography with expertise in GIS and cartographic methods.

Workshop link: https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-spatial-stories/

Instructor: Lily Crandall-Oral

Data Bites - Choosing File Formats for Research Data
2026-01-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Ontario
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, explores how selecting the right file formats can support long-term preservation, data sharing, and reuse. Aimed at graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session highlights best practices for choosing formats that align with FAIR data principles.

Participants will learn how to:

Apply practical guidelines for selecting file formats throughout the research data lifecycle

Identify preferred file formats for preservation, sharing, and interoperability

Distinguish between proprietary and open formats and understand their implications

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy
