We are HADES
Humanities and Diverse eResearch Scholars
HADES 2026 – Subverting data stories from the underground
In 2026, HADES is running a series of seminars with the overarching theme of Subversion.
What does it mean to subvert in research? To subvert is to unsettle, to disrupt – to work within a system while quietly, or not so quietly, challenging its foundations. It is research that centres minority voices, that questions dominant narratives, and that claims space long policed or overlooked.
How does subversion manifest in practice? Is it in the methodological – applying quantitative approaches to traditionally qualitative methods, or moving with and beyond the digital in post-digital research? Is it in the political –Indigenising and decolonising research, challenging what is taken as known, and adopting perspectives that refuse the standard view?
And what of failure? There is something radical about naming what did not work, drawing it into the light, and learning from it honestly. Subversion, perhaps, is not always loud. Sometimes it is simply the courage to do things differently. Operating within accepted bounds while refusing to be bound by them.
Engage with HADES
Our events are listed on the RDU Events Calendar
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Email us hades-info@unimelb.edu.au
To infinity and beyond!
Upcoming events
Emotional geographies of the urban forest
Insights from an email-a-tree initiative
Monday 25 May
2pm to 3pm
Online via Zoom
This talk considers the emotional geographies of urban forests in the Australian city of Melbourne. The research team draw on a unique dataset from the City of Melbourne’s email-a-tree initiative, to identify how concern and connection for urban trees is expressed.
Examining emails sent to trees using a mixed-methods approach, the team uncovered data that subverts anthropocentric assumptions of trees – suggesting new ways of understanding people’s commitments to nature, and possibilities for securing better futures for urban forests.
HADES 2026 steering committee
If you’re interested in being part of a vibrant, innovative and welcoming group of Humanities eResearch Scholars get in touch hades-info@unimelb.edu.au
HADES manifesto
We are HADES: A group of Humanities and Diverse eResearch Scholars based at the University of Melbourne.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we research, work, live and learn and pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders past and present.
We are united around inclusive, diverse and ethical approaches to digital research in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences as well as by our focus on the crucial link between teaching and research.
We’re interested in connecting and sharing ideas about projects, events, collaboration opportunities, teaching, workshops and new digital approaches in Humanities research.
We’re interested in exploring the activities and career opportunities of the growing number of people working at the intersection of research, teaching and professional roles. We love working with data, in all its forms, and are passionate about the critical role of the Humanities in responding to the world’s biggest research challenges.