# Frank Fischer > researcher in the field of digital humanities **Wikidata**: [Q57697383](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57697383) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frank-fischer-q57697383 ## Summary Frank Fischer is a German researcher and professor specializing in digital humanities, German studies, and computer science. He currently serves as a professor at the Freie Universität Berlin. He is best known for his contributions to literary network analysis and the development of software tools that bridge the gap between computational methods and humanities research. ## Biography - **Born:** 1977 in Weißenfels, Germany - **Nationality:** Germany - **Known for:** Research in digital humanities and the development of ezlinavis - **Employer(s):** - Freie Universität Berlin (Professor; Sep 2021–Present) - National Research University – Higher School of Economics (Apr 2016–Aug 2021) - Göttingen State and University Library (Jul 2015–Mar 2016) - University of Göttingen (Oct 2013–Jun 2015) - **Field(s):** Digital Humanities, Computer Science, German Studies - **Languages:** German ## Contributions Frank Fischer has made significant contributions to the field of digital humanities through the development of tools that facilitate the computational analysis of literature. In 2017, he created **Easy Linavis (ezlinavis)**, a tool designed to generate CSV files containing network data derived from segmentations of literary texts. This tool allows researchers to visualize and analyze social networks within literature, effectively combining traditional literary scholarship with data science methodologies. Beyond tool development, Fischer maintains an active role as an editor, author, and university teacher. His career spans multiple prestigious institutions across Europe, including the University of Göttingen and the National Research University – Higher School of Economics in Moscow. His work frequently involves international collaboration, evidenced by work locations and academic activities in cities such as Leipzig, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Moscow. He actively disseminates his research through his personal website and social media channels, contributing to the broader discourse on the intersection of computing and the humanities. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Frank Fischer's current academic position? A: Frank Fischer has served as a professor at the Freie Universität Berlin since September 2021. ### Q: What is ezlinavis? A: Ezlinavis (Easy Linavis) is a tool developed by Fischer in 2017 that generates network data in CSV format from literary texts for visualization and analysis. ### Q: What are Frank Fischer's primary research interests? A: His primary fields of work include digital humanities, computer science, and German studies, with a focus on the intersection of digital technologies and literary scholarship. ## Why They Matter Frank Fischer represents a critical node in the evolution of the digital humanities, specifically within the context of German literary studies. By developing tools like ezlinavis, he has lowered the barrier to entry for scholars wishing to apply network analysis to literary texts, fostering new methods of textual criticism. His career trajectory, moving from traditional library and university settings in Göttingen to leading roles in Berlin and Moscow, highlights the growing internationalization and technical integration of the humanities. Fischer's work ensures that literary studies remain methodologically current in an increasingly data-driven academic landscape. ## Notable For - **Creation of ezlinavis:** Developing the Easy Linavis tool for literary network analysis (2017). - **Professor at Freie Universität Berlin:** Holding a professorship in the field of digital humanities and computer science. - **International Research:** Maintaining work affiliations and locations across Germany and Russia. - **Interdisciplinary Scholarship:** Bridging the gap between literary studies (German studies) and computational science. ## Body ### Background and Early Career Frank Fischer was born in 1977 in Weißenfels, Germany. He is a male German citizen and speaks German. His academic and professional identity is defined by his dual expertise in the humanities and computer science. ### Academic Appointments Fischer's career reflects a steady progression through major academic and research institutions: - **University of Göttingen (2013–2015):** Served as a researcher/staff member from October 2013 to June 2015. - **Göttingen State and University Library (2015–2016):** Worked at the library from July 2015 to March 2016. - **National Research University – Higher School of Economics (2016–2021):** Employed at this Russian university from April 2016 to August 2021. - **Freie Universität Berlin (2021–Present):** Appointed as a professor starting in September 2021. ### Research and Tools Fischer is a recognized scientist and author in the field of **Digital Humanities**. A specific technical contribution includes: - **ezlinavis (2017):** A software tool that allows for the generation of CSV network data from literary text segmentations, aiding in the visualization and analysis of textual structures. He holds several identifiers confirming his academic standing, including an ISNI (0000000020844623), a GND ID (130344230), and a ResearcherID (O-1115-2016). ### Digital Presence Fischer maintains a significant online footprint, utilizing social media and web platforms to share his work. - **Websites:** He operates a personal site (lehkost.github.io) and a blog (umblaetterer.de), the latter being primarily in German. - **Social Media:** He is active on Twitter (handle: umblaetterer) and Mastodon (@umblaetterer@chaos.social), where he shares updates on digital humanities and literary research. - **Image:** An archival image of Fischer is available via Wikimedia Commons, dating from April 2010. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Catalog of the German National Library 3. [Source](https://github.com/DHd-Verband/DHd-Abstracts-2025) 4. [Source](https://github.com/hennyu/dhd-chronicles/) 5. [Source](http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2419-6629) 6. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-2419-6629/employment/17210628) 7. [Source](http://www.zfdg.de/node/227) 8. Zeitschrift für digitale Geisteswissenschaften 9. Virtual International Authority File 10. IdRef 11. [Source](https://twitter.com/umblaetterer)