The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, the French School of Athens, and the National Hellenic Research Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aiming to establish the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences, under the name HESTIA. The four partners seek to develop a strategic hub for high-level research activities.
HESTIA’s central objective is to promote interdisciplinary and international research, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and surrounding regions, recognizing the broader area as a unique field of study for the Humanities and Social Sciences. The initiative will align with the standards of excellence set by the Network of European Institutes for Advanced Study (NETIAS).
Signing the Memorandum of Understanding were: Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the University of Athens; Professor Christina Koulouri, Rector of Panteion University; Professor Véronique Chankowski, Director of the French School of Athens; and Professor Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Director and Chairman of the Board of the National Hellenic Research Foundation.
Also present at the signing ceremony were, among others: Professor Sophia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations, and Extroversion at the University of Athens; Associate Professor Vasilis Avdikos, Vice-Rector for Research and Lifelong Learning at Panteion University; Professor Platon Petridis, Chair at the Department of History and Archaeology, University of Athens; Associate Professor Aliki Angelidou from the Department of Social Anthropology, Panteion University; Arnaud Contentin, Chief Administrative Officer at the French School of Athens; Gilles de Rapper, Director of Modern and Contemporary Studies at the French School of Athens; Guillaume Biard, Director of Antique and Byzantine Studies at the French School of Athens; and Nikos Papazarkadas, Director of the Institute of Historical Research at the National Hellenic Research Foundation.
The establishment of the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HESTIA), represents a watershed moment for Athens’ academic community and the start of a significant collaboration with both European and international reach.
Accordingly, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the University of Athens, stated: ‘This partnership marks the beginning of a truly landmark effort for the Humanities and Social Sciences in Greece. With HESTIA, we are creating a strategic hub for research excellence in the heart of Athens—one that can stand alongside Europe’s leading institutes. Drawing on its long history, its scholarly expertise, and the strength of its academic community, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens will do everything in its power to ensure that HESTIA becomes a beacon of intellectual creativity—one that will decisively enhance Greece’s standing on the global map of knowledge’.
On her part, the Rector of Panteion University, Professor Christina Koulouri, stated: ‘This Memorandum of Understanding constitutes an act of vision and forward thinking. It is the first initiative of its kind in the region, built on the mutual trust among the four leading institutions. This collaboration forms the basis for our shared commitment to academic excellence and the international promotion of research in the Humanities and Social Sciences, fully aligning with the standards set by the Network of European Institutes for Advanced Study (NETIAS)’.
Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis
