On Wednesday, 14 May 2026, Professor Sophia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations and Extroversion at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, welcomed Professor Naomi Weiss, the newly appointed Director of Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece (CHS Greece), during her first visit to the country since taking up the post.
Professor Weiss was accompanied by Dr Christos Giannopoulos, Executive Director of CHS Greece and Chair of the University’s Global Communications Committee.
The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the University of Athens and CHS Greece, while also exploring new opportunities to deepen collaboration between the two institutions, building on the strategic role of Nafplio as a hub for international engagement in the humanities, culture and academic outreach. Emphasis was placed on developing new synergies in teaching and research, as well as on advancing joint international programmes and academic initiatives.
Professor Naomi Weiss will assume the Directorship of CHS Greece in July 2026. She has been Professor of Classics at Harvard University since 2014 and has served as Chair of the Department of Classics since 2024. Her research focuses on archaic and classical Greek literature, with particular contributions to the study of ancient Greek drama, especially tragedy, as well as ancient Greek music, dance and choral performance. Her work also extends to the relationship between vase painting and poetry in the ancient Greek world. Alongside her academic work, Professor Weiss is also active in public humanities. She is the host of ‘Ancient Greece Today’, a podcast produced by the CHS that brings together scholars and artists to explore the ancient Greek world and how it is used and reimagined today.
The discussion took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, and both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership, with a focus on the international promotion of Hellenic studies and the development of innovative academic initiatives with global reach.
