The Hellenic Observatory Centre was established at LSE in 2024, evolving from the original Hellenic Observatory into an independent LSE research centre with the remit to build a larger team of senior and junior researchers to develop world-leading research on Greece and Cyprus in line with LSE’s vision: to understand the causes of things for the betterment of society.
The Centre is one of the few social science research centres worldwide dedicated to the study of contemporary Greece and Cyprus. It is led by the holder of the Eleftherios Venizelos Chair on Contemporary Greek Studies, the first chair established outside Greece in this field.
Building on the Hellenic Observatory’s legacy of significant achievements, the new Centre is dedicated to critically engaging with key issues concerning Greece and Cyprus. It maintains a non-partisan approach, fostering genuine debate and discourse among academics, policymakers, and the public. The Centre’s work includes both primary research of high quality aimed at academic audiences and research translation for broader knowledge exchange and policy impact.
The Centre’s research agenda spans three core social science fields: Politics and Geopolitics; Economy and Public Policy; and Society, Identity, and Rights. Research within these fields addresses crucial questions at the domestic level for Greece and Cyprus, while also situating these issues within the broader contexts of the European Union, Southeastern Europe, and the global landscape.
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In parallel, the new Centre continues and expands activities in remits that have been historically associated with the Hellenic Observatory in its roles as nurturer of young talent and as a platform for public dialogue and the promotion of the study of Greece and Cyprus internationally through a record of extensive public engagement. The research centre will enable these activities to grow and expand generating an even greater global facing position.
Our vision for the new HO Centre blends its rich history with its promising future, reflecting the following core principles:
- Independence: The Centre's research and activities are grounded in a non-partisan approach, facilitating genuine debate and discourse among academics, the public, and practitioners.
- Excellence: The Centre produces world-class, high-quality research and publications within the social sciences focused on Greece and Cyprus, reflecting LSE’s global excellence.
- Impact: The Centre promotes research and knowledge exchange that is translated into actionable insights influencing policy and effecting positive change.
- Education: The Centre supports and encourages a new generation of scholars with specialist knowledge and postgraduate training.
- Public Engagement: The Centre facilitates informed public debate by organising academic and policy lectures, panel discussions, seminars, and workshops ensuring that our research resonates beyond academia.
- Networking & Collaborations: The Centre fosters cooperation and encourages research synergies among academic communities in Greece, Cyprus, the UK, and beyond.