Advancing the understanding of policy in Greece and Cyprus
The Hellenic Observatory Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus is one of very few social science research centres in the world dedicated to the study and analysis of these two nations. It aims to advance scholastic understanding of contemporary Greece and Cyprus focused around three clusters – Politics and Geopolitics, Economy and Public Policy, and Society, Identity and Rights.
In the 29 years since it was established, the Hellenic Observatory has served as host to more than 180 scholars, fellows, and visiting researchers. Collectively, the staff of the Observatory have advanced understanding of contemporary Greece and Cyprus through over 100 funded research projects and the creation of hundreds of discussion papers, podcasts, and videos. More than 40,000 visitors have attended events hosted by the Observatory in London, Greece and Cyprus, including public lectures, conferences, book launches and exhibitions.
From now through to 2027, the Observatory will focus research and policy work across its clusters on three critical, interdisciplinary themes that connect with the wider global challenges LSE is seeking to address, achieving real world impact in the region and beyond:
- Gender – new research will examine the position of women in Greece and Cyprus, both domestically and comparatively with other countries around the world.
- Growth – this area will focus on industrial policy and productivity, as well as the green and digital transitions in Greece and Cyprus.
- Citizenship – research under this theme will address the influences and consequences of societal attitudes towards areas including civic engagement, migration and the provision of public services like healthcare.
In 2024, thanks to generous contributions from a consortium of dedicated supporters – ranging from corporations and banks to individuals and charitable foundations - a new endowment was created to support the transformation of the Hellenic Observatory into a Research Centre. With an endowed fund now fuelling its long-term commitment to the region, the newly relaunched Observatory is poised to expand on these successes, deepen its connections with decision and policy makers, and grow its influence significantly in the years to come.
The support of our community in establishing the Centre’s endowed fund will equip us with the long-term financial resources to build on what we’ve achieved in the past quarter century to do even more in the coming decades and beyond, furthering not only our educational and public engagement mission but also our mission to promote and develop globally excellent research on Greece and Cyprus across the social sciences. Our vision for the new Centre blends its rich history with its promising future, and this support makes that possible
