Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens
Discovering the Hellenic world within and beyond Greece
Founded in 1980, we are dedicated to supporting and promoting research by Australian scholars and students on Hellenic culture in Greece and beyond.
The AAIA is Australia’s national centre for advanced research by Australian scholars on the Hellenic world from the distant past to the modern day. Our researchers employ arts, social science and scientific methodologies within an Arts and Humanities orientation. Disciplinary coverage embraces archaeology, art history, classics, history, language, literature, religious studies, philosophy, and creative practices, among others.
As one of twenty foreign archaeological institutes in Greece, the AAIA is the formal liaison with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture for the acquisition of permits to undertake archaeological research and examine museum collections in Greece on behalf of Australian research students and scholars.
In matters related to underwater archaeology and underwater cultural heritage applications, AAIA consults with the Australian Government Department with lead for administering the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 on the appropriateness of proposals by Australians and Australian-based researchers in relation to international best practice under the Rules of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage
From our premises in Athens (AAIA-A), we offer accommodation, research and teaching space. Our Athens-based administrative team supports our research community members in preparing their fieldwork and study permit applications, and facilitates access to Greek sites, museums and specialist libraries for them. We also coordinate and host a range of events and activities in Athens throughout the year for all our supporters.
The home of our specialist research library and main administrative offices is in the Vere Gordon Childe Centre at the University of Sydney (AAIA-S). From here, we coordinate a range of educational and public engagement opportunities across Australia and overseas and host academic and public-facing events.
Director | Professor Tamar Hodos
Tamar took up the position of Director in August 2023. She is a world expert on the interactions the ancient Greeks had with the cultures they came into contact around the Mediterranean during the Iron Age (c.1100-600 BCE). She holds degrees from Bryn Mawr College (BA), University College London (MA), and Oxford University (DPhil). She has over thirty years of fieldwork experience honed around the eastern Mediterranean and has overseen a variety of lab-based analytical studies to better understand the lived experiences of past peoples. Tamar leads on the strategic development of the AAIA. She is committed to expanding research and learning opportunities for students, early career researchers and established colleagues, and sharing the latest findings on the Hellenic world’s rich and diverse past with the wider public.
Executive Officer & Archaeological Research Facilitator | Dr Lita Tzortzopoulou-Gregory
Lita has been with the AAIA since 2014. She holds degrees in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of Sydney (BA and MPhil) and La Trobe University (PhD). She is an active field archaeologist and researcher, and she has worked extensively in Greece, Cyprus, and Jordan. At the AAIA, Lita manages the Athens office and coordinates all fieldwork and museum study permits for Australian and New Zealand researchers and students. She also facilitates our collaborations with Greek-based institutions. In addition, she leads on the administrative arrangements for our educational and public engagement activities in Athens, and she manages our Hostel.
Administrative Assistant | Ms Panagiota Korompli
Panagiota has been a part of the AAIA since 2019. She holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English and Philosophy, and Human Resources Management, and she has previously worked with organisations affiliated with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture in the undertaking of research and dissemination of ancient and modern Greek history and culture. She has also worked as a translator. At the AAIA, she supports Lita in managing the Athens side of our operations, including correspondence, finances, and the delivery of our educational and public engagement activities in Athens.
Administration Officer | Mr Brett Myers
Brett has worked at the AAIA since 2000. He holds BA and MA degrees in Archaeology from the University of Sydney as well as postgraduate degrees in Museum and Heritage Studies. He is an experienced field archaeologist with a particular interest in pre-Roman South Italy. Brett is the administrative lynchpin for the AAIA’s national network of Friends groups, and he coordinates our Australia-based activities.
Since its foundation in 1980, the AAIA has been a formal part of the University of Sydney. Under current institutional practice, it is designated a Level 2 Centre. It is governed by an Executive Board and supported by an Advisory Council. The Advisory Council consists of elected representatives of our different stakeholder groups, including our research community and public supporters.
Phone: +61 2 9351 4759
Email: arts.aaia@sydney.edu.au
Phone: +30 210 924 3256
Email: aaia@otenet.gr
