Inaugural Meeting of the Centre for the Study of Social and Humanitarian Crises a great success!

The inaugural meeting of the members and associates of the newly established Center for Research in Social and Humanitarian Crisis took place on Wednesday, June the 8th, in the presence of the majority of its members.The Center for Social and Humanitarian Crisis Research is the first academic center in Greece that focuses on interdisciplinary research, field intervention and the development of teaching methods related to Social and Humanitarian Crises. The members of the Center perceive crises in the broadest sense, as complex socio-political, environmental and cultural phenomena that can cause extreme uncertainty, insecurity and loss to individuals, communities and countries. These events can also enhance resilience, solidarity and transitions towards social change.

Members of the Centre,  academics, researchers, front-line professionals, representatives of professional associations, HASW, members of the National Center for Social Research (EKKE),  Local Authority Senior Representatives and civil society activists, were all there to support this new venture.

In addition to members and associations the Centre is also actively supported by an International Advisory Committee composed of International Researchers with global experience. The advisory committee, is chaired by the Dean of the School of Management, Economics & Social Sciences, Professor Athanasios Spyridakos.

The inaugural meeting took place in the Senate Room of the Ancient Olive Grove Campus, where attendees had the opportunity to listen to the presentation of the Director of the Center, Professor Vassilis Ioakimidis, on the purpose, strategic vision and long term planning of the Centre. 

Professor V. Ioakeimidis, Director of the Center, stated:

“After several months of preparation, we organized the inaugural meeting of members and associates of the newly established Center for Research in Social and Humanitarian Crisis. The meeting was genuinely interdisciplinary, inclusive and dynamic. Together, we launched a process of co-designing and co-developing a research center that aims at bridging the gap between theory and practice, between university and society. We warmly thank the Administration of the University of West Attica and personally the Rector for the support “.

Professor Ioakimidis presentation was followed by a constructive and vibrant discussion about research impact and priorities.