The Hellenic Observatory was established at the LSE in 1996, with the creation of the Eleftherios Venizelos Chair of Contemporary Greek Studies based on a generous endowment provided by a number of Greek donors.
The role of both the Chair and the Hellenic Observatory is to promote the multidisciplinary study of contemporary Greek politics, economy and society. Our coverage has developed to cover both Greece and Cyprus, and to relate these to both the rest of the European Union and to Southeast Europe. This focus is expressed across our research and public activities.
We welcome you to these pages and we hope that you will be interested in joining in our activities. Do please contact us to be placed on our mailing lists|.
Professor Kevin Featherstone
Eleftherios Venizelos Professor of Contemporary Greek Studies,
Director, Hellenic Observatory.
"I believe that the Hellenic Observatory can make a very important contribution to understanding what Greece is today, but also in proposing ideas and solutions for a Greece of tomorrow. So again, I assure you of my full support for your future work".
GEORGE PAPANDREOU, Prime Minister of Greece,
during his lecture at the LSE, April 2009
"I would like to stress the important contribution of the Hellenic Observatory in better understanding modern Greece. Since it was founded it has been gradually evolving into a prominent research centre for the analysis of economic, social, institutional and political aspects of Greece".
COSTAS KARAMANLIS, former Prime Minister of Greece,
during his lecture at the LSE, November 2006
"The Hellenic Observatory's teaching and research, as well as the many public events it organizes, help to promote the awareness and understanding of contemporary Greece and to build bridges between our respective academic communities. I congratulate Professor Kevin Featherstone for his good work"
DORA BAKOYANNI, then Foreign Minister of Greece,
at LSE Alumni event, October 2006