Professor Hodos, an experienced field archaeologist and scholar, will be joining the University of Sydney (USYD) and Australian Archaeological Institute of Athens (AAIA) from the University of Bristol, the UK in the second half of 2023.
USYD’s School of Humanities Head, Professor Keith Dobney, welcomed Professor Hodos into her new role and to this exciting opportunity.
“Professor Hodos brings her wealth of research experience studying the ancient Mediterranean world, not least the important role Greek culture played within its development,” Professor Dobney said.
“She comes at an exciting time in the history of the Institute and with new ideas and initiatives into how we engage a range of audiences with the fascinating world of Hellenistic studies.”
Using her extensive experience and contacts in Europe, Professor Hodos said she hopes to “forge innovative, collaborative projects to develop a new understanding of the culture of the Hellenes, their impact and their role in broader world history, from ancient, byzantine to modern.”
Professor Hodos, who will be Director of the Institute as well as taking up a position as Chair of Classical Archaeology, will look to elevate the standing of the AAIA in its role as a Foreign School of Athens and a unique research institution here in Australia.
She is focused on creating career pathways in the study of Hellenic culture for students and researchers, to create opportunities and expand their knowledge of the Hellenic world, and to bring that knowledge to the public.
“I see the relevance of the past to our recent experiences and believe we should harness our knowledge of the past to inform our present and our future,” Professor Hodos said.
The new Director will build upon the links between the AAIA and the Greek Australian community, recognising the vital role the AAIA holds as a bridge between Greece and Australia.
“I appreciate the work and contribution of the Greek Australian diaspora in creating and supporting this unique Institution in Australia. As its Director, I am keen to extend the Institute’s growing focus on the experiences of Australia’s Greek community today,” she said.
As part of this forward-looking, global approach, Professor Hodos will be working with the AAIA Friends Groups and Institutional Members to develop the ways Hellenic cultural heritage is interpreted, and share the Institute’s research of the past in a relevant and accessible way in Australia.
“I understand that the past inclusiveness of the AAIA is essential to instigating future collaborative projects and look forward to many productive associations with many different stakeholders in my future role,” she said.
The AAIA is one of 18 foreign research facilities established in Athens that focus on Greek and wider Mediterranean studies, with a heavy emphasis on archaeological fieldwork and research.
Archaeology professor, curator of the Nicholson Museum for 37 years and founder of the AAIA, Professor Cambitoglou generously bequeathed $6 million to the Institute, with the funds dedicated to supporting its ongoing work and new directorship.
READ MORE: Dr Stavros Paspalas on the future of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens.
