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 in Greece and host academic and public-facing events.
