CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE & LABORATORIES

The educational and research activity of the Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies is supported by a Centre of Excellence and five institutional laboratories. These structures promote specialised and interdisciplinary research, contribute to teaching and support academic collaboration.

Centre of Excellence

Exploitation of Orthodox Heritage and Interreligious Dialogue

The NKUA Centre of Excellence promotes the study, presentation and constructive use of Orthodox heritage in the context of interreligious dialogue.

Its central aim is to contribute to meaningful dialogue among religious traditions and peaceful religious coexistence in contemporary multicultural societies. Through interdisciplinary academic cooperation, the Centre supports the study and communication of Orthodox heritage in an interreligious context.

Coordinator: Professor Sotirios Despotis
sotdespo@soctheol.uoa.gr

Institutional references:
Establishment and operation decisions: ADA ΨΕΤΦ46ΨΖ2Ν-Κ9Φ and 6ΡΣ346ΨΖ2Ν-Β1Ψ.

Research Laboratories

Select a laboratory below to view its research profile, director and institutional information.

1. Manuscripts’ Digital Research and Study Laboratory

The Laboratory serves the Department’s teaching and research needs in digital theological and Religious Studies research and in the study of manuscript sources.

Its work connects manuscript studies with digital methods and supports research in the specialised fields defined by its operating regulation.

Director:
Professor Emmanouil D. Karageorgoudis

Operating regulation:
Government Gazette 601/B/26 February 2019

Visit the Laboratory Website (English)

2. Canon Law Laboratory

The Canon Law Laboratory serves the educational and research needs of the academic community in Canon Law and its interdisciplinary dimensions.

Its work supports the study of Canon Law in relation to broader legal, cultural and social questions and contributes to the Department’s research and educational activities.

Director:
Professor Eirini Christinaki

Operating regulation:
Government Gazette 1567/B/9 May 2019

Visit the Laboratory Website

3. Laboratory of Counselling Pastoral Care and Psychology “Empathy”

The Laboratory serves the educational and research needs of the academic community in counselling, pastoral care and psychology, together with their interdisciplinary connections to related human sciences.

It promotes research and academic activity in these fields and seeks to connect the Department with contemporary social needs, social cohesion and the promotion of psychosomatic well-being.

Director:
Rev. Fr Athanasios G. Melissaris, Associate Professor

Operating regulation:
Government Gazette 199/B/15 January 2024

Laboratory website: Under development.

4. Laboratory of Pedagogical Research and Applications, Educational Technology and Production of Educational Material for Religious Education

The Laboratory serves educational and research needs in Religious Education and its interdisciplinary study. Its activities focus on research, teaching and pedagogical questions, with particular attention to educational applications, educational technology and the design and production of educational material.

Through its research and educational activity, the Laboratory supports links between the Department, contemporary educational practice and technology-enhanced learning.

Director:
Professor Sotirios Despotis

Operating regulation:
Government Gazette 4624/B/21 October 2020

Visit the Laboratory Website

5. Laboratory for Religious Studies and Bioethics of Religions “Vasileios Fanaras”

The Laboratory serves educational and research needs in Religious Studies and the Bioethics of Religions, with a strong interdisciplinary orientation.

Its fields include Sociology of Religion, ethics and bioethics, comparative religious literature, religious iconography and museum education, ancient Greek religion and philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, mission studies and interreligious dialogue, Theology of Religions, Eastern religions, History of Religions, Hinduism, Islam, Comparative Religion and History of Ideas.

Director:
Professor Kirki Kefalea

Establishment and operating regulation:
Government Gazette 6677/B/10 December 2024

The Laboratory was created through the merger of the former Laboratory of Religious Studies and Laboratory of Ethics and Bioethics of Religions.

Visit the Laboratory Website

Research, Teaching and Student Engagement

The Department’s research structures connect research with teaching and academic life. They offer students and early-career researchers opportunities to participate in seminars and scholarly activities, develop research skills and engage with interdisciplinary academic communities.

Activities include conferences, workshops, publications, digital projects, educational resources and collaborations with universities and research organisations in Greece and abroad.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE & LABORATORIES