Dear colleagues and friends,
It is with great joy that we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies (DI.K.A.M.) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary.
DIKAM was founded by the University Senate in 2011, with the primary goal of studying and promoting worldwide the work of the universal philosopher Aristotle, student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Its innovative theme, reflected in its title, makes it unique, as it has brought to the forefront the interdisciplinary approach of Aristotle’s work.
Leading figures of the state, such as the Presidents of the Hellenic Republic and high-ranking officials of the European Union, including the President of the European Parliament, have recognized, immediately after its founding, the importance of the goals served by DIKAM.
At the same time, renowned Aristotle scholars with global recognition, Professors from Greek and international Universities, members of Academies, and scientists interested in Aristotle’s work, honored with the highest academic distinctions, have brought significant prestige to DIKAM’s fifteen-year activity by serving as Members or Honorary members of the Scientific Council and by participating in its various activities. Equally valuable are DIKAM’s collaborations with international Institutions and Research Centers in Greece and abroad.
Over its fifteen years of operation, DIKAM has organized activities such as International Conferences, Symposia, Colloquia, Cultural events, Lecture Series for the public, and published Conference Proceedings. The highlight was the organization of the World Congress “Aristotle 2400 Years,” under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, in 2016, featuring 250 speakers from 40 countries from the five continents.
In the following years, key milestones of DIKAM’s activities include: (a) participating in the 25th World Congress of Philosophy (Rome, August 2024), where DIKAM organized three Invited Sessions on Aristotle, and (b) co-organizing the “Aristotle-Confucius Symposium on Ethics for the 21st Century,” in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the Academy of Athens, and the China Confucius Foundation. The first symposium was held in July 2023 at the Academy of Athens and at AUTh-ancient Stageira-ancient Mieza, and the second at Qufu and Beining in July 2024.
A fruitful outcome of the internationalization of the work of the Interdisciplinary Center for Aristotle Studies over its 15 years of activity is the recent signing of two Memoranda of Cooperation: one with the Research Center on Aristotelian Tradition in the 15th and 16th Centuries at the University of Salento, and the other with the Nishan World Center for the Study of Confucius, of the China Confucius Foundation. The latter partnership marks an important milestone in promoting cultural exchange between Chinese and Greek civilizations and contributes to a dialogue on addressing global challenges of our time by drawing on the insights of these two emblematic thinkers.
We are pleased that the Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies, through its tireless efforts over fifteen years and without regular funding, has given significant impetus to the study and promotion of Aristotle’s work. It has become an internationally recognized institution, positioning Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as a reference point for Aristotle studies. With determination, dedication, and scholarly responsibility, it has attracted worldwide interest from philosophers and scientists alike—emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of Aristotle’s work and its relevance to contemporary fields such as Ethics, Politics, Paideia, Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence. These features make the Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies, AUTH, innovative and unique on a global scale.
We are grateful to all those who have contributed to our effort to make our vision a reality.
Happy New Year 2026!
With most kind regards,
Demetra Sfendoni-Mentzou
Founder and President of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies, A.U.Th.
Professor Emerita of Philosophy of Science
Corresponding Member Abroad of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW)
