History and background

The National Centre for Social research (EKKE) was established in 1959 under the auspices of UNESCO. It is the only research centre in Greece exclusively dedicated to social sciences. Over its fifty years of existence, the EKKE has created a research tradition in many areas. In the area of social geography the tradition originated in the 1960s with the studies carried out by French geographers and their collaborators on urbanisation and rural regions. In the area of social policy, the studies on poverty and income inequality date back to the days of Prof. Sakis Karayiorgas and his team. In the area of political sociology and electoral behaviour, the EKKE has conducted a number of significant and pioneering studies still referred to. The Centre’s contribution to research on criminal and deviant behaviour is also noteworthy. Last but not least,   anthropological studies initiated by the Centre’s first director, John Peristiany, remain a major part of ongoing research activities.

Current  state of affairs.

• The three research Institutes, established in 1995, carry on the aforementioned scientific tradition. In addition, new areas of knowledge and research interests have appeared, reflecting the development of national and international scientific thought.
• The three Institutes participate in EU funded programmes, as well as in international scientific networks. Funding from external sources of financial support is also pursued.
• The institutes’ research activity is regularly assessed by external evaluation committees. The next evaluation process is due in 2010.
• The social utility of the Centre activities concerns the understanding and interpreting of social structures and transformations in Greece. It is also connected to the importance that research findings have for policies promoting social justice and cohesion in areas such as employment, health, education, etc.