Appointment of new IIHSA Director

The Managing Committee of the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Joanne M. A. Murphy as our new Director. After receiving her BA and MA from UCD, she earned her PhD from the University of Cincinnati. She specialises in Aegean archaeology, the archeology of Bronze Age ritual and mortuary practices, and archaeological methods and theory. Joanne has been a long-standing leader in Irish research in Greece, most recently as director of our archaeological survey project in Kea since 2011. Having published widely on the prehistoric archaeology of Greece, participated in many fieldwork projects and as Professor of Classical Studies at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, she brings a deep knowledge and experience of the wider field to our team. Joanne’s senior teaching excellence award in 2020 and her 2018 UNCG undergraduate research mentor award highlight her dedication to teaching and engagement, which are cornerstones of the IIHSA’s annual programme including field schools, study tours and graduate research secondments.

We take this opportunity to warmly thank our outgoing Director Christina Souyoudzoglou-Haywood for her leadership in Athens and for guiding the IIHSA through difficult times during the pandemic. 

Message from our outgoing Director, Dr Christina Souyoudzoglou-Haywood:

“I was extremely pleased to learn that Joanne Murphy has accepted to take on the role of Director of the Irish Institute. Joanne is no stranger to the archaeology community of Athens and I am sure that, with the support of our small but dedicated team in Athens, she will thrive in a role which is more enjoyable than challenging. I wish her every success!”