On June 3rd, the Cultural Foundation of the National Bank of Greece (MIET), in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), hosted a pivotal symposium titled “The Future of Humanities and Social Sciences in Greece.” This event aimed to underscore the enduring value of classical disciplines—such as history, literature, sociology, and anthropology—in our increasingly technology-driven world.
Distinguished academics and researchers from across the globe engaged in critical discussions, exploring how these fields can redefine their relevance and impact, and adapt their tools and frameworks for an AI-influenced future.
A highlight of the symposium was the presentation by our partner KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, which showcased an innovative interdisciplinary methodology. This approach uniquely bridges neuroscience with the humanities to explore cultural heritage’s role in enriching museum visitors’ experiences.
Dr. Vassilis Margaritis, a researcher at KMOP and Dean of the Research Centre at the Swiss School of Business Management, captivated the audience with his presentation on our META-MUSEUM project. He detailed KMOP’s crucial contribution to developing and validating tools that analyze neurophysiological, psychometric, and socio-economic data. This innovative methodology helps us understand how cultural experiences positively influence human psychology and emotional and cognitive responses.
Dr. Margaritis emphasized the vital link between natural and human sciences, stating, “Cultural heritage is not just about the past; it’s a driving force for the future of the humanities and social sciences. Connecting these fields with neuroscience can offer innovative responses to contemporary challenges. Technology is never neutral—it is the humanities that bring ethical and political awareness into the equation.”
The META-MUSEUM project, funded by Horizon Europe, champions meaningful engagement with cultural heritage. By fostering collaborative work between neurosciences, museology, and social sciences, the project investigates how cultural experiences can positively shape emotions, behaviors, and social attitudes. Through digital tools and activities at cultural sites, META-MUSEUM aims to boost participation, co-creation, and personal connection with culture, especially for socially challenged groups.
The project is driven by a multidisciplinary consortium spanning across Europe, including: Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy – coordinator), KMOP (Greece), Cultural Foundation of the National Bank of Greece (Greece), La Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Netherlands), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (Germany), Polish Information Processing Centre – National Research Institute (Poland), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania), European Museum Academy (Netherlands), Beia Consult International Srl (Romania), Nordic Centre of Heritage Learning and Creativity (Sweden), MuséoParc Alésia (France), Catalan Agency for Cultural Heritage (Spain), and the Egyptian Museum Foundation of Turin (Italy).