As a continuation of the signed Framework Agreement between the Ionian University and Beijing Language and Culture University for the establishment of the Greek Sinology Center at the Ionian University, its official presentation took place on March 5, 2024 at the headquarters of the World Sinology Center in the city of Qingdao, China, which was accompanied by the start of a series of periodical events "Dialogue of Civilization between China and Greece: Memories of Ancient Civilizations as Inspiration in the Contemporary World". This first round table was attended by: a) TIAN Miao, Research Librarian, Senior Director of the Center for Chinese Memory of the National Library of China, b) Professor XU Baofeng, of Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Director of World Center of Sinology and Dean of the School of Sinology and Chinese Studies of BLCU, and c) the professor of the Department of F.L.T.I. of the Ionian University Stavros Katsios, director of the Hellenic Center for Sinology and holder of the UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage-related Activities (TCHAIR). The opening ceremony of the Greek Sinology Center in Corfu will take place on the second half of May 2024.
The strategic goal of the Hellenic Center for Sinology of the Ionian University is the development of Sinology and Chinese Studies in Greece, as well as the investigation, assessment and proposal of policies for the sustainability and the response to threats against tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The Center will support the mobility and joint research projects in which scholars from Greece and China will participate and will support - within the programs of the Academic Departments of the Ionian University - courses and seminars related to China such as (indicatively) Chinese philosophy, culture, cultural heritage, cultural diplomacy, translation and interpretation jointly pursuing the emergence of master's, doctoral and post-doctoral degree holders in the fields of Sinology and Chinese Studies. The Center will be staffed by academic and administrative staff from both universities.
