The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) will host a two-day International Conference on August 24–25, 2025, at its KEDEA building, where researchers will present the findings of two key research programs, DATIS and EUPopLink.

During the Conference researchers and experts in political science, social research methodology, European studies, and public communication will gather to present cutting-edge research and innovative methods addressing inclusion, populism, Euroscepticism, and political attitudes across Europe.

DATIS Maps Social Cohesion in Greece

The DATIS project (Data for Inclusive Societies) aims to study the factors that strengthen or hinder inclusion in modern society. The team uses innovative methodological approaches to gain deep insight into social cohesion in Greece.

The project operates under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” and receives funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) implements the project, and Professor Ioannis Andreadis from AUTH’s Department of Political Science leads it.

EUPopLink: AUTH Leads a European Research Initiative on Populism and Euroscepticism

EUPopLink, a COST Action initiative, continues the research started by the H.F.R.I.-funded DataPopEU project. It brings together a European network of institutions studying the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism. The project uses comparative analysis and innovative methods to examine these phenomena across different European countries.

The Project aims to uncover the causes and consequences of populism and Euroscepticism and to develop proposals for addressing their negative effects. EUPopLink is one of the few COST Actions in the social sciences and one of the very few coordinated by a Greek institution—AUTH—in the initiative’s nearly 40-year history.

Conference Program: Sunday, August 24

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 14:00 to 18:00, the conference will focus on findings from the DATIS project. Presentations will explore topics related to inclusive societies, such as political ideologies, gender identities and family roles, voters and political elites, and recent results from national and European elections in Greece.

What the Data Say about Same-Sex Couples and Parenting in Greece

Speakers will also present comparative analyses based on International Social Survey Program (ISSP) data. For example, they will compare the attitudes of Greek citizens to those of other countries regarding same-sex couples raising children (relevant chart attached).

Monday, August 25: Populism and Euroscepticism Across 15+ European Countries

On Monday, August 25, 2025, from 9:00 to 17:00, the conference will highlight the work of the COST Action EUPopLink. The day will begin with an overview of the project’s working groups, followed by short presentations from representatives of more than 15 European countries. These presentations will focus on populism, Euroscepticism, and how these phenomena interact within each country’s political context.

Open to All – No Registration Required

The conference welcomes academics, journalists, students, researchers, and anyone with an interest in these topics. Admission is free.

For more details and the full program, visit: www.datis.gr/conference