ABOUT US

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AIMS

The Australian Institute for Macedonian Studies (AIMS) was formed in August 1986 by a group of academics, teachers and professionals, aiming to promote the cultural and historical identity of Macedonian Hellenism and to conduct research on socio-cultural, linguistic and historical issues pertinent to Hellenism who resided and developed the wider geographical region of Macedonia from the 11 century BC to the present day. The founding members met at the premises of the then St. Basil’s Brunswick Grammar School in Blyth Street, Brunswick and decide to elect the Board of Management, electing P. Liveriadis Chairman of the Board, Professor Dr. A. M. Tamis inaugural President of the AIMS, Dr. D. Iakovidis and P. Iasonidis Secretaries, N. Halatzoukas treasurer and M. Kasapides, Th. Karabatsas, N. Katris, P. Gogides, M. Kasnaksis, C. Mantzios and K. Hatzistavros members of the Board of Directors.

The AIMS managed over the years to widen its authority nationally and internationally, establishing lectures and seminars in state capitals, publishing six monographs and collective volumes, organizing three international conferences, over 25 seminars and colloquia and numerous public lectures. The Institute also produced a literary journal entitled Makedonikos Logos (Macedonian Logos) in 1986, a monthly Macedonian Bulletin distributed to its members and community organizations and a large number of cultural events including concerts in classical music, lectures, symposia and seminars.

Over the years, the members of the AIMS published a number of articles in referred Journals on historical, linguistic and socio-cultural issues pertaining Macedonia; presented review studies on Macedonian Hellenism and the complex issues pertaining Macedonia; advised Australian, Greek and Cypriot governments and its agencies, including diplomatic representatives; submitted studies on ancient Macedonian language, the Slavonic and Greek dialects spoken in the wider geographic region of Macedonia; compiled reports and offered erudite advise to government advisors on issues relevant to Macedonian Question and its controversy amongst the involved ethnicities; promoted the music, culture, folklore and the national costumes of the wider Macedonia and the similarities and differences between the Greek Macedonian compared with the Macedoslavs.

In 1997, the AIMS was academically amalgamated within the National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research at La Trobe University until the eradication of the Centre in December 2008. In 2009, the Board of Directors of the AIMS, which convenes usually once a month, liaises closely with Australian and overseas university entities, as well as with international research centres, including the Institute for Balkan Studies in Greece on research matters and publications.