Dr. Lida Arnellou is a tenured researcher at the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications at NCSR “Demokritos”. She leads the ARTIFACT (Artificial Intelligence for Culture) research group within the institute’s Intelligent Information Systems division. The ARTIFACT group operates at the intersection of technology and culture, focusing on the creation of technology-driven cultural experiences and the advanced digitization of cultural heritage.
Dr. Arnellou is also the Curator and Coordinator of AiTHERION, an innovative cultural space dedicated to exploring the intersection of ancient Greek philosophy and emerging technologies. A collaborative initiative between NCSR Demokritos and the Greek Ministry of Culture, AiTHERION fosters public dialogue, inspires philosophical reflection in daily life, and raises awareness of contemporary techno-ethical challenges. As an Open Lab, AiTHERION serves as a dynamic testbed for advanced cultural technologies. Its inaugural exhibition, “Democracy and Eudaimonia”, has received multiple accolades, including the Gold Award in the Digital Applications category at the ΕΒΓΕ 2024 contest, the Silver Award in the Place-Specific Experiences category at the Art Directors Club of Europe 2024 Awards, and the Best VR Film award at the Bridges International Film Festival 2024.
Dr. Arnellou holds a PhD in Science Communication from the University of the Peloponnese. She has played a pivotal role in shaping Greece’s first Master’s Program in Science Communication at the Hellenic Open University, where she also co-authored the program’s the textbooks for the program’s Science Communication and Scientific Journalism modules.
Through her work, Dr. Arnellou bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and cultural heritage, fostering meaningful connections that enrich both the research community and society at large.