What is OIKOS?

OIKOS (Onderzoeksinstituut Klassieke Oudheidstudiën) is the National Research School in Classical Studies in the Netherlands. It is a collaborative institution of six Dutch universities and one Belgian university:

• Ghent University (UGent)
• Leiden University (UL)
• Radboud University (RU)
• University of Amsterdam (UvA)
• University of Groningen (UG)
• Utrecht University (UU)
• Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

The OIKOS office is hosted by one of these universities. OIKOS started in Leiden in 1999 and remained there until 2010. From 2011-2020, the Radboud University in Nijmegen held the secretaryship. As of 2021, members at the University of Groningen are responsible for the organization and coordination of OIKOS activities.

The History of OIKOS

Download the book about the 25-year history of OIKOS here (in Dutch with English summary)

What does OIKOS do?

As a National Research School, OIKOS has a number of functions:

• it organizes courses for PhD and ReMA students in the area of Graeco-Roman and Near Eastern Antiquity and its reception
• it stimulates and coordinates research efforts in the area of Graeco-Roman and Near Eastern Antiquity and its reception through its research groups and platforms
• it promotes the formation of an international network of researchers through its events

Annual Reports

As a National Research School, OIKOS prepares an annual report each year. The reports (in Dutch) can be consulted below. Would you like to view the full report including the attachments? Please contact the OIKOS office.

• Annual Report OIKOS 2020
• Annual Report OIKOS 2021
• Annual Report OIKOS 2022
• Aanual Report OIKOS 2023

Statement social safety within OIKOS

OIKOS is committed to providing all students, staff and visitors with a safe environment. All universities participating in OIKOS endorse the Netherlands Code of Conduct. OIKOS places great importance on collegiality, integrity, equality, respect, openness and attention to each other. We do not tolerate any type of undesirable conduct, including sexual and general harassment, aggression, bullying or discrimination.

All faculties have their own social security system and possess an ethics committee and/or a special social security officer either on faculty level or on university level. Since all OIKOS members are part of their own faculty, breaches of desirable and ethical conduct are typically dealt with by the faculty ethics committees. It has been agreed, however, that if undesirable or unethical behaviour is reported to the OIKOS director or educational board, the board can take measures regarding participation in OIKOS activities or can even revoke OIKOS membership, in consultation with the alleged offender’s university, who are formally responsible.