Institute of Communication Studies - Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications

Stergios Mavrikis

BA (Thessaloniki), MA (Athens)

Position: PhD Cadidate and Research Project Assistant

PhD. TOPIC:

Internet and New Media constructing a common European identity
Exploring netizens' conceptualisations of European Identity

The proposed study aims to explore the discursive processes of European Identity/ies construction in online communities. Since nation states are still the dominant framework of reference and belonging for a vast majority of Europeans, the question is if an additional collective "Heimat" can be invented or constructed as a vehicle to legitimize EU for present and future goals.

The final target is to investigate the ways in which subjects come to recognise or identify (or not) themselves as citizens of United Europe and integrate into the European project. This identification process is situated within an online discursive realm, aiming to examine the way netizens exposed to new media interaction, internalise external signals and messages with EU content.

Finally, considering the internet as a symbolic contact zone and as a vehicle for "image building" in Europe, the paper will explore new media in their role as a digital arena in which netizens discursively [intentionally/unintentionally] a) create/shape, b) invent/re-invent or even c) reject (their own) European identity/ties through their interaction with 1) each other, 2) the official EU institutions, 3) with constructed "Otherness".

Research methods:
"The most important thing is to never stop questioning" Albert Einstein
"All generalizations are dangerous - including this one" Alexandre Dumas

SUPERVISORS:

Prof. Juliet Lodge
Dr. Katharine Sarikakis

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

European identity
Ethnicity and multiculturalism
New media
European political communication and mobilisation
Internet and society
European Union democratic and communication deficit

EDUCATION:

I studied Classics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Degree in Greek Literature - Department of Greek Literature - Specialization: Classics, Thessaloniki, 1997-2001), specialized in ancient Greek and Latin Literature and Civilization, as well as in linguistics, semiotics, history, art etc. (University of Leeds - Department of Classics - Erasmus Programme, Leeds, 1997-1998).

My second degree in professional Journalism at a private institute (Journalist's Diploma - "Ergastiri Epagelmatikis Dimosiografias" - Institute of Journalism - Athens, 2000-2001) gave me the opportunity to acquire professional knowledge in reportage, PR, sound recording, radio production, speech Training etc.

Finally, I recently finished an interdisciplinary M.A. on "Media Psychology" at Panteion University of Social and Political Science (Athens) - Department of Psychology and Department of Communication, Mass Media and Civilization (Master on Psychology and Mass Media, Athens, 2003-2005)

PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH NETWORKS:

JMECE Lab at the Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence (JMECE), University of Leeds
Status: founder
JMECE Student Lab Website
JMECE LAB is a platform designed to create a research network among students, European youth movements and others sharing an interest in the future of Europe.

Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence (JMECE), University of Leeds
Status: Member
JMECE Website

UACES 'Experts on Europe'
Status: Member
Profile
University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES)

AWARDS:

He was awarded a ICS Research Student Scholarship in 2007-2010

RESEARCH POSITIONS:

Jun 2007 - March 2008: Research Project Assistant, University of Leeds, Institute of Communications Studies, Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence, Projects: "Europe in my Eyes" and "Future Visions of Europe" projects, funded by the Office of European Parliament in UK and the European Commission Representation in UK. Project website

CONFERENCES / SEMINARS:

Under construction

SCHOLARLY SERVICE:

Member of organising committee, ICS 2nd Annual Postgraduate Conference "Communications and Space and Place" Leeds, June 6, 2008.

MEDIA RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

ILLUSION film-video productions (Athens) Idea and research for a documentary, organised by Greek National Television, Greek Parliament, European Documentary Network.
"FOUAGIE" Magazine (Athens) Permanent Member of the Journalists' Team, Theatre Review
Greek National Television (ET-1) - public opinion surveys
"THE DAILY TIMES" Newspaper (Athens) Reporter on Technology & Science
"EPI SKINIS" Magazine (Cyprus) External Reporter, Theatre Review
"TOMORROW" Magazine (Athens) Reporter / Editor / In Charge of the Business-Economics Section

QUOTATIONS:

"Discourse is a great potentate, which by the smallest and most secret body accomplishes the most divine works; for it can stop fear and assuage pain and produce joy and make mercy abound" by Gorgias, Encomium of Helen, 8 (translated by Brian R. Donovan)