George Alexopoulos

George Alexopoulos serves as Lecturer (Teaching) in Sustainable Heritage at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage, part of The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources at University College London. His academic career includes continuous appointments at UCL since 2012 across the Institute of Archaeology and Qatar campus, alongside adjunct roles at Hellenic Open University and Leopold-Franzens-Universitat Innsbruck.

His educational qualifications comprise:

• PhD in Heritage Management, UCL Institute of Archaeology (2010)
• MA in Cultural Heritage Studies, UCL Institute of Archaeology (2002)
• BA in Archaeology and Art History, National and Capodistrian University of Athens (2001)

Alexopoulos specializes in reconciling tangible with intangible heritage values through multisensory approaches, with particular expertise in food heritage, olfactory heritage, and living religious heritage. His research consistently explores how heritage practices can drive sustainability transitions, especially within food systems and community engagement frameworks. His work integrates cultural heritage management with contemporary sustainability challenges, emphasizing citizen participation and cultural knowledge preservation.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2007-2024) reveals two dominant research trajectories: sustained investigation of Mount Athos as a case study for religious heritage management (examining gender exclusion, local-universal value conflicts, and ethical challenges), and an evolving focus on food heritage as a catalyst for sustainable food systems (highlighting co-creation, social ecology, and multisensory engagement). This dual focus demonstrates how cultural heritage frameworks can address modern sustainability challenges through community-centered approaches.

He has secured significant research funding through EU projects including BigPicnic (2018-19) focused on public engagement with sustainable food systems, and 'Discovering the Archaeologists of Europe 2014' (2012-14) examining heritage professional practices. His current maternity leave cover position continues UCL's commitment to sustainable heritage education within the Institute for Sustainable Heritage.