Nikolas Bakirtzis

Nikolas Bakirtzis is a Professor and Director of the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) at The Cyprus Institute (CyI), leading the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center (STARC). He coordinates CyI's PhD program in Science and Technology in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Bakirtzis holds a PhD in Art and Architectural History from Princeton University. His research focuses on Byzantine and medieval urbanism, fortifications, monasticism, and the application of advanced digital and analytical methods in cultural heritage preservation. He has conducted fieldwork across Cyprus, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean, addressing issues like heritage at risk, climate change impacts, and illicit antiquities trafficking.

• Education: PhD in Art and Architectural History, Princeton University (2000s)
• Key Roles:
  • Director, APAC Labs (since 2009)
  • Coordinator, STARC PhD Program
  • Marie Curie Fellow (2009), Getty Research Institute Fellow (2016), Tübingen Fellow (2024)

Research Interests: His work bridges historical inquiry with scientific analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to Byzantine and medieval art/architecture. Current projects include dendrochronology of Cypriot churches, digital documentation of UNESCO sites, and climate change's impact on heritage. He has pioneered studies on composite icons, hidden layers in paintings, and Byzantine fortifications' urban roles.

Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and books, including the 2024 Routledge Handbook of the Byzantine City and studies on Thessaloniki's fortifications and Cypriot monasticism. Recent work combines BIM modeling, spectral imaging, and heritage ontology frameworks to preserve at-risk monuments.

• Awards: Marie Curie Grant (2009), Getty Foundation Grant (2017), Tübingen Fellowship (2024).
• Grants: Supported by EU frameworks, Dumbarton Oaks, and Cyprus Research Foundation.

Labs/Teams: APAC Labs integrates chemistry, archaeometry, and digital tech for non-invasive analysis. Collaborates globally on projects like the Aleppo Madrasa reconstruction and Nicosia Cathedral's visual acuity studies.