Panikos Panayi

Professor Panikos Panayi is Professor of European History at De Montfort University's School of Humanities, where he has worked since 1990 and held a personal Chair since 1999. His extensive academic career has focused on migration history, ethnic relations, and European history, making significant contributions to our understanding of how immigrants have shaped societies, particularly in Britain and London.

Professor Panayi's research interests encompass the history of immigration and interethnic relations, the history of food, the First World War, German history, the history of London, and the history of the Cypriot people. His work consistently examines how migration has been fundamental to the economic, social, political, and cultural development of societies, with a particular focus on Britain and London as case studies. He approaches his research through detailed historical analysis combined with contemporary relevance, often highlighting how historical patterns of migration and integration inform current debates.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on migration history, particularly examining how immigrants have shaped British society. A central theme across his work is the argument that London's development as a global city has been inextricably linked to immigration patterns spanning two millennia. His research demonstrates how migrants have contributed to London's economy, culture, and social fabric, from Roman invaders to contemporary European Union citizens, acting as cheap labor, contributing to the financial sector, establishing curry houses, and influencing football clubs.

• Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Research funding from prestigious organizations including the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Arts and Humanities Research Council, British Academy, Gerda Henkel Foundation, Leventis Foundation, and Leverhulme Trust

Professor Panayi actively supervises PhD students, currently guiding research on topics including 'Sedition and State Overwatch: Radicalism, Racial Politics and Britain's Black Communities' and 'The Burger in Britain: A Symbol of Americana.' His externally funded research projects have examined subjects such as 'The Cypriot Peasant,' 'Real Londoners: Immigration and the Making of London,' and 'Knockaloe in Local, National and Global Context.' He serves as reviews editor of 'Immigrants and Minorities' and is a member of the international editorial board of the 'Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History.'