Speaker

 Dr. Evelien Bracke is an award-winning classicist whose work bridges the ancient world and modern challenges. With over 25 years of experience in academia, she is known for her innovative research on classical literature, myth, and their relevance to contemporary society. Through her research and public engagement, she is committed to widening access to the study of antiquity and demonstrating the enduring impact of ancient stories on modern life. Her first monograph 'Classics at Primary School: A Tool for Social Justice' was praised by reviewers as essential reading for teachers and policymakers alike. Her second monograph, 'Guide through the Labyrinth' (in Dutch, Academia Press 2025) examines the role classical mythology plays in the stories we currently tell about geopolitical conflict, climate breakdown, the rise of artificial intelligence, and social media. The book has won a prestigious award and has recently been translated into English as 'The Meaning of Myth in Uncertain Times: How Classical Mythology helps us Navigate a World in Crisis' (Routledge 2026). As an international leader in public engagement, Evelien Bracke has pioneered initiatives that bring Latin and ancient Greek to primary school children from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds: Literacy through Classics in the UK, and the award-winning Ancient Greeks – Young Heroes in Belgium. Her outreach work, recognized with international awards, demonstrates the transformative potential of the Humanities in fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and social justice. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered lectures for a variety of audiences sharing her vision of a more inclusive and accessible Classics. Dr. Evelien Bracke is currently Visiting Lecturer/Assistant Professor at University College Dublin (Ireland) and Visiting Researcher at Ghent University (Belgium).