On Thursday, 16 July 2026, the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) and the Friends’ Association of the Museum of Cretan Traditional Life and Folk Culture “LYCHNOSTATIS” signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The Memorandum was signed, on behalf of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, by the Rector, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, and, on behalf of the “LYCHNOSTATIS” Association, by its President and Legal and Cultural Manager, Mr Ioannis Markakis.
Representing HMU at the signing ceremony were the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, Professor Fotis Mavromatakis, the Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Anastasia Tabakaki, and the Head of the Department of Agriculture, Professor Manolis Roditakis. Mr Markakis was accompanied by the Vice-President of the Association, Mr Kostis Lagoudianakis, and the Communications Officer, Ms Myrto Markaki.
The new partnership aims to connect academic knowledge and research with culture, museum education, and the promotion of Crete’s traditional way of life and folk cultural heritage.
Under the Memorandum, undergraduate and postgraduate students of HMU will be informed about opportunities to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, as well as internships, in thematic areas related to the Museum’s activities and operation and aligned with the students’ academic and scientific interests.
At the same time, the two parties intend to cooperate in the preparation and submission of proposals and in the implementation of research and development projects in which the Museum may participate as an eligible partner.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the organisation of joint scientific, educational, cultural and social activities. These may include presentations of the Museum to the academic community, participation of Museum representatives in courses, information events and Career Days, as well as cooperation in University events such as the “Fascination of Plants Day.”
The “LYCHNOSTATIS” Museum will also have the opportunity to provide the Hellenic Mediterranean University with expertise in museology and museography, particularly in the context of the possible establishment of a Museum of Technology or another related university museum structure.
Through this collaboration, the two institutions aim to contribute to the preservation, scientific documentation, exhibition and promotion of objects and collections of cultural and botanical interest, in accordance with the applicable institutional framework and the capacities of both organisations.
The signing of the Memorandum constitutes an important step towards strengthening the outreach of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, connecting education and research with cultural institutions in Crete, and creating new opportunities for learning, practical experience and scientific collaboration for members of the University community.
