The strategic planning for the internationalization of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) was presented on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Hellenic Parliament, by the Vice-Rector for International Relations and Outreach, Associate Professor Costas Petrides. The presentation took place in the context of a conference on the topic “The Internationalization of Greek Universities”, organized by the Committee on Educational Affairs of the Parliament, in the Senate Hall.
The event took place in the presence of the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the Secretary General of Higher Education, Mr. Nikos Papaioannou, the President of the National Authority of Higher Education (ATHAE), Mr. Periklis Mitkas, as well as the President of the Parliament, Mr. Konstantinos An. Tasoulas, who delivered a welcome address at the opening of the event. Rectors from Greek universities also participated in the conference with speeches and presentations.
During his speech, Vice-Rector Mr. Costas Petrides stated that HMU actively participates in pan-European university networks, such as ATHENA European University and the HEROES Alliance. Through these networks, the university strengthens international cooperation and exchange of best practices, while at the same time promoting the development of joint study programs, offering significant mobility opportunities for students and staff.
Mr. Petrides also highlighted HMU’s participation in leading European research programs, such as the Graphene Flagship, which promotes innovations in the field of technology, and HiPER, which focuses on clean energy. Through these projects, as he mentioned, HMU strengthens its international reputation and promotes cutting-edge research.
In addition, the Vice-Rector underlined that HMU has invested in the development of internationally oriented study programs, such as the EMINENT MSc. This program, he noted, attracts students from all over the world and supports the creation of an intercultural learning environment. At the same time, he mentioned that the university has introduced English-language study programs and innovative education models that combine distance learning with physical presence, making studies more accessible for students from third countries.
Mr. Petrides also referred to the university’s participation in research infrastructures, such as Infrachip, which focuses on semiconductor technologies, and EMERGE, which promotes the development of printable electronic devices. Through these collaborations, he pointed out, HMU contributes to the creation of sustainable and green technologies, while strengthening its collaboration with leading international research centers.
He made particular mention of the international events organized by the university, such as Erasmus Days and the International Cooperation Week with African Universities, which, as he stated, strengthen HMU’s international presence and interconnection with educational and research institutions worldwide.
Finally, Mr. Petrides highlighted the importance of the university’s extroversion, underlining the collaboration with international companies for student internships, as well as the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence scholarship that he himself received, strengthening collaborations with American institutions. He also referred to the ETHAAE assessment for 2022, in which HMU achieved the largest percentage increase in internationalization among Greek universities, ranking 5th.
The internationalization actions presented by Mr. Petrides confirm HMU’s commitment to academic excellence and the enhancement of its global recognition, becoming the model for higher education in Greece.
