The Rector of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, actively participated in the events and activities of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), following an invitation from the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TIF-HELEXPO S.A., Mr Christos Tsentemeidis, to attend the official opening ceremony of the Fair.
During his visit, the Rector toured, among others, the stands of Greek universities, as well as the stand of the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Ministry of Development, where the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) was also represented. He had the opportunity to meet with Rectors and representatives of the academic and research community, exchange views on the current challenges facing Higher Education, and explore opportunities for cooperation and joint development.
Of particular interest was the Rector’s participation in a presentation on the new programme of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, within the framework of the Social Climate Fund, through which significant European funding is expected to be made available for energy upgrades and infrastructure improvements. Particular attention was given to the possibility of utilising these resources for the upgrading of HMU student residences and improving the energy efficiency of the University’s buildings. Discussions subsequently took place with Ministry officials regarding the opportunities and requirements for the University’s participation in the relevant funding schemes.
At the same time, the Rector attended presentations by the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.), during which he had the opportunity to meet with the Foundation’s President, Mr Dimitrios Vergados. Their meeting focused on issues related to research and innovation, as well as opportunities to further strengthen research activity at HMU.
The Rector also held important meetings with the Presidium of the Rectors’ Conference of Greek Universities and the President of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), Professor Periklis Mitkas. The discussions focused on the future of Higher Education, the challenges facing regional universities, and the prospects for further strengthening their position and role.
Finally, the Rector attended the opening ceremony of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair and the address delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the presence of Rectors and representatives of Greek universities. His participation in the event also provided an initial opportunity to meet and exchange views with fellow Rectors, marking the beginning of a broader cycle of institutional contacts and cooperation with the country’s academic community.
The participation of the Rector of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, in the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair forms part of the University’s strategy for greater outreach and its efforts to develop new synergies and make effective use of national and European funding instruments for the benefit of its students, staff, research activities and infrastructure.
