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The Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) welcomed an international scientific delegation on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, in the framework of “The Cretan Model” initiative, a Greek-Chinese scientific collaboration focusing on childhood myopia and dyslexia.
The Rector of HMU, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, welcomed the members of the international delegation. Members of the University’s academic and research staff also participated in the meeting.
During the welcoming session, the Rector highlighted the importance of developing international scientific collaborations and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise among universities and research institutions. He also emphasized the value of initiatives that connect university research with issues related to health and education, while creating opportunities for the development of joint research activities with an international perspective.
During the meeting, scientific views were exchanged and presentations were delivered on the scope of the initiative and the prospects for further cooperation.
“The Cretan Model” initiative aims to develop a Greek-Chinese scientific platform, originating in Crete, for the prevention and management of childhood myopia, as well as for the early identification and study of reading difficulties and dyslexia.
The international collaboration brings together Wenzhou Medical University in China, Eye Valley, the Emmetropia Eye Institute, and the Hellenic Mediterranean University, with the aim of promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise and exploring opportunities for joint research activities.
According to the organizers, the initiative seeks to develop, with Crete as its starting point, a platform combining scientific approaches to two distinct clinical and learning-related conditions that affect children and adolescents to a significant extent. The initiative is presented by the organizers as the first platform of its kind at the international level.
Scientific Cooperation
The international delegation visited Heraklion from 9 to 11 November 2026, following an initiative by the Emmetropia Eye Institute, under the scientific direction of Professor of Ophthalmology Dr Ioannis M. Aslanidis, in cooperation with scientific and academic institutions from Greece and China.
The scientific meetings explored opportunities for the development of joint research activities, the use of new technological tools, and the design of the scientific study associated with “The Cretan Model”.
Following the meeting at HMU, the delegation’s programme included scientific visits and meetings with research and institutional bodies in Crete.
From Crete to Broader International Cooperation
HMU’s participation in the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to develop international scientific collaborations and to strengthen the connection between university research and issues related to health, education, and the quality of life of children and adolescents.
Cooperation with Chinese scientific and academic institutions creates opportunities for the exchange of expertise, the development of joint research protocols, and the implementation of initiatives originating in Crete and extending to an international level.
