In an atmosphere of particular emotion, the Public Accountability Report of the Rectorate of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), covering the term of office from 15 December 2022 to 31 August 2026, was presented on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at the Events Auditorium of the School of Health Sciences on the Heraklion University Campus.
During the event, the Rectorate presented an overview of its work, the University’s main strategic development priorities, its most significant academic and research achievements, internationalisation and outreach initiatives, interventions in the areas of student welfare and infrastructure, as well as the financial report for its term of office.
The event was attended by the Governor of Crete, Mr Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr Alexis Kalokairinos, and the Director of the Regional Directorate of Education of Crete, Mr Emmanouil Kartsonakis, all of whom addressed the audience.
In his speech, the Rector of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, reflected with particular emotion on the overall progress of the Institution during his nearly nine years in office, noting that since its establishment in 2019, HMU has followed a particularly dynamic path of development and is now among the fastest-growing public universities in Greece.
He made special reference to the historic transformation of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete (TEI of Crete) into the Hellenic Mediterranean University under Law 4610/2019, describing it as a decisive milestone in the Institution’s development and future. As he emphasised, during the first years of HMU’s operation, strong foundations were laid for the creation of an open, outward-looking and student-centred public university, with a strong focus on high-quality education, research and innovation, internationalisation, and meaningful engagement with society and the productive sectors.
Referring specifically to the period 2023–2026, he highlighted as a historic milestone the establishment of the School of Engineering of HMU in 2025 and the recognition of full professional rights for graduates of the Engineering Departments, as well as the corresponding recognition of professional rights for graduates of the Department of Agriculture.
Among the other major milestones of the same period, he also cited the completion of the accreditation of all Undergraduate Study Programmes and of the University’s Internal Quality Assurance System, the steady improvement of HMU’s position in the evaluations of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), the significant strengthening of research output, and the increase in funded research, development and educational projects.
The Rector also underlined the significant progress made in the field of internationalisation, through HMU’s participation in the ATHENA and HEROES European University Alliances, the development of hundreds of international partnerships, the strengthening of student and staff mobility, and the development of international and foreign-language study programmes.
At the same time, he placed particular emphasis on the University’s student-centred character and the systematic upgrading of student welfare services, through initiatives concerning student meals and accommodation, the operation of the Equal Access Unit, the Counselling and Psychological Support Centre, and the University Medical Office, as well as the strengthening of cultural, sports, technological and volunteering student groups and activities.
Particular emphasis was also placed on major infrastructure projects and development initiatives that were designed, matured or launched during the Rectorate’s term of office. Professor Katsarakis noted that these initiatives constitute an important legacy for the incoming Administration and create the necessary conditions for the continued development of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.
Concluding his address, Professor Nikos Katsarakis expressed his pride and deep emotion regarding the Institution’s progress and its transformation into a modern public university with a strong presence in education, research, innovation and society. He warmly thanked the members of the University community, his colleagues and associates, the Region of Crete, Local Government authorities and the institutional bodies that supported HMU throughout these years, and wished every success to the new Rectorate and the incoming Rector, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis.
“An important chapter for our University is coming to a close, and a new one, full of expectations, is beginning,” he stated, concluding the accountability report of his term of office.
The Vice-Rectors and the Executive Director of the Hellenic Mediterranean University subsequently presented in greater detail the work carried out within their respective areas of responsibility.
More specifically, presentations were delivered by:
Professor Athanasios Malamos, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation,
Professor Fotios Mavromatakis, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning,
Professor Nikolaos Vidakis, Vice-Rector for Finance, Planning, Development and Student Welfare,
Professor Konstantinos Petridis, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Outreach,
and Dr Vanessa Simantiraki, Executive Director of HMU.
Through these presentations, the overall progress achieved during the Rectorate’s term of office was highlighted, together with the foundations that have been laid for the further academic, research, administrative and developmental advancement of the Hellenic Mediterranean University.
