A cooperation protocol was signed between the University of Piraeus (UoP) and the Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH) for the joint undertaking and implementation of projects in the fields of innovation, scientific research and its exploitation in the strategic sectors of energy and digital transition, shipping, transport and logistics and tourism.

More specifically, the Cooperation Protocol between the two institutions will be based -among other things- on the creation of research and innovation-based education programs adapted to the needs of the market, the exploration of opportunities to attract resources from Greece’s or EU’s funding mechanisms, the better use of the scientific staff and infrastructure of the two institutions, as well as the joint undertaking of initiatives for the development of research infrastructures in cutting-edge sectors.

The Protocol of Cooperation was signed by the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michael Sfakianakis and the Chair of the Board of Directors of CERTH, Dr. Dimitrios Tzovaras, on September 8, 2024, within the framework of the Thessaloniki International Fair. Also present at the signing ceremony were the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the CERTH, Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris, Research Director, Dr. Vassilios Kappatos and Professor Maria Boile.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, University of Piraeus Rector, Professor Michael Sfakianakis, stated: “The University of Piraeus applies targeted strategies of outward orientation and networking with research institutions, leading in their field, in order to establish, develop and jointly implement innovative initiatives in cutting-edge research and innovation areas and to create channels of interconnection between knowledge-producing institutions for the benefit of our students and alumni and society as a whole.”

On his part, CERTH’s COB of directors Dr. Dimitrios Tzovaras said: “Focusing on the common interest of both sides to implement research and educational projects and initiatives that promote technological innovation in a wide range of fields, the signing of this Protocol of Cooperation capitalizes on the expertise of both institutions and comes to promote cutting-edge research, creating an environment that favors knowledge and scientific excellence for the benefit of society.”

The University of Piraeus

The University of Piraeus was founded in 1938 under the title “School for Industrial Studies” by the Industrialists and Tradesmen Association. Today it runs ten departments in four greater fields of study: a) Economics, Business and International Studies, b) Maritime and Industrial Studies, c) Finance and Statistics and d) Information and Communication Technologies. It also offers a variety of postgraduate programs (MSc and MBA).

The University of Piraeus Research Centre (UPRC) was established in 1983 and it is a non-profit research organization. UPRC aims at providing the institutional framework which would facilitate and support the research activities that are carried out by Faculty members, in the general fields of economics, management and computing, emphasizing on the study of the Greek economy and society. The UPRC has so far effectuated over 1.000 research programs and numerous educational programs, conferences and executive seminars.

The Centre for Research & Technology

The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas was fοunded in March 2000, and is a legal entity governed by private law with non-profit status, supervised by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Greek Ministry of Development. CERTH suggests one of the most important Research Centers in Greece with a core mission: The promotion of innovative research for the benefit of society. Dedicated to this purpose, CERTH is at the forefront of basic, applied and technological research to provide solutions to society’s modern challenges.

Clean energy, low/zero CO2 emission technologies, clean vehicle technologies, green hydrogen, climate change, artificial intelligence, advanced robotic systems, the internet of things, precision medicine, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, agro-robotics and circular economy, are among the primal fields around which CERTH’s five (5) institutes are organized. CERTH places a strong emphasis on innovation, demonstrated by establishing collaborations with the industry. The commercial exploitation of its technological findings has led to the creation of 23 spin-off companies with significant economic activity, including the attraction of financing from investment funds.

TAGS: HIGHER EDUCATION | INNOVATION | RESEARCH