New PhD Graduate Program! 30 Graduate positions, many of them with scholarship, for PhD studies in ChemEng at the University of Patras
The web portal Study in Greece is campaigning for the promotion and international visibility of Greek Universities and the comparative educational advantages of our country. In particular, the campaign focuses on the foreign language study programs that Greek Universities offer to Greek and international students. The initiative is supported by the General Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In this context, a number of educational programs and actions are presented in detail on a regular basis, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools etc, to inform international students about the many foreign language options offered by Greek Universities.
Study in Greece interviewed Professor Georgios Kyriakou about the new PhD Scholarships in the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Patras.
Georgios Kyriakou is Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Patras. His research focuses on understanding and exploiting surface phenomena, with a particular emphasis on surface activity, heterogeneous catalysis, bimetallic alloys, and self-assembled systems.
Please provide us an overview of the program’s structure and main research areas.
The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Patras is an internationally renowned Department, thanks to its diverse and innovative research activities in the field of Chemical Engineering and related subjects. Our faculty is dedicated to the provision of high-quality education and research. Enrolled PhD students will have the opportunity to work in a unique and stimulating academic and research environment and perform world-class research. The scope of our PhD program is to train students in all modern areas of Chemical Engineering and related disciplines and prepare them for their future career.
The main research areas include:
- Atmospheric pollution and climate change
- Transport phenomena
- Catalysis, electrochemistry, surface science
- Plasma technology and nanotechnology
- Materials science and technology
- Process control, process design, process optimization
- Biocatalysts, Biotechnology, biomolecular engineering, environment
- Theory and mathematical modeling
- Simulation of materials and complex fluids
At the beginning of their studies, enrolled PhD students are required to attend a set of courses which are delivered in English and will help them to develop a foundation of technical knowledge in Chemical Engineering. This knowledge is obtained in a way that the student develops an understanding of basic principles, while at the same time providing depth in a specific area. Students can also attend elective courses offered every second or third year in our Department, as well as courses outside the Department to help them develop additional expertise in the fundamentals of specific disciplines.
How is the program designed to meet the needs of international students compared to domestic ones?
The Department of Chemical Engineering offers a very welcoming, friendly and stimulating environment for both study and research. All courses involved in the PhD program are delivered and examined in English. Moreover, for non-Greek speaking candidates, the PhD thesis and its defense takes place in English. Life in the Department of Chemical Engineering (www.chemeng.upatras.gr) and overall in the University campus (www.upatras.gr, http://gym.upatras.gr, https://library.upatras.gr/english) is enriched through a diversity of cultures. The Department of Chemical Engineering is committed to academic excellence, high social standards that promote inclusion and equality among its members.
How does the department foster collaboration between different research groups?
The Department of Chemical Engineering actively supports collaborations between research groups within the Department but also with other Departments at the University of Patras. In many cases, external collaborations with industry or different Universities are possible, depending on the specific needs of a research program. The collaborative spirit within our Department allows for innovative research, for sharing resources and expertise, it ensures a diverse and enriching environment and more importantly allows us to better educate our students.
Are there opportunities for research collaboration with industries in Greece or internationally?
Our graduate students profit a lot from interactions with industry in Greece and abroad through the involvement of our faculty in national and international research projects. The Department of Chemical engineering maintains strong ties with the local and international industrial and business sectors including the energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, water, agriculture and biotech sectors. Both industrial and fundamental research are parts of the research culture.
Are there opportunities to explore interdisciplinary topics such as bioengineering, sustainability, or computational modeling?
Interdisciplinary research is at the core of our doctoral program. Projects on bioengineering, sustainability and computational modeling are offered in our Department together with projects on other research areas of strategic importance and high societal impact including health, climate change, and biotechnology, to name a few.
What advice would you give to an international student considering this PhD program, both in terms of succeeding academically and making the most of their time at the University of Patras and in Greece?
I would strongly advise them to take the opportunity and talk to a member of the faculty and explore the research opportunities that the Department of Chemical Engineering offers. PhD studies at the University of Patras will provide you with a unique opportunity to undertake high-quality research and enhance your future career while experiencing the hospitality, the great whether and the rich cultural heritage that Greece offers.
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