“Regional Excellence: Research Infrastructures in the Aegean” Conference
The aim of the event was to interconnect the research infrastructures of the institution with stakeholders (local government, chambers of commerce, tourism businesses, etc.) on the islands, as well as to create the bridge between them and innovative entrepreneurship needs in the Aegean region.
During the first part of the conference and after the address the University Rector, Professor Chrysi Vitsilaki, who referred to the vision and the main points of the “Regional Excellence” projects, six new research infrastructures of the University were presented. In particular, the Vice Rector of Administrative Affairs of the University of the Aegean, Professor Dimitris Papageorgiou, presented the research infrastructures “e-Aegean R&D Network” and “e-Aegean CulTour”, Associate Professor Charalambos Karantonis presented the Aegean Network of Excellence in Agri-Food Research and Innovation “AGRICA II”, Professor Vassilios Zervakis presented the Coastal Environment Observatory and Risk Management in Island Regions “AEGIS+”, Professor Amalia Polydoropoulou presented the Intelligent Research Infrastructure for Shipping, Supply Chain, Transport and Logistics Plus (ENIRISST+) – and finally, Associate Professor Dimitrios Lekkas presented the Center for Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy and Energy “Aegean_BIOECONOMY”.
In the second part of the conference a discussion was held, which was attended by the Heads of the Special Management Services of the North Aegean Region and the South Aegean Region, Mr. George Plakotaris and Mr. Antonis Voutsinos respectively, as well as the Coordinator of the Innovation Office of the North Aegean Region, Mr. George Strogilopoulos. The discussion, moderated by Professor Alivizos Sophos of the University of the Aegean, dealt with the interconnection of research infrastructures with innovative entrepreneurship and the development of the Aegean islands in general, while special reference was made to the funding and sustainability prospects of these projects and the challenges they face. In addition to the participants of the round table, representatives of research infrastructures and members of the academic community participated in this fruitful discussion.
The event was broadcast live on the University of the Aegean’s YouTube channel.
