On June 28th, 2024, the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) and the Institute of Chemical Biology hosted the second meeting of the seven European Research Area (ERA) Chair holders in Athens. This gathering marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster research and innovation within Greece through the ERA Chairs initiative.
Progress and Collaborative Efforts
The meeting in Athens followed the inaugural event held at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) in Crete on September 26, 2023. During this second meeting, the ERA Chair holders presented their progress and outlined future actions in collaboration with institutional administrations, political leaders, and regional authorities. These interactions are crucial in addressing the challenges faced in implementing their ambitious projects.
Currently, the ERA Chairs are established in five major research institutions in Greece: FORTH (3 Chairs), the National Hellenic Research Foundation (1 Chair), the Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming” (1 Chair), the University of Crete (1 Chair), and the University of Patras (1 Chair). With a collective budget of 17.5 million euros, these projects are set to create Centers of Excellence in various cutting-edge scientific areas.
Broader Impacts and Future Directions
Representatives from the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) and the PRAXI Network/FORTH participated in the Athens meeting, underscoring the collaborative spirit and broad support for the ERA Chairs projects. These initiatives represent a significant opportunity for Greece to secure funding that promotes scientific and technological excellence, facilitates brain gain, and adopts best practices in academic administration.
The ERA Chairs program is poised to yield immediate benefits for Greek society and the economy by fostering scientific excellence, enhancing the professional development of young researchers, and translating academic research into real-world innovations. As the program continues to evolve, it promises to solidify Greece’s position as a hub of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.
Boost4Bio
As part of this collaborative hub of research and innovation, the Boost4Bio team at the Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming” is pleased to contribute to Greece’s growing scientific community. Under the guidance of Dr. Georgios Skretas, our work in Biomolecular Engineering and Synthetic Biology aims to advance academic research and develop practical innovations for societal and economic benefit. We are deeply committed to fostering excellence, supporting young researchers, and translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications. We look forward to continuing our efforts and contributing to Greece’s development as a center of research and innovation.