25–26 November 2026 | Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming” | Vari, Attica, Greece
The Greek ERA Chairs Days 2026 will take place on 25–26 November 2026 at the Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming” in Vari, Attica, bringing together the ERA Chair holders currently working in Greece, their host institutions, policymakers, research funding organisations and representatives of industry.
Organised within the framework of the Boost4Bio project, the two-day event aims to strengthen collaboration across the Greek research and innovation ecosystem, highlight the achievements and impact of the ERA Chair initiative, and foster a shared vision for the future of research and innovation in Greece.
Day 1 – Wednesday, 25 November 2026
The 4th Meeting of Greek ERA Chairs
The first day will be dedicated to the 4th Meeting of Greek ERA Chairs, providing a platform for the presentation of the scientific achievements, research activities and institutional impact of the ERA Chair projects hosted by Greek research and academic institutions.
The programme will feature presentations by ERA Chair holders, covering a wide range of research areas and scientific disciplines, followed by a round-table discussion entitled “Upgrading Research in Greece”.
The discussion will address key challenges and opportunities for strengthening the national research landscape, focusing on:
- Attracting and retaining scientific talent.
- Improving the research environment and institutional support.
- Promoting collaboration and national synergies.
- Ensuring the sustainability and visibility of ERA Chairs beyond the lifetime of their grants.
- Integrating ERA Chair achievements and activities into their host institutions.
ERA Chair holders, project coordinators and relevant stakeholders will contribute to the discussion, aiming to identify common challenges and formulate proposals for strengthening research excellence and institutional capacity in Greece.
Day 2 – Thursday, 26 November 2026
Fleming’s Legacy and the Future of Greek Research and Innovation
The second day, open to the public and the press, will explore the legacy of Alexander Fleming and its relevance to contemporary scientific research, while looking ahead to the future of the Greek research and innovation ecosystem.
The programme will open with an introduction to BSRC “Alexander Fleming” and a series of keynote presentations by distinguished international speakers:
- Kevin Brown, curator of the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, London, will explore “Alexander Fleming: The Man, the Discovery and the Legacy”, highlighting the life and scientific contribution of the discoverer of penicillin.
- Nassos Typas, Head of Molecular Systems Biology at EMBL Heidelberg, will address “Antibiotic Resistance: The Emerging Threat and What Science Can Do About It”, examining one of the most pressing global public health challenges and the contribution of modern science.
- Jo Bury, co-founder and former Managing Director of VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology), will present “Building a Life Sciences Ecosystem: Lessons from VIB and Flanders, and Propositions for Greece”, sharing insights and experiences on developing a successful life sciences ecosystem and exploring opportunities for Greece.
The programme will also include a guided tour of the Fleming Museum, led by Kevin Brown, featuring original historical documents and artefacts related to Alexander Fleming, donated by Amalia Fleming.
Policy Sessions: Shaping the Future of Research and Innovation in Greece
A central component of the second day will be the policy sessions, bringing together representatives of the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI), the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), ERA Chair holders, industry representatives and international experts.
A high-level round-table discussion will focus on “Policy Propositions for the Greek Research and Innovation Ecosystem”, providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives, identify strategic priorities and formulate concrete recommendations for the development of research and innovation in Greece.
Building on the discussions and conclusions of the two round tables held during the event, participants will work towards the preparation of a joint policy brief, bringing together recommendations from the Greek ERA Chairs community and key stakeholders.
The policy recommendations emerging from the 4th Meeting of Greek ERA Chairs on 25 November will provide important input for the policy discussions on the second day, ensuring continuity between the research community’s experiences and the broader national policy agenda.
Strengthening the Greek Research and Innovation Ecosystem
Through the Greek ERA Chairs Days 2026, Boost4Bio seeks to facilitate dialogue, promote knowledge exchange and strengthen synergies among research institutions, policymakers, funding organisations and industry.
By bringing together the Greek ERA Chairs community and key national and international stakeholders, the event aspires to contribute to a more connected, competitive and sustainable research and innovation ecosystem in Greece, while reinforcing the long-term impact of the ERA Chairs initiative.
Event venue: BSRC “Alexander Fleming”, Fleming 34, 166 72 Vari, Attica, Greece.
Registration for Day 2: Thursday, 26 November 2026. Registration is requested by 16 November 2026 at president.office@fleming.gr
The Greek ERA Chairs Days 2026 are organised within the framework of the Boost4Bio project.