In July 1st 2020, the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) was officially accepted as an Associate Member of EU-LIFE. EU-LIFE is an alliance of leading European research institutes in the life sciences with a mission to promote excellence in research, by implementing and disseminating best practices in the organization and operation of scientific establishments. Its members operate with similar principles of excellence, external reviews, independence, competitiveness and internationality.

Nektarios Tavernarakis, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), and Professor at the Medical School of the University of Crete, was elected Member of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Governing Board.

A pioneering research study by researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology of FORTH and the University of Crete suggests the development of neuroimplants for the regeneration of nerve tissue in cases of spinal cord injury. The materials and cells used are non-toxic for humans, and approved from FDA for their immediate translation in humans.

A new emblematic initiative, the National Network for Neurodegenerative Disease Research towards Precision Medicine, commences its operation in Greece. This flagship initiative positions Greece at the forefront of neurodegeneration and ageing research, with initial funding of € 2.2 million, over a two-year implementation period, provided by the Ministry of Development and Investments, through the General Secretariat for Research and Technology. The pioneering Network comprises leading National Research Centers and Universities, and is coordinated by the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) as co-coordinator.

Dr. Spiros H. Anastasiadis, professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Crete and Director of the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, was elected a Member of the Evaluation and Accreditation Council of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE, www.ethaae.gr).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, still grows rapidly. A recent study published as a preprint manuscript in BioRxiv by researchers from FORTH-ICS, FORTH-IMBB and the University of Western Attica, provides new insights into the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Centre for eHealth Applications and Services (CeHA), of the Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH-ICS), responded to the "Rapid Implementation of Mature Digi-Tech Solutions" invitation of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance for utilization or repurposing already existing infrastructure and ready to use solutions for direct implementation and results.

The European Research Council recently featured a study at the high impact journal in atmospheric sciences, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, on the lidar remote sensing of ice nuclei with the participation of the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences of FORTH in Patras (Center for the Study of Air Quality and Climate Change, C-STACC, article co-authored by Prof. Athanasios Nenes), in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens, Institute TROPOS, the Cyprus Institute and other organizations.

Prof. Electra Gizeli from IMBB-Biosensors lab (http://biosensorslab- forth.gr) is recipient and will coordinate a new Human Frontier and Science Program (HFSP) grant entitled “Self-organization and biomechanical properties of the endosomal membrane”.

Researchers of FORTH / ICE-HT in Patras headed by Prof. Costas Galiotis of Chemical Engineering Dept. of University of Patras published in the high-impact scientific journal Nature Communications a scientific report for the superlubric behaviour (approximately zero friction) between two randomly packed graphene monolayers.