On Wednesday, October 23, the Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation, Ms. Zoi Rapti, and the Secretary-General for Research and Innovation, Mr. Tasos Gaitanis, paid an official visit to the facilities of FORTH in Heraklion. They were welcomed by FORTH’s President, Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis, and members of the Board of Directors.

The visit began with a tour of the construction site of FORTH’s New Buildings, where the Innovation and Advanced Education Hub is being built. This project is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the European Investment Bank through the Public Investment Program and it is part of a major initiative totaling €56 million, aiming to create new, and upgrade existing, facilities of FORTH by the end of 2025.

The Deputy Minister and the Secretary-General were informed about FORTH’s activities and recent accomplishments, whereas current issues requiring State support and assistance were discussed with FORTH’s BoD and Directors. A meeting was also held afterward, with the President and representatives of FORTH’s Employee Association (SEITE).

Ms. Zoi Rapti stated: “I am pleased to visit FORTH, the largest Research Center in Greece, where significant infrastructure projects worth €25 million -for Heraklion- are being implemented as part of a €56 million project for FORTH Institutes across Greece, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and co-financed by the European Investment Bank. Advanced technology and innovation are now at the forefront; FORTH is carrying out flagship projects focusing on critical areas with significant social and economic impact, such as Precision Medicine and personalized therapies. I would like to congratulate the President, the Board members, and the staff of FORTH for their outstanding work and wish them success.”

The Secretary-General for Research and Innovation, Mr. Tasos Gaitanis, stated: “The State intends to continue supporting FORTH’s significant work, and today’s visit demonstrates our commitment to collaborate and support the Foundation in every possible way. Europe places great emphasis on investing in research and innovation to maintain its competitiveness globally. Innovation creates new job opportunities and strengthens the national economy, while its utilization directly impacts society by addressing major modern challenges, and offering innovative products and services in sectors such as agriculture, environment, tourism, and health. Innovation is for everyone. In this effort, FORTH, as the largest Research Center in the country, can play a leading role in Greece and Europe as a whole.”

FORTH’s President, Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis, expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Minister and the Secretary-General for their visit, noting that it provides an opportunity to discuss issues of great importance for FORTH, including major construction projects underway, which involve the development of 10 buildings across five cities in Greece, set to be completed by December 2025. “We are currently proceeding with renovating the neoclassical building recently acquired by FORTH in the center of Heraklion, which is expected to strengthen our ties with the local community. FORTH looks forward, with optimism, to a stronger future, with 10 Research Institutes and new facilities, serving as a pole of attraction for young scientists” emphasized Prof. Tavernarakis.

The delegation visited the Quantum Light and Technologies & Attosecond Science and Technology lab of the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser. Dr. Paraskevas Tzallas, Research Director, Head of the Laboratory, presented the latest research developments and pioneering outcomes of the lab, highlighting their importance for fundamental research, quantum technologies, and potential applications in environment and biomedical imaging.

On Thursday, October 24, the Deputy Minister of Development, Ms. Zoi Rapti visited the Institute for Mediterranean Studies of FORTH in Rethymno; she met with the Director, Prof. Gelina Harlaftis, and other researchers, and was informed on the Institute’s activities, its highly successful trajectory, and the significant funding it has attracted during the recent years. The Mayor of Rethymno, George Marinakis also attended the meeting.