The French Ambassador to Greece, Ms. Laurence Auer, paid an official visit to FORTH on Monday, December 1, 2025. She was accompanied by the Scientific and University Cooperation Attaché & Deputy Director of the French Institute of Greece, Mr. Matthieu Abgrall, the Honorary Consul of France in Heraklion, Ms. Sofia Tsantiraki, and the Director of the Hellenic-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Aikaterini Manali.

The delegation met with the President of FORTH, Professor Vassilis Charmandaris, Directors and Deputy Directors of the Institutes and researchers. The guests were thoroughly briefed on FORTH’s multidisciplinary research activities, and discussed on strengthening academic and scientific collaboration between Greece and France.

Mr. Matthieu Abgrall, Science and University Cooperation Attaché, Deputy Director of the French Institute of Greece during the signing of the MoU with FORTH President Prof. Vassilis Charmandaris and the French Ambassador Ms. Laurence Auer

The meeting was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FORTH and the French Institute of Greece. Mr. Matthieu Abgrall and Ambassador Ms. Laurence Auer emphasized the potential for joint research projects, exchanges of scientists and students, and the co-organization of scientific and educational initiatives. The agreement recognizes the high quality and breadth of research conducted at FORTH and further enhances its international presence, fostering closer ties with leading French research and academic institutions.

Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser	Signal Processing Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science
Coastal & Marine Research Laboratory, Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics	Underwater Acoustic Measurements Laboratory, Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics

The visit also included a guided tour of FORTH’s research laboratories, where the Ambassador was introduced to cutting-edge research programs in photonics, signal processing, coastal and marine science, underwater acoustics, as well as the activities of the microelectronics research group. Throughout the tour, she engaged in discussions with FORTH researchers, gaining insight into their pioneering work.

Ambassador Laurence Auer expressed her warm appreciation for the hospitality and conveyed her admiration for the high scientific standards and research excellence of FORTH. She underscored the importance of further deepening collaboration between Greek and French research institutions and reaffirmed the French Embassy’s commitment to actively support new bilateral initiatives in research and innovation.

(from left in official photos) the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr. Alexis Kalokairinos, FORTH President Prof. Vassilis Charmandaris, French Ambassador Ms. Laurence Auer, Deputy Regional Governor for Liaison with Academic and Research Institutions Mr. Giorgos Matalliotakis, Prof. Konstantinos Zopounidis - Technical University of Crete, Mr. Nikos Kontarakis, Municipal Councillor for Liaison with Academic and Research Institutions of Heraklion, and Mr. Matthieu Abgrall, Science and University Cooperation Attaché, Deputy Director of the French Institute of Greece.

Later that afternoon, an official ceremony was held at the FORTH Science & Cultural Center, during which Ambassador Laurence Auer conferred the title of “Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques” (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms) upon FORTH President Prof. Vassilis Charmandaris and Prof. Konstantinos Zopounidis of the Technical University of Crete.

This prestigious distinction is awarded to eminent academics and educators in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, science, and intellectual advancement. The honor represents a significant acknowledgment of the excellence and international impact of the academic and research ecosystem of FORTH, the University of Crete, and the Technical University of Crete, which collectively play a vital role in the scientific, social, and economic development of the island.