Giorgos Lianis was a prominent personality of this country. He made a profound impact on fields like scientific research, university teaching, social struggle, politics and government. He was born in Naoussa in 1926. He received his first Degree on Mechanical-Electrical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and his PhD from the University of London. An internationally distinguished researcher, he reached the degree of regular professor (1961) on aeronautics and Astronautics at the prestigious Purdue University of Indiana and was a visiting professor in many other universities of the United States. From 1975 on he was regular professor at the Technical Engineering at the Polytechnic School of the University of Thessaloniki.

His role in Greek politics was a prominent one. He was Vice Minister of National Education and Religious Affairs (21/10/1981 - 5/7/1982), Minister of Research and Technology (5/7/1982 - 5/6/1985) and Greek ambassador in Tokyo (1985-1989).

As Minister of Research and Technology, Giorgos Lianis had the insight and the strong will to approve and actively support the creation and development of the Research Institutes of FORTH.

The BoD of FORTH has unanimously voted for the public expression of the Foundation's gratitude to Giorgos Lianis and has decided to name one of the main halls of its headquarters in Heraklion after him.

BoD of FORTH