The 2nd Inter-Balkan Conference on Health and Safety at Work (HSE) is organized by the Hellenic Institute of Health and Safety at Work (EL.IN.Y.A.E.) in collaboration with the Democritus University of Thrace on November 3, 2025, in Alexandroupoli, at the Grecotel Egnatia Hotel.

The conference is held with the support of the social partners GSEE, SEV, GSEVEE, ESEE, SETE, SBE and is under the auspices of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

After the successful first event in Thessaloniki in 2024, the Conference is evolving into an institution of regional cooperation, strengthening the dialogue between science, the state and the labor market for a safer and more sustainable working environment in the Balkans.

This year’s event brings together speakers from more than eleven countries, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Portugal, the Netherlands and the USA, as well as leading experts, academics and professionals in the field of HSE.

Distinguished Speakers

The conference brings to Alexandroupoli personalities who shape the international landscape of Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability today with keynote speakers Jacqueline M. Moline, Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, USA and Jan Michiel Meeuwsen, Director of International Relations of the European PEROSH network.

From the Greek side, distinguished academics from leading institutions of the country participate in the scientific part:
• Th.K. Konstantinidis, Occupational and Environmental Physician, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Director of the Hygiene and Environmental Protection Laboratory, Democritus University of Thrace
• Evangelia Nena, Occupational Physician and Professor, Director of the Laboratory of Social Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace
• Michael Chalaris, Associate Professor, Director of the Master’s Program in Quality, Safety, Health and Environmental Management and Scientific Director of the Hephaestus Advanced Laboratory, Democritus University of Thrace
• Panagiotis K. Marhavilas, Electrical and Computer Engineer (Dipl. Eng., MSc, dual PhD), Laboratory and Research Staff at the Laboratory of Ergonomics and Occupational Safety, Department of Production and Management Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace
• Dimitris Nathanael, Associate Professor of Ergonomics, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens
• Panagiotis V. Tsaklis, Professor of Biomechanics and Ergonomics, University of Thessaly
• Anastasia Beneka, Professor of Physical Rehabilitation, Vice President of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physical Education, Sports and Occupational Therapy, Democritus University of Thrace
• Dimitris Emmanouloudis, Professor of Mountain Water Management and Director of the ASSIST (Applied Science & Safety in Innovative Systems and Territories) Laboratory, Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, Democritus University of Thrace
• Ioannis M. Dokas, Professor of Safety and Performance of Engineering Systems, Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace
• Ioannis Zeugolis, Associate Professor, National Technical University of Athens, specializing in construction ergonomics and safety
• Zefi Dimadama, Dr., Lecturer at Panteion University, former General Secretary for Equality and Human Rights
• Vasiliki Papaevangelou, Environmental Engineer and Assistant Professor at the Department of Rural Development of the Democritus University of Thrace.

Of particular interest is the thematic discussion “Ethical Issues and New Technologies”, which brings bioethics, philosophy and health sciences into dialogue around the limits and opportunities of new technologies at work.
Professor Alexandra Tsarouha, Professor of Experimental Surgery and Director of the Graduate Program in Bioethics of the School of Medicine of the Demokrite University of Thrace, and Professor Vassilis Karasmanis, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the National Technical University of Athens, are participating.
The debate is moderated by Professor TH.K. Konstantinidis, Occupational and Environmental Physician, Dean of the School of Health Sciences of the Democritus University of Thrace, and Rena Bardani, Lawyer and President of the Board of Directors. of EL.IN.Y.A.E.

On the occasion of the 2nd Inter-Balkan Conference, the President of EL.INYAE, Rena Bardani stated: “Health and Safety at Work is a matter of responsibility, knowledge and culture. It’s not just a compliance indicator, but a fundamental right that touches every aspect of our lives — from occupational hazard prevention to mental health, education, artificial intelligence and sustainability.

In the Balkans, where different systems and development rates coexist, cooperation on OSH issues is an act of resilience and trust. It is not only about protecting workers, but also about the Just Transition — the transition to economies that respect people, the environment and the principles of social justice.”

Theme of the conference

The theme of the conference covers thematic areas such as:

– Occupational Health and Risk Prevention
– Ergonomics and Artificial Intelligence
– Mental Health and Wellbeing
– Education and Training in the HSE
– Sustainability and Regional Entrepreneurship
– Gender Policies and Reintegration into Work, highlighting care, equality and inclusion as components of sustainable development.