The Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, was at the National Observatory of Athens today, Friday, on the occasion of the acquisition of a new building by the EEA.

The Deputy Minister of Development, responsible for Research and Innovation, Zoi Rapti and the Secretary General of Research and Innovation, Tasos Gaitanis, were also present at the acceptance ceremony. The total financing of the project reaches 66 million. euros, of which 45.6 million Euros come from the Recovery Fund and the rest from the European Investment Bank and the Public Investment Program.

Mr. Theodorikakos in his speech pointed out that “this new building will house operational-research units and laboratories of the three Institutes of the Observatory, which develop innovative services and tools for the prevention and response of natural and man-made disasters”. “The new NOA-AEGIS central infrastructure aims to carry out pioneering research and provide innovative services and tools related to security, protection and resilience against risks”he underlined.

The Minister of Development also said that “scientific excellence and pioneering research and quality development will be enhanced, thus making the Observatory and research staff globally competitive. Not only in the field of primary research, but also in the field of technological development and innovation in the production of tools and services related to security, risk assessment and the protection of infrastructure and citizens from natural and man-made disasters”.

The National Observatory of Athens already plays a leading national role in providing the state and society with critical information, services and tools related to natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, tsunamis, floods, forest fires, pollution incidents , desert dust pollution), man-made disasters (e.g. industrial accidents, activities mining), but also space hazards (eg geomagnetic storms, space debris).

Mr. Theodorikakos concluded by saying that “I also want to convey to you the special and special interest of the Prime Minister of our country in the course of the National Observatory and I am sure that 2025 will be a milestone year in the course and history of the National Observatory in its social, scientific and international role” .