“The departure of the President and two members of the National Council of Research, Technology and Innovation (ESESEK) confirms in the most loud way the failure of its government New Democracy to chart a substantial research policy. The resignations of leading Greek scientists who excel overseas reveal the government’s indifference to research and innovation, as well as the complete depreciation of their work, “his research and innovation sector said in a statement. Change and adds:

“The Association of Greek Researchers is sounding the alarm for the dramatic state of research in the country: lack of national strategy, underfunding, bureaucratic obstacles, separation of research from higher education. All of these are the results of the failed political choices of the New Democracy.

PASOK Change has proven over time that it believes in the importance of research and innovation, as PASOK governments were the ones that:

– They founded the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) and formed a powerful institutional framework for funding research.

– They reinforced research centers and their interconnection with universities, promoting the creation of collaborative structures for the development of innovations.

– They launched the funding of the research, securing European and national resources for the promotion of technological development.

In contrast to the indifference and disintegration promoted by the New Democracy, PASOK is committed to:

– Restore research to the focus of national strategic development.

– To create a single space of higher education, research and innovation, which will ensure the connection of universities with research centers.

– Increase the funding of research bravely, away from customer rationales and bureaucratic anchors.

– Strengthen the authority of research centers, providing them with complete financial independence and viability.

– To simplify and digitize administrative procedures as well as facilitate the integration of visitors to researchers and teachers to create a favorable environment for exchange of knowledge and scientific excellence.

– To establish a new institutional framework for the operation of the ESESEK, which will ensure its independence and its connection to the Prime Minister to receive the research it deserves.

PASOK-Motion Change will stand on the side of the research community, because it knows that without research, there is no growth, and without innovation, there is no future for the country. “