The Panormitio Symi Gymnasium was this year’s starting point ‘Researcher’s evening’an institution that promotes the connection of science and research with society, with particular emphasis on the younger generation. The launch of this year’s actions in schools, entitled “Researchers in Schools”, was declared by the Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, professor, professor Ioannis K. Hatzigeorgiou.

This year’s central event of the NTUA’s “Evening of the Researcher” will take place for the first time In the Polytechnic Zografou, In the central square of the library, the Friday September 26th from 17:00 to 23:00. Visitors will be able to browse the flagship workshops of the Polytechnic Schools, while the event is supported by the European Horizon Europe program entitled “Science Odyssey: Research Missions Under Starry Skies”.

The NTUA Rector, referring to collaboration with the Panormitio Gymnasium and the Symi Lyceum, called on all schools in Greece to participate in the researcher night. Emphasized the importance of innovation and know -how to tackle the climate crisis, pointing out the Symi Sustainable Development project presented by NTUA Professor Antonia Moropoulou. At the same time, he emphasized Symi’s historical contribution to shipbuilding, expressing his support for the revival of the island’s carnival and the creation of a caravan school, with the aim of maintaining traditional techniques and enhancing local youth.

In her address, the Minister of Education, Religions and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, said that “The choice to start this year’s celebration of knowledge by Symi sends a loud message: that research and innovation can touch every corner of our country and give even the most remote places.”. She expressed her gratitude to the NTUA Rector and Professor Antonia Moropoulou for their contribution to the event and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to support research, innovation and the new generation of scientists. Reading a greeting was also addressed by the president of CERTH, Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris, referring to the “Green Transition Park” in Halki and the future actions of CERTH in Symi.

The scientific manager of the HEI Program, Emeritus Professor of NTUA and 1st Vice President of the TEE, Antonia Moropouloupresented the collective work of the AEI bodies with the NTUA coordinator, emphasizing the documentation of environmental and cultural resources. He submitted specific proposals for the creation of integrated paths of naturalistic interest, the installation of environmental protection systems, and the promotion of traditional settlements and the Symi industrial heritage. He also emphasized the need for projects such as biological cleaning, solid waste management and renewable energy installation, with the aim of integrating Symi into the network of Gr-eco islands. Particular reference was made to the importance of the local urban plan announced by the TEE, which would help regulate urban planning and spatial issues and improve accessibility for residents.

The President of the Panhellenic Association Vassilis Vassiliadishe recognized Symi’s decisive role in woodening and called on the youth of the island to continue this tradition, emphasizing the preservation of the historical carnival of the Dodecanese and Greece. Subsequently, the students of the Panormiou Gymnasium, under the guidance of Sotiris Zacharias Shipbuilding, presented the research project “We can live on Mars”, which was distinguished by a golden award in Larissa and will be presented at the 20th of the researcher at the researcher. Gymnasium by Director Evdokia Fotaras. The actions continue with the participation of the school in Chat Labs “Blue Innovation – The Rector NTUA talks to schools along with shipbuilding engineers” and “Innovation and Development” with the former Rector of NTUA, Professor Andreas Boudouvi. The start of the launch was broadcast to livestreaming by the official channel of the NTUA’s NTUA evening at YouTube.