The University of Thessaly and the renowned Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., USA, have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration marks the first academic partnership between the leading American university and a Greek academic institution. It involves a joint effort between the Department of Special Education – School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Thessaly and the Thrive Center for Children, Families and Communities at Georgetown University Medical Center.
The MoU was signed by Professor Laspidou, Vice Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations, and Digital Governance, and Dr. Norman Beauchamp, Vice President for Health Sciences at Georgetown University Medical Center and Executive Dean of the School of Medicine. By signing the agreement, Dr. Beauchamp confirmed his support for the proposed graduate program at the highest level of the university. This agreement paves the way for joint academic and research initiatives focusing on critical global issues such as disability inclusion and the mental health of children and families. It also fosters deeper academic exchanges between Greece and the United States. Through this collaboration, the two institutions will work together to develop innovative educational programs, advance research initiatives, and strengthen academic exchanges, promoting inclusion, well-being, and equity.
The establishment of the collaboration on behalf of the University of Thessaly is coordinated by Assistant Professor Antonios Christou from the Department of Special Education.
This new partnership represents a significant milestone for the Greek academic community, creating opportunities for the exchange of expertise and the development of initiatives that will benefit university communities and society at large. The University of Thessaly continues to pursue and implement strategic collaborations that promote inclusion, sustainability, and the mental health of children. This agreement serves as a shining example of this vision.
According to Vice Rector Laspidou:
"The Memorandum of Understanding reflects the shared mission of both institutions to address key global challenges and aligns with the strategic pillar of the University of Thessaly to integrate the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all its curricula, initiatives, and operations. It is an important step toward strengthening international academic collaborations and underscores the University of Thessaly's leadership in fostering innovation and inclusion."
