The Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Partnerships, and Digital Governance at the University of Thessaly, Professor Chrysi Laspidou, presented the university’s significant internationalization initiatives at the seminar “The Internationalization of Greek Universities” held by the Standing Committee on Cultural and Educational Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament.
In her address, Professor Laspidou highlighted that the University of Thessaly is the third largest university in Greece. She emphasized its ranking as the third-best university in Greece, alongside the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Crete, as well as its distinguished position among the top 101-150 universities globally for Veterinary Science (Shanghai Rankings 2024).
Professor Laspidou showcased the pioneering role of the University of Thessaly in bolstering the international presence of Greek universities, focusing on the following key areas:
- Inclusion in the United Nations Academic Impact initiative.
- Creation of an English-taught undergraduate program in Medicine and seven English-taught postgraduate programs.
- International mobility through Erasmus+.
- Collaboration with the College Year in Athens (CYA), welcoming students from the United States.
- Summer schools in partnership with U.S. universities, fostering knowledge exchange and cultural understanding.
- Participation in international exhibitions, where university representatives promote research achievements and establish global collaborations.
- Student teams with international recognition, such as the Centaurus Racing Team, HERMES Team, iGEM Thessaly, and AIESEC Volos.
- Engagement with the EIT Hub Silicon Valley in San Francisco, including working meetings with leaders in the global innovation ecosystem.
Professor Laspidou emphasized that internationalization is a cornerstone of the strategic planning of the University of Thessaly. It enhances the competitiveness and sustainability of Greek higher education on the global stage and underscores the university's extensive research collaborations worldwide.