On February 14, 2025, the ATHENA Research and Innovation Center welcomed Greece's Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, to showcase cutting-edge projects and collaborations. The visit underscored ATHENA's pivotal role in advancing Greece's research and technological landscape.

Professor Giannis Emiris, President and General Director of ARC (ATHENA Research Center) introduced the center's mission and highlighted its recent growth, along with the more recent progress made on ongoing projects run in collaboration with the European Union, as well as those being supported by private sector stakeholders.  Researchers demonstrated innovative applications, including robotic systems for precision agriculture, telesurgery, big data in brain medicine, automated robotic loading systems, and the development of a Large Language Model for the Greek language. The event also featured insights from ATHENA's tech spin-offs:

• Symbiolabs: Dr. Thanasis Gentimis, General Director, outlined advancements in data-driven solutions.

• OPIX: Co-founder Professor Lena Tsipouri discussed innovations in predictive analytics and their applications in enterprise.

• Avisense: Dr. Alexandros Gilas presented developments in sensor technologies directly related to autonomous vehicle development.

• Kyklos: Dr. Nasos Katsamanis highlighted progress in circular economy platforms.

Dr. Timos Sellis, Director of the Archimedes Unit, elaborated on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized the unit's role in connecting the global scientific community and providing opportunities for researchers and doctoral students.

Professor Petros Maragos, Director of the Robotics Institute and Scientific Director of Heron Center of Excellence in Robotics, outlined key research areas:

• Security and Rescue Robotics: developing aerial, ground, and underwater systems.

• Field Robotics: innovations in autonomous systems for various terrains.

• Healthcare Robotics: advancements in medical and assistive robotic technologies.

A significant highlight of the event was the presentation by Mrs. Natalia Manola, Director of OpenAIRE. She detailed OpenAIRE's contributions to fostering Open Science across Europe, emphasizing its impact on enhancing research accessibility and collaboration, on a paneuropean, as well as global level. Ms. Manola also discussed the strategic importance of implementing the National Open Science strategy, transitioning from policy formulation to practical application; an integral part of this necessary step is the increased collaboration between various governmental entities (ministries) in order to establish a common roadmap towards implementing the proposals put forward by the Greek research community. Mrs. Manola also included mention of the National Plan for Open Science, which aims to integrate national efforts with the broader goals of the European Research Area (ERA), including the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), being developed by HOSI (Hellenic Open Science Initiative), over which the Minister expressed his interest and asked to be kept informed of its development.

As the visit concluded Mr. Theodorikakos thanked Mr. Emiris for the invitation and expressed both his interest in the work being currently done by Greek research organisations and institutions, and his conviction that the only way the country can move forward is through pioneering research and innovation, both with regards to attracting talent, as well as modernising existing forms of production and industry: "Greece must become more productive, strengthen research and innovation to make businesses more competitive, with better products that can be exported”.

This visit signifies a strengthened partnership between governmental bodies and the Greek research community, aiming to elevate Greece's position in global research and innovation arenas.