The official launch of HERO-HEALTH, the Joint Master’s Programme developed by the University of Thessaly and Teachers College, Columbia University, marked the beginning of a significant international collaboration dedicated to preparing future leaders in humanitarian action, public health, and crisis management.

Held at Aigli Zappeiou in Athens, the event brought together representatives from the Greek Government, higher education, public health, civil protection, and international academia to discuss the growing need for interdisciplinary education capable of addressing today’s complex global challenges.

As Vice Rector of Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance at the University of Thessaly, Professor Chrysi Laspidou welcomed participants and highlighted the University’s vision for internationalization—one that strengthens academic excellence through meaningful partnerships and creates lasting value for society.

“Internationalization creates opportunities, strengthens collaboration, and connects academic excellence with the needs of society. HERO-HEALTH reflects exactly this vision.”

The programme combines expertise across public health, One Health, humanitarian action, mental health, civil protection, digital governance, and immersive learning, creating an educational environment that equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to increasingly interconnected crises.

Professor Laspidou also emphasized the role of the University of Thessaly and One Planet Thessaly in fostering collaborations that bridge research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal needs. Initiatives such as HERO-HEALTH demonstrate how universities can serve as catalysts for innovation while preparing graduates to lead across disciplines, institutions, and borders.

The partnership with Teachers College, Columbia University represents an important step in the internationalization of Greek higher education, bringing together complementary expertise in education, disaster preparedness, public health, and applied research. Beyond the development of a joint academic programme, it establishes a long-term framework for collaboration between Greece and the United States, strengthening research, education, and institutional cooperation.

The launch also featured addresses from representatives of the Greek Government, including the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, the Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Konstantinos Katsafados, senior representatives from the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, and leading academics in medicine, public health, and humanitarian response.

HERO-HEALTH reflects a shared commitment to preparing professionals who can lead with scientific excellence, collaboration, and responsibility in times of crisis. It also reinforces the University of Thessaly’s strategic commitment to international partnerships that advance education, innovation, and societal resilience.