Professor Chrysi Laspidou, the Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations, and Digital Governance at the University of Thessaly, delivered a presentation on the notable internationalization initiatives undertaken by the institution during the conference titled “The Internationalization of Greek Universities, in the Continuous Committee of Educational Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament.

In her address, Ms. Laspidou highlighted that the University of Thessaly ranks as the third largest university in Greece. She noted that it shares this ranking with the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Crete. Furthermore, she emphasized the institution’s esteemed standing within the range of 101-150 best universities for Veterinary Medicine, as indicated by the Shanghai Rankings for 2024.

Ms. Laspidou highlighted the pioneering role of the University of Thessaly in enhancing the international presence of Greek universities, with a focus on the following key initiatives:

1) The inclusion of the University of Thessaly in the United Nations Academic Impact.

2) The establishment of a Foreign Language Undergraduate Program in Medicine, along with 7 Foreign Language Master’s Programs.

3) The promotion of International Mobility of the University through the Erasmus+ program.

4) The initiation of a new collaboration with College Year in Athens (CYA), facilitating the participation of students from the United States.

5) The organization of Summer Schools in partnership with universities in the United States, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and cultural understanding.

6) Participation in International Exhibitions where representatives of the University showcase its research successes and attract international collaborations

7) Student teams with an international presence, including the Centaurus Racing Team, HERMES Team, iGEM Thessaly, and AIESEC Volos.

8) Engagement with the EIT Hub in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, where working meetings were conducted with leaders of the international innovation ecosystem.

Ms. Laspidou emphasized that internationalization constitutes a fundamental pillar of the strategic planning for the University of Thessaly, significantly contributing to the competitiveness and sustainability of Greek higher education on the global stage. Furthermore, she noted that the research collaborations of the University extend across the globe.

“Internationalization represents a strategic priority for the University of Thessaly, providing us with the opportunity to engage with esteemed universities worldwide. Together, we can develop solutions and generate knowledge to address the challenges we encounter. Global problems require collaborative solutions!”