The University of Thessaly and the esteemed Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., USA, have formalized a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration represents the inaugural academic partnership between a prominent American university and a Greek academic institution. It entails a cooperative initiative between the Department of Special Education within the 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 Memorandum of Understanding (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 endorsing the agreement, Dr. Beauchamp affirmed his commitment to the proposed graduate program at the highest level of the university. This agreement facilitates collaborative academic and research initiatives that address critical global issues, including disability inclusion and the mental health of children and families. Furthermore, it promotes enhanced academic exchanges between Greece and the United States. Through this partnership, the two institutions will collaborate to develop innovative educational programs, advance research initiatives, and strengthen academic exchanges, thereby fostering inclusion, well-being, and equity.

The collaboration on behalf of the University of Thessaly is coordinated by Assistant Professor  Antonios Christou from the Department of Special Education.

This newly established partnership signifies a substantial advancement for the Greek academic community, facilitating opportunities for the exchange of expertise and the development of initiatives that will benefit both university communities and society as a whole. The University of Thessaly remains committed to pursuing and implementing strategic collaborations that foster inclusion, sustainability, and the mental health of children. This agreement exemplifies the realization 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”.