The inclusion of new projects totaling €328.8 million through the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) and the NSRF 2021–2027 is set to significantly boost the research activity of Greek universities, according to a ministerial decision signed by Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki.

This funding represents a 127.7% increase in the total budget over just two months. According to the Ministry of Education, it “reflects the Ministry’s commitment to investing in scientific training and enhancing the international competitiveness of higher education.”

“The substantial support of public universities through the Recovery Fund and the NSRF demonstrates our firm commitment to a modern, high-quality, and internationally engaged higher education system,” said Minister Zacharaki.

“Utilising European funding instruments through the universities’ Special Accounts for Research Funds (ELKE) confirms our strategic focus on research, innovation, internationalisation, and linking higher education with the labour market and economy. We are investing in knowledge, research, innovation, and the next generation of scientists—equipping institutions with the tools they need and giving students the opportunities they dream of,” she added.

Funding Priorities

The new funding supports three main pillars:

• Production of applied knowledge through university-business partnerships
• Promotion of internationalisation through joint postgraduate programmes
• Upgrading university infrastructure with modern research equipment

In addition, targeted NSRF projects will support:

• Teaching opportunities for young researchers
• Paid student internships
• Strengthening university administrative capacity

These initiatives reflect a renewed vision for higher education policy, focused on quality, global competitiveness, and the strategic alignment of education with national development priorities.

Projects Included in the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF)

Clusters of Research Excellence (CREs)

• 97 collaborative projects between universities and businesses
• Total budget: €97.2 million
• Objectives: Applied research, knowledge transfer, innovation, and stronger links between research and the labour market

Internationalisation of Educational Services

• 74 joint postgraduate programmes with prestigious foreign universities
• Total funding: €93.8 million
• Objectives: International collaboration, attracting international students, and promoting the global profile of Greek universities

Universities of Excellence

• Key focus areas:
  • Acquisition of advanced research and laboratory equipment
  • Creation of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centres
  • Strengthening universities’ technological infrastructure

Projects Included in the NSRF 2021–2027

(Programme: Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021–2027)

Academic Teaching Experience for Young Researchers

• Beneficiaries: Universities (via ELKE)
• Objective: Integration of young PhD holders into teaching roles to enhance educational quality and transfer of knowledge

Paid Student Internships

• Objective: Provide real-world experience and strengthen students’ professional skills to facilitate their entry into the labour market

Support and Quality Assurance Units in HEIs

• Includes:
  • Student Support Units (e.g., psychosocial services, accessibility)
  • Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning Units
• Goal: Enhance the administrative and strategic planning capabilities of higher education institutions
• Total NSRF project budget: €43.1 million