A new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the international presence of Greece’s public university sector, developing joint educational and research initiatives, and creating new opportunities for students, researchers and academics has been launched by Harokopio University and the British Council in Greece.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for a five-year, multi-level collaboration designed to enhance the university’s internationalisation and expand academic and cultural exchanges between Greece and the United Kingdom.

Five-Year Cooperation Plan

The agreement came into effect immediately upon signing and provides for the development of high-value joint initiatives in the fields of education, research, innovation and culture.

The MoU was signed by:

• Professor Georgios Dedoussis, Rector of Harokopio University;
• Anastasia Andritsou, Director of the British Council in Greece;

The signing ceremony was also attended by:

• Professor Georgios Boskos, Vice Rector for Finance and Infrastructure Management; and
• Katerina Feggarou, Head of Education at the British Council in Greece.

Five Main Areas of Cooperation

The partnership covers a broad range of university activities and is built around five key pillars:

• Developing new academic programmes and strengthening existing ones.
• Creating and promoting scholarship programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
• Expanding international mobility through study visits and exchange programmes with UK universities.
• Promoting knowledge transfer through joint scientific projects, conferences and research collaborations.
• Developing cultural and artistic initiatives that strengthen ties between Greece and the United Kingdom.

Particular emphasis will also be placed on the exchange of academic staff to promote best practices, strengthen the use of English within the academic environment, and establish long-term partnerships with leading British universities.

New Opportunities for Students and Researchers

The agreement is expected to significantly expand opportunities for Harokopio University students to participate in international programmes, educational exchanges and training initiatives. Similar opportunities will also become available to faculty members, researchers and administrative staff.

The partnership comes at a time when Greek universities are investing increasingly in internationalisation by establishing strategic partnerships with internationally recognised organisations, attracting foreign students, expanding English-language degree programmes and increasing participation in European and international research networks.

Dedoussis: “This Is Not Just a Standard Agreement”

Harokopio University Rector Professor Georgios Dedoussis described the signing of the MoU as a milestone for the institution, stressing that cooperation with an internationally respected organisation such as the British Council goes far beyond a conventional agreement.

As he stated:

“This is not a standard agreement, but an open door to the future.”

He added that the partnership will enable the university community to exchange ideas and work more closely with leading universities across the United Kingdom.

Coordinating the Partnership

Responsibility for overseeing implementation and evaluating the progress of the agreement has been assigned to:

• Professor Chrysa Sofianopoulou, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Internationalisation and Quality Assurance at Harokopio University; and
• Katerina Feggarou, Head of Education at the British Council in Greece.

The Role of the British Council

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s official organisation for international cultural relations and educational opportunities, operating in more than 100 countries worldwide.

In Greece, it has been active for decades in education, English language teaching, examinations, research and the development of international university partnerships.

The agreement with Harokopio University forms part of the British Council’s broader strategy to strengthen cooperation between Greek and British higher education institutions at a time when both countries are seeking to expand joint academic and research initiatives.

Strengthening Harokopio University’s International Outlook

Harokopio University stated that, by combining its strong academic expertise with the British Council’s international network, it aims to provide even greater opportunities for international experience, academic development and global engagement for members of its university community.

The new partnership is expected to act as a catalyst for future educational and research collaborations, further enhancing the university’s international profile and strengthening its connections with leading academic institutions across the United Kingdom.