Specialized Professional Development Sessions
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 09.00-17.00 

All masterclasses are 2-hour intensive sessions conducted at the Eugenides Foundation Institute of Vocational Education & Training. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance (KVDM accredited). Pre-registration required due to limited capacity.

MASTERCLASS 1: The Impact of Simulators in Maritime Training (9:00-11:00,11: 00-13:00, 13:00-15:00)

Instructor: Cpt. Georgios Georgoulis, University of the Aegean, Nikos Diakakis, Konstantinos Paraskevopoulos
Location: Maritime Simulators Room, Institute of VET
Capacity: 12 participants

Description:
Hands-on training with state-of-the-art maritime simulators used in professional seafarer education. Participants will experience realistic navigation scenarios, emergency response protocols, and bridge resource management techniques. Covers IMO STCW Convention requirements and modern simulation-based training methodologies.

Learning Outcomes:
- Understand simulator technology in maritime VET
- Experience bridge – engine room operations and decision-making
- Learn emergency response and crisis management procedures
- Explore assessment methods using simulation technology 

MASTERCLASS 2: Diving into Cybersecurity: Discovering Vulnerabilities through Gamification (09:00-11:00)

Instructor: Prof. Christos Xenakis, University of Piraeus
Location: Institute Computer Lab
Capacity: 20 participants - Individuals with basic IT knowledge who wish to deepen their understanding of the cybersecurity landscape.

Description:
An intensive, 2-hour educational seminar that combines theory with practice in a fully experiential way. Participants will have the opportunity to utilize an innovative, interactive platform based on educational cybersecurity games (gamification).

Through this hands-on experience, they will gain a deep understanding of the vulnerabilities present in core IT applications and solutions used daily. Furthermore, they will analyze how a malicious actor can exploit these weaknesses to launch cyberattacks, thereby developing an essential defensive mindset

Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and understand core vulnerabilities and security flaws in standard IT applications and systems.
- Analyze the methods and techniques used by malicious actors to exploit system weaknesse
- Gain hands-on familiarity with modern, interactive tools and educational cybersecurity games.
- Develop critical thinking skills to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats in digital environments.

MASTERCLASS 3: Turning technical findings into  action – The communication skills behind effective vulnerability assessment  (17:00-19:00)

Instructor: Maria Skevofylaka, Maria Vasilaina, Women4Cyber Greece
Location: Institute Training Room 2
Capacity: 70 participants

Description:
This masterclass combines core technical vulnerability management skills with the soft skills required to make security work effective across an organization. Participants will learn how to identify, assess, classify, and prioritize vulnerabilities, while also developing the communication and collaboration skills needed to drive remediation in real-world environments. The workshop focuses on translating technical findings into business-relevant insights, managing stakeholder expectations, coordinating responses during incidents, and working effectively across technical and non-technical teams. Through practical exercises, participants will strengthen both their analytical approach to vulnerability assessment and their ability to influence, communicate, and collaborate in high-pressure situations.

Learning Outcomes:
- Identify, assess, and classify security vulnerabilities using a structured approach.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on technical severity, business impact, and remediation context.
- Communicate technical vulnerabilities clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences.
- Develop stakeholder management strategies that support successful vulnerability remediation.
- Apply crisis communication principles during security incidents.
- Build strong cross-functional collaboration between technical, operational, and business teams.
- Design vulnerability assessment reports that are clear, accessible, and actionable.
- Understand gender diversity perspectives in technical fields and their importance in collaborative security environments. 

MASTERCLASS 4: XR/VR for Safety Training & Emergency Response (9:00-11:00,11: 00-13:00, 13:00-15:00)

Instructors: Christos Xouris, Leonidas Kotoulas, Realiscape Team
Location: VR/XR Laboratory, Institute Training Room 2
Capacity: 15 participants

Description:
Immersive experience with VR/XR technology for safety and firefighting training. Participants will navigate realistic emergency scenarios including fire suppression, evacuation procedures, and hazardous materials handling. Learn how to design and implement VR-based training programs for high-risk professions.

Learning Outcomes:
- Experience VR-based safety training simulations
- Understand pedagogical design for immersive learning
- Practice emergency response protocols in virtual environments
- Evaluate effectiveness of XR training vs. traditional methods
- Design VR training modules for specific industries

MASTERCLASS 5: AI in Education (13:00 – 15:00)

Instructor: Dr. Sara Ratner, Head of AI in Education (AIEOU), Oxford University
Location: Green Room
Capacity: 70 participants

Description:
Explore practical AI methodologies in education and training. Hands-on workshop covering AI-powered adaptive learning systems, automated assessment tools, personalized learning pathways, and AI ethics in education. Participants will use real AI tools and develop strategies for ethical AI integration in VET contexts.

Learning Outcomes:
- Identify appropriate AI tools for education & training
- Design AI-enhanced learning experiences
- Apply ethical frameworks for AI in education
- Evaluate AI tools for assessment and feedback
- Develop institutional AI adoption strategies

MASTERCLASS 6: Industrial Automation with Siemens Technology – (10:00-12:00, 12:30-14:30)

Instructor: Siemens A.E.
Location: Institute Training Room 1
Capacity: 15 participants

Description:
Presentation and Hands-on workshop on Industry 4.0 automation systems using Siemens PLCs, SCADA SW, Motion Control systems, and industrial IoT. Participants will learn how they can program controllers, configure HMI interfaces, and troubleshoot automated processes. Focus on skills needed for modern manufacturing and process industries.

Learning Outcomes:
- Program and configure Siemens controllers (LOGO!, Simatic S7-1200/ S7-1500 families)
- Design HMI interfaces for industrial applications
- Understand Industry 4.0 concepts and IoT integration
- Apply troubleshooting methodologies

MASTERCLASS 7: Navigating through Shipping Finances: Exploring investment strategies in international maritime trade (15:00-17:00)

Instructor: Giannis Theodoropoulos(TBC), Managing Editor, Naftika Chronika magazine
Location: Green Room
Capacity: 70 participants

Description:
This Masterclass session will examine the dynamic relationship between global shipping and financial markets. The workshop will explore how shipping companies, investors, and financial institutions navigate economic uncertainty, market volatility, and international trade trends to maximize profitability and long-term growth. By analyzing investment models, risk management practices, and emerging opportunities within the shipping industry, the session will highlight the critical role of finance in advancing global maritime commerce.

Learning Outcomes:

- Understand the fundamental connection between global shipping operations and financial decision-making
- Understand the basic structure and functioning of the global shipping market, including key sectors, market cycles, and major industry stakeholders.
- Gain insight into how economic uncertainty, market volatility, and geopolitical developments impact maritime trade and investment.
- Identify key investment models and financing structures used within the shipping industry.
- Recognize emerging trends and opportunities in maritime finance, including ESG policies, sustainability-linked loans, digitalization, and technological innovation.
- Gain practical insights into how global trade dynamics influence financial planning and operational performance in the maritime sector.
- Strengthen decision-making skills related to maritime investments, capital allocation, and financial sustainability.

MASTERCLASS REGISTRATION INFORMATION 

Requirements:
- Pre-registration required (limited capacity per masterclass)
- Conference participants have priority access
- All masterclasses are conducted in Greek or English with no translation

Certificate:
- Certificate of Attendance issued by Eugenides Foundation (KDBM accredited)
- Physical attendance required
- 2 Professional Development Hours (CPD)

Timing:
- Masterclasses run in specific time slots due to time constrains 
- Participants may register for ONE masterclass only for every slot
- Registration opens with conference registration

Materials:
- All necessary equipment provided
- Digital materials and resources provided to participants
- Laptop recommended but not required