The Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) and theEugenides Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the establishment and operation of the Eugenides Endowed Chair of Teaching and Research “Eugene Eugenides” in the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics of the School of Health Sciences at the Democritus University of Thrace in the field of Agri-Food Innovation.
This is the first Endowed Chair at the Democritus University of Thrace, a fact that lends the collaboration special institutional, academic, and symbolic significance. The Chair is named after Eugenios Eugenides, a national benefactor, visionary entrepreneur, and great supporter of scientific and technical education, who was a native of Didymoteicho in Evros.
The Chair’s operation in Evros thus takes on special symbolic significance: The legacy of a Thracian benefactor returns to his homeland through a modern academic and research initiative focused on knowledge, innovation, and the next generation.
The Chair’s academic focus is Agri-Food Innovation, a field of particular importance to Thrace, its productive identity, and its development prospects. By leveraging modern applications of molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioanalysis, the Chair will contribute to enhancing the quality, safety, traceability, and authenticity of agri-food products, as well as to their sustainable production and increased added value. Furthermore, it will strengthen the link between academic knowledge and research and the real needs of society, the economy, and the labor market, while promoting teaching, innovation, and the outward-looking nature of the Democritus University of Thrace.
The Chair is expected to operate for five years and will be supported by a grant from the Eugenides Foundation totaling 250,000 euros. The funding will be used to staff and operate the Chair, support research and educational activities, strengthen infrastructure, and disseminate research findings. The Chairholder will be selected through a public call for expressions of interest, in accordance with applicable legislation and the principles of transparency, meritocracy, and academic excellence.
With the establishment of the “Eugenios Eugenides” Endowed Chair, Democritus University of Thrace and the Eugenides Foundation are joining forces in an initiative with a strong scientific, educational, social, and developmental impact for Thrace and the country.
From the Office of the President of the Democritus University of Thrace