Historical Journey & Institutional Recognition
The Eugenides Foundation’s path to recognition began in the very first years of its operation. As early as 1965, the Academy of Athens awarded the Foundation its highest honorary distinction, the “Gold Medal,” in recognition of its significant contribution to the country’s scientific and technical education, which began in 1956.
At that time, the Foundation already had at the forefront of its infrastructure two (2) fully equipped lecture and conference halls at the forefront of its infrastructure, laying the foundation for its subsequent development into one of Greece’s leading conference centers. It is worth noting that in 1966, the Eugenides Foundation inaugurated the first conference center in Athens on its premises, following closely on the heels of the Zappeion, which was completed in 1888.
History
Conference Facilities
The construction of an amphitheater and lecture halls had been planned since the establishment of the Eugenides Foundation in 1956, in order to meet the need for modern educational facilities for students at technical schools.
Speeches – Lectures
1966–2003
The primary purpose of organizing these talks, lectures, and courses by the Eugenides Foundation was to present both the classical and, for their time, contemporary achievements in science and technology.
The Foundation’s aim was to create the right conditions to foster close ties between, on the one hand, students and the general public, and on the other hand, Greek scientists. In this way, Greek scientists—going beyond the narrow confines of their professional fields, yet always within the context of their professional roles—had the opportunity to interact with students and the general public.
The level of the presentations was tailored to be appropriate for students at all schools, technical schools, for working tradespeople, as well as for students at polytechnics and universities, and for the general public. These presentations were intended to foster technical awareness through responsible and ongoing education on issues of fundamental importance, so that the level of technical education could be raised and, consequently, the necessary conditions could be created to increase interest in technical culture.
The lectures were accompanied by the most modern visual teaching aids available at the time. The screening of appropriate educational films and the printing of the texts of lectures and lessons were considered essential tools for further study and the assimilation of this knowledge, especially by young people. This initiative was also intended to help young people acquire a broader range of technical knowledge and to strengthen their access to libraries of technical books and journals.
It should be emphasized that the effort to educate young people in the scientific and technical fields, beyond lectures and presentations, was supported by all the activities of the Eugenides Foundation—through its publications, its technical library, its exhibition collections, its physics experiment collections, and the Planetarium. In this way, the Foundation sought to strengthen Greek students’ confidence in knowledge. The philosophy behind this endeavor was to provide the broadest possible technical knowledge in all areas of human activity.
For only in this way could we move from knowledge to action and, consequently, to the utilization of national wealth, to creation, and to prosperity. The acquisition of technical knowledge and technical awareness had to be carried out in an enjoyable, fast-paced, and efficient manner. Thus, by creating facilities that were state-of-the-art for their time, the Foundation sought to make its lecture halls a magnet not only for the scientific community but also for the general public.
For this reason, it organized talks and lectures by distinguished scientists from Greece and abroad, in order to bring the Greek public into contact with the international scientific community of the time.
Modern Development & Operational Superiority
(2003 – Present)
With the complete renovation of the Eugenides Foundation’s facilities in 2003, as well as subsequent upgrades in 2016 and 2018, 2022, and 2024, a state-of-the-art conference center was created. The combination of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, specialized technical support, and highly trained staff makes the Foundation the ideal choice for hosting high-profile conferences and events.
Our Conference Facilities
The Eugenides Foundation has a comprehensive network of venues:
• Amphitheater: With a capacity of 400 people, for large-scale events.
• Lecture Hall: Seats 120 people and is used for scientific presentations.
• Meeting Rooms: Seating capacity of 40 people, ideal for corporate meetings and workshops.
• Ceremonies and Receptions Hall: for hosting official ceremonies, corporate receptions, and prestigious events.
• Exhibition Spaces & Dining (1st and 2nd Floor Colonnades): Specially designed foyers for exhibitions and catering services.
• Reception Areas: Comprehensive support facilities (registration, coat check, auxiliary spaces).
Parallel Facilities of International Scope:
• Digital Planetarium: One of the largest and best-equipped planetariums in the world.
• Science and Technology Center: An exemplary venue that offers conference attendees an innovative journey of discovery
Strategic Philosophy & Conference Organization
The Eugenides Foundation’s conference activities combine historical prestige with modern operational accountability and reliability, ensuring the flawless execution of every scientific and corporate program.
• Reference Point: Every year, the event hosts leading figures from the global intellectual and scientific community.
• Annual Report: On average, our venues host more than 90 conferences/events and welcome more than 34,000 attendees and visitors annually.
Themes & Social Impact
The conferences hosted by the Foundation focus on its statutory purposes, highlighting developments in the following areas:
• Science & Technology
• Medicine & Health
• Economics & Shipping
Social Contribution & Synergies:
At the same time, the Foundation hosts events with a strong social impact. In collaboration with leading academic and research institutions in Greece and abroad, it organizes conferences, lectures, and seminars that introduce the public to new trends.
These events are supported by the Foundation’s parallel structures: the New Digital Planetarium, the Science and Technology Center, the Library, the Publications , and the UTech Lab Technology Workshop.