The US Consul General in Thessaloniki, Jerry Ismail, visited the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) for a tour of its facilities, hosted by Greece's Deputy Minister for Development responsible for research and innovation, Stavros Kalafatis.
Kalafatis briefed the US delegation on CERTH's work and development plans as the centre marks 25 years of activity. The institute has become one of Greece's most prominent research organisations, specialising in areas ranging from information technologies and artificial intelligence to energy, transport and environmental innovation.
During the visit, the delegation received a detailed presentation from CERTH vice president and director of the Information Technologies Institute, Dr Ioannis Kompatsiaris, outlining the centre's research output, entrepreneurial initiatives and future strategy. Particular interest was shown in the mechanisms through which the centre collaborates with industry, participates in competitive international research programmes and promotes startups and technology transfer within its ecosystem.
Discussions focused on CERTH's efforts to connect research with real-world applications, as the centre expanded partnerships with local chambers and authorities to align innovation with societal, business, and regional needs. The meeting also explored deeper US-Greece cooperation in research, including joint technology and research initiatives.
