The 6th International Meeting of ALPHA MISSION – DELOS at the ancient theater of Delos © WHF/Stephan Talneau What knowledge does ancient healing wisdom offer us today? Can humanity prosper beyond Earth? Is it possible to restore the balance between our lives and the health of the planet? The visionary initiative ALPHA MISSION – DELOS returned for its sixth International Meeting in the heart of the Cyclades, on May 16 and 17, 2026. Under the theme “The Pulse of Life: Reconnecting Personal and Planetary Health”, academics, scientists and artists explored the vibrant relationships between human well-being and the health of our planet, in a two-day period of fruitful dialogue, substantive discussions, exchange of ideas and deep human connection. Reinforcing the goal of the pioneering initiative to encourage awareness and mobilization of citizens around the great challenges for life on Earth, this year the event’s renowned speakers also met with the residents of Mykonos. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the local community warmly embraced the open event held at the Manto Cinema with keynote speakers: Vassilis Lambrinoudakis (Professor Emeritus of Archaeology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Dr. Stamatios Krimizis (Director Emeritus, Space Exploration Division, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; former President of the Academy of Athens) and Demosthenes Sarigiannis (Director and Chairman of the Board, National Research Foundation; Professor of Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). The speakers were introduced by Dimitris Athanasoulis (Director, Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades), Nikos Sergis (CEO, Hellenic Space Center) and Vangelis Karkaletsis (President, NCSR “Demokritos”). The evening was opened by Alexandra Mitsotaki (President & Co-Founder, World Human Forum), Dimitris Papastergiou (Minister of Digital Governance) and Christos Veronis (Mayor of Mykonos), while the event closed melodiously with the screening of the award-winning film/concert “The [Uncertain] Four Seasons”. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the meeting continued at the ancient theater of Delos with the participation of prominent scientists, researchers and artists. This year’s speakers include: Daniel A. Barber (Professor of Architecture and Chair of the Working Group on the History of Architecture and Decarbonization, Eindhoven University of Technology), Alexander Choukér (Academic Director, Senior Physician, Head of Research Laboratory I “Translational Research of Stress and Immunity”, University Hospital Munich), Adrianos Golemis (Astronaut in Training; Associate, Hellenic Space Center; Chief Mission Physician, MEDES – European Space Agency), Niki Evelpidou (Professor, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, NKUA), Athena Kousteni (Research Director, National Center for Scientific Research / CNRS, France), Yadvinder Malhi  (Professor of Ecosystem Science, University of Oxford), Jacob Moe  (Founder & Director, Archipelagos Network), Dr  Alexis Paterson (Senior Music Programme Producer, Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford) and Jochen Sandig (Co-Founder & Vice President, World Human Forum). The day began with a presentation/tour on board by Professor Vasilis Lambrinoudakis on the Asclepius of Delos and the holistic approach of the ancient Greeks to healing. As the afternoon light spread over the Aegean, the participants sent their own collective message-distillation through an interactive artistic workshop. In fact, they also gave their own note to the concert “The 5th Era ” with Socrates Sinopoulos (lyra) and Diana Tishchenko (violin), with which the meeting closed. Let’s hold their thoughts: ” The Earth is not silent. It speaks — can you hear it? / A small lifeboat, floating silently in the universe, blue, with its breath alive in the darkness / Planet Earth is blue and we can still do something about it / If we could carry our values inside this fragile spaceship, let them be these: love, respect, hope, compassion, roots and time / For in the universe we are nothing, but in this nothingness, we are everything.” Diana Tishchenko and Socrates Sinopoulos on a musical journey to the “5th Epoch” © WHF/Stephan Talneau A few words about ALPHA MISSION – DELOS The goal of ALPHA MISSION – DELOS is to raise awareness about the climate crisis. At this defining moment for our planet, Delos – one of the most important cosmopolitan centers of antiquity, a meeting place of cultures, languages and religious traditions – is already facing the impacts of rising sea levels . The initiative invites us to reflect on the roots that gave us wings: science and technology, but also ancestral intelligence, the humanities, the arts and spirituality – and to imagine a civilization that respects and protects life in all its forms. ALPHA MISSION – DELOS is an initiative of the World Human Forum . It is carried out in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades and with the support of the National Center for Natural Sciences Research “Demokritos” , the Hellenic Space Center and Europa Nostra. The 6th International Meeting of ALPHA MISSION – DELOS was held with the support of: Strategic partners: HELMEPA-Hellenic Association for the Protection of the Marine Environment, IEEE SA Sponsors: Alpha Bank, Qualco Foundation Donor: COSMOTE TELEKOM Official airline sponsor: Aegean Airlines Travel partners: Blue Star Ferries, Autohellas Hertz Supporters – partners: Rtdeco Event Services, View Master Events, Delos Tours Special partner: ELTA / Hellenic Post Special thanks to the Municipality of Mykonos and Manto Cinema More information: https://delos.worldhumanforum.earth/ The videotaped actions of the 6th International Meeting of ALPHA MISSION – ΔELOS will be available soon on the World Human Forum YouTube channel.

Athens, 17 March 2026: NCSR Demokritos and Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, have announced a collaboration to support research and the development of innovative dual-use technologies in Greece. The partnership was announced at the NCSR Demokritos facilities, in the presence of the Centre’s Director, Vangelis Karkaletsis, representatives of the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI), and the Regional Executive Director of Lockheed Martin Greece, Kostas Papadopoulos. As part of the collaboration, a Proof of Concept (PoC) program will be implemented to support selected researchers and research teams in advancing promising technologies and strengthening their readiness to enter the Greek market. The program will focus on innovative dual-use and pre-commercial technologies, supporting solutions with applications in both the civilian and security sectors, and will align primarily with HCDI priorities. The initiative aims to prepare researchers for future participation in major European and transatlantic programs, including the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), and the European Innovation Council (EIC). More broadly, the collaboration seeks to strengthen ties between the research community, industry, Greek SMEs, and potential end users. “The collaboration with Lockheed Martin creates new opportunities for the Center’s researchers, facilitating the transfer of scientific knowledge into applications with tangible economic and social value. The PoC program establishes a solid framework for transforming research outputs into practical technological solutions,” said Vangelis Karkaletsis. Kostas Papadopoulos, noted that “investing in research and technological advancement is the foundation for long-term growth and security,” highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting Greece’s scientific community and advancing innovative technologies with wide-ranging applications. NCSR Demokritos conducts research in areas with direct application in defense and dual-use technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced materials, sensor systems, and digital infrastructures used in crisis management and operational coordination scenarios. It is one of 17 selected accelerators in the NATO DIANA innovation ecosystem and participates in the activities of the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI), strengthening collaboration between the research community, industry, and public bodies to develop operational solutions for security and defense. About Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and scientific discovery. Their all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those they serve are always ahead-ready. Lockheed Martin remains committed to advancing innovation, building high-value strategic partnerships, and supporting initiatives that strengthen technological progress and resilience.

Two years after bringing the AI Act to the forefront, Europe’s focus is now shifting from framework to implementation. Vangelis Karkaletsis, Director and Chairman of the Board of NCSR Demokritos, and Alexandros Nousias, Research Associate on AI Law, Governance & Ethics at NCSR Demokritos, contributed to the discussion “AI Governance in Practice: Implementing the AI Act and enabling innovation in the EU”, held in Brussels on March 19th. The event, organised by the Special Secretariat for AI and Data Governance of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and its Special Secretary Vasilis Karkatzounis, together with the Permanent Representation of Greece to the EU, brought together representatives of European institutions, national authorities and industry to explore what that shift means in practice. AI governance is not a policy exercise in isolation. It has direct implications for how research is conducted, how systems are developed, and how trust is built across the ecosystem. Key themes on the table were coordination between national authorities and EU-level actors, the practical challenges of operationalising the AI Act, balancing innovation with effective safeguards, and emerging issues such as deepfakes and trust in the information space. Vangelis Karkaletsis highlighted the strategic importance of aligning AI governance with Europe’s innovation agenda and the need to strengthen institutional capacity for the effective implementation of the AI Act. As he noted: “Strengthening the adoption of AI by SMEs, industry, and the public sector is a key national priority within our national AI strategy. To that end, Greece is actively participating in European initiatives such as the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), as well as AI Factories, including the Greek AI Factory ‘Pharos’. Today’s discussion is therefore particularly significant, as the challenge is no longer only to develop AI, but to develop trustworthy AI.” Alexandros Nousias moderated the panel “Enabling Innovation within Governance”, where the discussion explored the concept of trustworthy AI and its practical application in the field, including in the context of the Pharos AI Factory. The panel framed trustworthy AI not merely as a compliance objective, but as a system of quality governance with values engineered at its core, enabling innovation to scale with trust, accountability, and societal alignment. The event brought together participants from Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, and Austria, as well as the EU AI Office.

On Friday, February 6, 2026, NCSR “Demokritos” hosted the Hellenic Chips Competence Centre (HCCC) Information Day. The event served as a high-level gathering of industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, all focused on a single mission: strengthening Greece’s position within the European semiconductor value chain under the umbrella of the EU Chips Act. The day opened with greetings from the Secretary General for Telecommunications and Posts, Konstantinos Karantzalos, who highlighted the strategic necessity of domestic chip design and production. Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Vice President of NCSR Demokritos, and Emmanuel Zervakis, HCCC President, welcomed the audience, setting the stage for a day dedicated to translating research into industrial impact. Evangelos Gogolides, Director of INN, detailed the HCCC’s service catalog, positioning the INN as a primary provider for the Prototyping and Manufacture of Electronic and Photonic Devices. The technical sessions provided deep dives into the Institute’s specialized offerings: * Eleni Makarona (Researcher A’, INN) presented specific examples of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and sensor manufacturing services. * The event featured the SMARTEC line, the first Greek production line for GaN MMICs, presented by Manos Trichas (ITE), alongside design service insights from Georgios Panagopoulos (NTUA). * Beyond manufacturing, the INN provides critical skills. Nikos Boukos (Researcher A’, INN) demonstrated laboratory training in material characterization via electron microscopy, while Dimitrios Soudris (NTUA) and Christoforos Kachris (UNIWA) discussed AI-based EDA tools and curriculum development. The effectiveness of the INN’s ecosystem was validated by successful industrial partnerships. ThetaMetrisis (Ioannis Raptis), Circuits Integrated Hellas (Errikos Loundarakis) and OHB Hellas (Alexis Chatzistylianos) shared how collaborating with the research centers and universities has accelerated their technical roadmaps and market readiness. To ensure these services are accessible to all, Katerina Tzortzatou (Head of Fundraising, NCSR Demokritos) provided a practical guide for SMEs and researchers on how to formally engage with the HCCC. Infrastructure Tour: The Cleanroom & The AI Factory The afternoon session offered a coordinated dual-track tour for all attendees. 1. The INN Cleanroom (Nanotechnology & Microsystems Laboratory) Led by Cleanroom Manager Vassilis Vamvakas, groups explored the 300m² facility. As the only full silicon processing line in Greece, the Cleanroom is an important asset of HCCC, providing the controlled environment necessary for the fabrication of the next generation of sensors and microcircuits. 2. The Data Center & AI Factory (PHAROS) Simultaneously, attendees visited the NCSR Demokritos Data Center and AI Factory, guided by Stelios Karozis. The AI Factory provides the high-performance computing (HPC) power essential for Advanced Chip Design (EDA) and complex simulations. Access the Resources * Technical Slides: Click here to download the speaker slides – Gain detailed insights shared by our experts. * Virtual Tour: Experience our state-of-the-art facilities from your screen. Take the Virtual Tour of the Cleanroom here.

Photos: Hellenic Ministry of Culture On 19 January 2026, the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, signed a Programming Agreement between the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the National Hellenic Research Foundation, and the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (NCSR Demokritos), with a total budget of €660,000 funded by the Ministry of Culture from its own resources. Through this agreement, the Ministry of Culture entrusts the two research centres with the implementation of the research project AmphiPoly, which focuses on the scientific study and documented enhancement of the polychromy of the tomb monument of the Kasta Tumulus in Amphipolis. The objective of the AmphiPoly research project is the scientifically documented reconstruction of the monument’s original decorative appearance, including its polychromy and iconography, across all its chronological phases. Drawing on archaeometric measurements, digital tools, and historical-archaeological research, the project will produce a three-dimensional digital representation and support the monument’s aesthetic restoration. The project aims to refine the evaluation of the monument’s significance, use, and dating, while documenting its original decoration, which has become difficult to discern in many areas due to wear and later alterations. At the same time, AmphiPoly supports the development of innovative, experiential, and interactive museum approaches, incorporating digital technologies that enable virtual exploration of the monument, interactive engagement with its architectural and decorative elements, and visualisation of the archaeometric data underpinning the restoration process. The results of archaeometric analyses—carried out by specialised laboratories of NCSR Demokritos in collaboration with teams from internationally recognised research centres—will be combined with high-resolution digital material from three-dimensional scanning and data visualisation applications. The project foresees the creation of physical replicas of selected decorative elements (the façade with the Sphinxes, the mosaic, and the pedestal with the Lion), as well as digital models and virtual reality (VR) applications for museum use. Visual artists will contribute to the digital completion and restoration process, using artificial intelligence tools in conjunction with archaeometric data relating to worn, lost, or poorly preserved iconographic elements of the mosaic and painted marble friezes. Comparative spectroscopic analyses and ultra-high-resolution imaging of related Macedonian tomb paintings—such as the Persephone abduction fresco from Tomb I at Aigai—together with laboratory dating results from mortar and osteological samples from within the tomb, will further inform the study. Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni noted that the Macedonian Tomb at the Kasta Tumulus in Amphipolis, an emblematic monument of exceptional historical and archaeological importance, requires a unified and holistic approach in order to ensure its comprehensive protection. She emphasised that, alongside the restoration and enhancement works implemented by the Ministry’s services, the AmphiPoly research programme operates in a complementary manner, drawing on cutting-edge scientific knowledge, technology, and archaeometry to study and document the monument’s original polychromy, aesthetics, and symbolic depth. The programme will result in a new, fully documented body of data, while also offering modern tools for understanding and engaging with the monument at an international level. The President of the National Hellenic Research Foundation, Dimitris Sarigiannis, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary methodologies, advanced non-destructive analytical techniques, and high-precision digital applications in reconstructing the monument’s original chromatic richness and shedding new light on Macedonian funerary architecture. He underlined the value of collaboration between the State, research institutions, and society, to transform new scientific knowledge into open resources for both the scientific community and the wider public. The Director and Chairman of the Board of NCSR Demokritos, Vangelis Karkaletsis, stated that Demokritos’ participation in the AmphiPoly project continues its long-standing contribution to archaeometry and non-invasive analytical techniques applied to cultural heritage. He noted that Demokritos’ research teams, with expertise ranging from innovations in X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for the study of ancient polychromy to reliable dating of organic materials and mortars and the determination of marble provenance, will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role and significance of the Kasta Tumulus monument in antiquity, supporting its documented and respectful enhancement.

They created escape rooms and models, went out into nature for environmental activities and looked up to discover the stars, wrote poems and songs, and made use of modern technologies and software. They investigated, collaborated without exclusions, learned, and had fun! During the 2024–2025 school year, 15,000 pupils from 590 classes in nursery, primary and secondary schools in Greece and abroad took part in the International Sustainability Education Network “From Mythology to Space – Myth2space”. On 16 and 17 January 2026, they will come to Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall for the 2nd Student Conference “From Mythology to Space”, titled this year “Kids talk with the Stars”, to share their projects for a better future. The National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” has been an active member of the Network since its establishment, participating through its Education Office. Throughout the school year, researchers from the Centre visit participating schools to present their work, giving students the opportunity to explore various fields of contemporary science. The conference is organised by the International Sustainability Education Network “From Mythology to Space – Myth2space” and the World Human Forum, in collaboration with the Hellenic Space Center, the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, the Philekpaideftiki Etaireia (Arsakeia – Tositseia Schools), Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall, and the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris. The International Sustainability Education Network “From Mythology to Space – Myth2space” is coordinated by the Directorate of Primary Education of B΄ Athens and the Directorate of Primary Education of the Cyclades. The conference is supported by a donation from Raycap S.A. A great celebration by children, for children, the conference gives pupils the floor to present the work and collaborations carried out in the Network’s second year of operation. The two-day event includes student presentations (in person or online), talks by distinguished figures in scientific research, culture and the environment, experiential workshops and performances. At the closing ceremony, the German-Greek pianist and co-founder of the Molyvos International Music Festival, Danae Dörken, will perform together with student music ensembles. Admission is free, with entry passes. Discover the Myth2Space Network at: https://mythtospace.sites.sch.gr/ More about the Myth2Space Network Drawing on ALPHA MISSION – ΔELOS, NASA’s Artemis mission and its connection to Greek culture, the Network applies the SHTEAM methodology (STEM + Humanities, Arts), cultivating skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, computational thinking and holistic understanding of concepts. It also highlights the importance of belonging to a school community where every member can participate equally. Each week, pupils from the regions meet online with peers from urban centres. Through play, crafts and inspired activities, these schools learn and innovate. They create new, modern ways of organising themselves and show us how everyone can contribute to the Environment, the Economy, Culture and Sustainability. During its second year of operation (2024–2025), the Network included: * 391 schools in Greece and abroad * Around 600 educators * 15,000 pupils * 152 nursery schools, 163 primary schools, 45 lower-secondary schools and 31 upper-secondary schools Today, the Network includes 25,000 pupils from 850 classes across primary and secondary education. With the enthusiastic support and active involvement of the educational community, Myth2Space is opening channels for communication and knowledge, guiding the way towards the future of education. Focus areas and innovative activities The Network’s themes are based on the three key dimensions of the space mission – humanistic, environmental and scientific – linked to the four pillars of Sustainable Development (Environment, Economy, Health Promotion, Culture). Last school year, students explored a wide range of topics, including: * Space & Mythology: Space and life on other planets, astronomy and space travel, myths associated with space, planets and constellations. * Science & STEM: Physical sciences, light, experiments, women in science. * Environment & Sustainability: Climate change, the environment, water (quality and sufficiency), biodiversity, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. * Society & Culture: Ecological awareness and physical health, nutrition, and the study of topics inspired by literary works. More about the Network & the conference programme: https://mythtospace.sites.sch.gr/ Secretariat of the Directorate of Primary Education of B΄Athens Tel.: 2106893081 Email: mythtospace@gmail.com LinkedIn: @myth2space Instagram: @myth.to.space Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558662291422  Media enquiries: World Human Forum Ioanna Gkomouza, Communications Officer Tel.: +30 6973827508 Email: ioanna@worldhumanforum.earth

On 22 October 2025, Dr. Vangelis Karkaletsis was appointed Director of NCSR Demokritos and Chairman of its Board of Directors, following his tenure as Director of the Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications at NCSR Demokritos. A long-standing member of the Demokritos community, Vangelis Karkaletsis has focused his work on the ways intelligent systems and digital technologies can advance research and benefit society. His appointment marks a new step in the Centre’s continuing journey of curiosity and collaboration that have defined Demokritos in recent years. He succeeds Dr. George Nounesis, whose leadership guided the Centre through a period of growth and transformation, strengthening its collaborative spirit and international presence. As Demokritos moves forward, it builds on this legacy, shaping new paths for science to serve the common good.

NCSR Demokritos and UNICEF Greece have announced the establishment of a Child Rights Centre, hosted within Demokritos. With this initiative, Demokritos becomes the first research centre to join UNICEF’s network of eleven Child Rights Centres (CRCs) across Greece. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Dr. Vangelis Karkaletsis, Chairman of the Board and Director of NCSR Demokritos, and Dr. Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Greece. In partnership with the Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications at NCSR Demokritos, the new Centre is guided by the principles of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child”. Following the vision of the Child Rights Centres, it will serve as a hub for promoting and advocating for child rights, generating knowledge and evidence on children, and integrating child rights into education and training. The Demokritos Centre will focus on the digital environment, helping children navigate it safely and consciously through responsible AI use, online protection and digital literacy, cultivating digital citizenship and ensuring that innovation evolves with ethics and awareness. At the launch event, Ghassan Khalil emphasized that the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at Demokritos marks an important milestone in UNICEF’s collaboration with the research community in Greece. He underlined the crucial role of science and innovation in protecting children’s rights and in strengthening knowledge, education, and critical thinking based on the principles of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child.” Vangelis Karkaletsis highlighted that the collaboration with UNICEF reflects a shared commitment to ensuring technology serves the rights of the child and not the other way around. Through the new Centre, he noted, Demokritos will promote responsible AI use and digital rights awareness, an investment in how children will shape tomorrow’s technology with safety and values. The dialogue on children’s rights in the digital age is urgent, and Demokritos is working to ensure that the digital world becomes a space where every child can learn, create, and thrive safely.

An initiative by NCSR Demokritos and Shanghai Jiao Tong University advancing interdisciplinary research in science, culture, and heritage. 30 October 2025, NCSR Demokritos Congress Center, Athens A new collaboration between NCSR Demokritos and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) brings science and culture into dialogue through the newly launched Joint Laboratory for Cultural Heritage. The Joint Lab marks the beginning of long-term scientific and cultural collaboration between Greece and China, following the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. Its goal is to advance interdisciplinary research, linking science and innovation with cultural inquiry and heritage studies. The Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (INPP), under the direction of Dr. Christos Markou, plays a central role in HeritageScience and in advanced materials characterisation. Dr. Andreas Karydas, Research Director and Head of the XRF Laboratory, leads Demokritos’ contribution, continuing the Institute’s pioneering work in non-destructive techniques for the study and preservation of cultural heritage artifacts. The Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications (IIT) extends this vision, coordinating major projects in DigitalCulture and the development of innovative cultural applications. Dr. Lida Arnellou and her team lead initiatives that merge cultural expression with digital technology, as seen in AiTHERION. At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the School of Humanities, led by Prof. Qi Hong, anchors the collaboration. As Prof. Qi remarked during the ceremony, “China and Greece, as the cradles of two ancient civilizations, share cultural heritages that belong not only to our nations but to humanity as a whole.” As outlined by Dr. Vangelis Karkaletsis, Director and Chairman of the Board of NCSR Demokritos, the partnership will promote joint research in AI, robotics, big data, bioinformatics, and digital humanities, support joint postgraduate programs, and encourage international collaboration in research and innovation. It also aspires to create new digital exhibitions exploring the dialogue between ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy. The opening ceremony gathered delegates from both countries. Among the distinguished guests were Prof. Liu Weidong, Vice Rector of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU); Prof. Wei Yadi; Mr. Lai Bo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Greece; Dr. Anastasios Gaitanis, General Secretary for Research and Innovation at the Hellenic Ministry of Development and Investments; and Ms. Maria Mertzani, Head of the Directorate for the Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments at the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Also present were representatives from the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens, the Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, along with researchers and cultural experts from both institutions. From Athens to Shanghai, a dialogue between knowledge and creativity has just begun. Chinese version available here: https://news.sjtu.edu.cn/jdyw/20251102/216085.html

World Bioethics 2025 was celebrated at Demokritos on 14 October, themed “Bioethical Challenges in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, highlighting the ethical dimension of AI and the importance of Responsible Research. University students and school groups who presented their own projects brought fresh perspectives to the event, showing how the younger generation is actively engaging in the conversation about the future of science and society. The event was co-organized by researcher Dr. Vasiliki Mollaki and the Communications Team of the Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications at NCSR Demokritos, the Hellenic Unit of the International Chair in Bioethics (ICB) – WMA Cooperative Center of the Applied Philosophy Research Laboratory of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Hellenic National Bioethics Commission, the European Laboratory of Bioethics, Technoethics and Law at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, and the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Deontology of the Holy Metropolis of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki. Representing Demokritos, Dimitris Kletsas, Director of the Institute of Biosciences and Applications of NCSR Demokritos, highlighted the work of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) of our Center and presented two flagship EU-funded projects: DeployAI: Develops the European AI-on-Demand Platform and promotes trustworthy, transparent, and ethical AI solutions for industry, SMEs, and the public sector. CHANGER_EU_PROJECT: Aims to promote changes in ResearchEthics reviews by strengthening researchers’ capacity to embed ethical reasoning from the project design stage (EthicsByDesign) and implementation, proposing European policy recommendations for safeguarding human rights in the context of emerging technologies. It also develops educational material on research ethics in areas such as organoids, genome editing, and artificial intelligence. Through our work, we’re reminded that ethics and innovation grow stronger together, nurturing a culture of science where progress serves people and earns their trust in the technologies that shape our future.