” National and Kapodistrian University of Athens throughout this path, through extremely unfavorable conditions and upheavals for the country, he remained invariably true to his mission – educational, scientific and social work – thanks to his significant human potential. Together with the teaching staff, his male and female students, he participated in all national and social battles, and his contribution to the formation and promotion of the identity of the Greek state was decisive. Its constant and stable orientation throughout its historical path until today is an offer to a new generation and society, at the same time as extraversion in European and international development. This, among other things, is mentioned by the rector of EKPA Thanos Dimopoulos in his message on the eve of tomorrow. EKPA was founded on May 3, 1837 and is the oldest university in the country. Thus, this year marks the 186th anniversary of its founding.

“EKPA was founded just a few years after the creation of the modern Greek state. That is, it ran almost parallel to the newly created Greek state, being the central pillar of its organization and functioning. It was the only university in Greece until the beginning of the 20th century, which provided the Greek society, both in the public and private sectors, with qualified scientists in the fields of medicine, humanities and physical and mathematical sciences, law and economics, education, as well as to the lot. In his laboratories and clinics, important and innovative features and capabilities were offered to the public,” says Mr. Dimopoulos.

Then the focus is on the current situation and work of the University of Athens. “Today, after 186 years since its founding, ECPA, together with all of us, has taken huge, confident steps towards the future we envision. International rankings emphasize the important position of our university among thousands around the world. These global awards are impressive given more than a decade of underfunding and understaffing. EKPA’s research products have made and continue to make a decisive contribution to the production of new knowledge. In addition, our university, together with 11 other European universities, has been a founding member of the CIVIS European University since 2018, an alliance whose goal is to shape the university of the future. A European University that will facilitate the mobility of students, professors and researchers, the creation of joint courses, the establishment of joint research programs and, in the future, joint degrees. Over the years, through coordinated and consistent steps, foresight, strategic planning, collegiality and experience, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has also been strengthened with equipment and new units, at the same time as increasing the infrastructure of its building. We are the first in Greece to jointly organize excellent undergraduate and postgraduate foreign language programs and successfully certify them.”

Mr. Dimopoulos concludes his message by emphasizing: “Each day, as the leadership of the parish, we are at your disposal to resolve emerging issues, as well as to organize your future goals, and, along with the festive mood tomorrow, I look forward to your thoughts and your suggestions. . for the future. We thank all educational, research, technological and administrative staff for their daily, continuous and long-term contribution, which is a catalyst for the work, development and progress of our university. Together we can, under better conditions, lay claim to an even better future for our university, for the state university.”