Innovation at the NHRF

During its sixty-five years and more of operation, the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) has demonstrated pioneering research work in the sciences it cultivates and, by focusing on the promotion of scientific and technological research, has contributed significantly to innovation and the development of modern technologies. The NHRF’s innovation is manifested in several areas, such as the development of basic research, the creation of new research fields, the development of innovative solutions for society and the economy, and the promotion of cooperation between research centers, universities, and industry.

Over time, the institutes of the National Hellenic Research Foundation have established themselves in their respective fields, while at the same time, in the context of the Foundation’s strategic choices, they actively exploit the opportunities for cooperation offered by their geographical and scientific proximity, as well as their human and logistical infrastructures for the joint development of innovative interdisciplinary basic research and applications activities.

In particular, the two institutes of Physical and Biological Sciences (ICB & TPCI) have developed collaborations driven by their geographical proximity and the complementarity of their scientific fields. The establishment of the new NHRF Centre of Excellence, dedicated to research on the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases, is expected to further strengthen the collaboration between the two institutes, which will jointly contribute their valuable expertise and knowledge to this new infrastructure.

In addition, there are many collaborations between the researchers of the Institutes, mainly through their joint participation in national research infrastructures and in various bilateral research projects, while one of the main strategic priorities of Professor Demosthenes Sarigiannis is the creation of collaborations between the three research institutes of the Centre in areas such as the interaction of the environment with health and society.

The strengthening of innovation at the NHRF is also reflected in its ever-increasing contribution to the Greek and international research community, as well as in the creation of new opportunities for sustainable development. Scientific excellence at the international level, the “interdisciplinary research scheme” aimed at interdisciplinary research, the strengthening of the research and educational mission of the Foundation, the promotion of innovation, and the link with the economy and society constitute the main mission of the NHRF for the coming years.