European Research Council President Maria Leptin Visits the University of Athens

Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and President of the Hellenic Universities Rectors’ Conference, met Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council (ERC), at the University of Athens on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

The discussions focused on advancing frontier research and encouraging more researchers in Greece to apply for ERC funding.

Also present at the meeting were Professor Nikolaos Thomaidis, Vice-President of the Administration Council; Professor Sophia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations and Extroversion; Professor Aristeidis Samitas, Vice-Rector for Finance and Development; and Assistant Professor Themis Alissafi of the School of Medicine, who is currently the country’s Ambassador for the ERC.

Commenting on the meeting, Professor Siasos said: ‘We aim to ensure that more researchers at Greek universities have the resources and support they need to secure European funding for pioneering research. This will help strengthen the research infrastructure of Greek universities and enhance their international profile.’