Interaction with Society

The promotion and communication of science to the public is an important aspect of the Department’s extroversion policy. Every year the members and students of the Department organize and participate in various activities and events.

Annually, the Department hosts more than 500 high school students, as part of the University program “Open Doors”, which includes scientific demonstrations and events with many interesting topics specialized in the scientific fields of Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

Systematically, faculty members of the Department visit schools in the region of Thessaly, informing students about the science of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and presenting the educational and research activities of the Department as well as the professional prospects of the graduates.

Since 2014, the Department actively participates in the organization of the “Researcher’s Night” events, aiming to introduce the society of Thessaly to the importance of scientific research. These events are held throughout Europe with the initiative of the European Union.

The Department encourages and supports the participation of its students in interdisciplinary teams, international forums and scientific competitions, such as the global iGEM synthetic biology competition.

The Department contributes, in collaboration with special organizations, to an effort of social integration of the student refugee population in the local community through special educational actions addressed to students and trainers of refugee structures.
In 2018, the Department participated in the “Thessaly Science Festival” organized in the context of events celebrating the 30 years of operation of the University of Thessaly. This festival aspires to highlight to the citizens the inseparable connection of science and technology with everyday life.

The Department participates in the framework of the University of Thessaly in the Thessaloniki International Fair, presenting its profile and its activities in the fields of research, innovative products and services.

Event for honor of Associate Professor Georgios Papadopoulos

The Department welcome the Experimental School of Larissa during their interaction in an ERASMUS project they run with Germany and France.

During their visit, students were introduced to important environmental microbiology issues, focusing on the immensely important problem of potable water security and safety linked with bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.