Supercomputers and large Datacenters constitute basic infrastructure of strategic importance in modern society. Among the many sectors that they support, it suffices to mention the search for drugs against covid-19, and the fact that applications like gov.gr and global-scale teleconferencing, teleworking, and on-line education all run on large Datacenters. Recognizing the strategic importance of these High Performance Computing (HPC) technologies, the European Union has been funding related research, and has recently created the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) with a 1 billion Euro budget.

In July 1st 2020, the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) was officially accepted as an Associate Member of EU-LIFE. EU-LIFE is an alliance of leading European research institutes in the life sciences with a mission to promote excellence in research, by implementing and disseminating best practices in the organization and operation of scientific establishments. Its members operate with similar principles of excellence, external reviews, independence, competitiveness and internationality.

Nektarios Tavernarakis, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), and Professor at the Medical School of the University of Crete, was elected Member of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Governing Board.

The Institute of Computer Science and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH) participate in the “National Network for Genetic Cardiovascular Diseases Study And Prevention Of Sudden Death In The Young On The Basis Of Precision Medicine” that is funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology through public funds. The Network started its operation in July 2019 and has a duration of 2 years.

During the 1st phase of the Global Talent Mentoring programme, 159 students from Greece and Cyprus expressed their interest to participate as mentees. Initially, FORTH had estimated the nomination of 50 mentee candidates from both countries. However, due to the high quality of applications, FORTH ended up nominating 74 students, 42 boys and 32 girls. The reaction of Global Talent Mentoring shows the impact of the programme among Greek students. “We send a very enthusiastic “thank you” to the FORTH team for sending us so many truly amazing nominees! Our team was extremely impressed to see what some of the students are working on”.

The President of the Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis, participated in the presentation of the national plan for the transition to electromobility, representing the Research Centres of Greece.

A new emblematic initiative, the National Network for Neurodegenerative Disease Research towards Precision Medicine, commences its operation in Greece. This flagship initiative positions Greece at the forefront of neurodegeneration and ageing research, with initial funding of € 2.2 million, over a two-year implementation period, provided by the Ministry of Development and Investments, through the General Secretariat for Research and Technology. The pioneering Network comprises leading National Research Centers and Universities, and is coordinated by the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) as co-coordinator.