The Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), a pioneer in Greece in the provision of Administrative and Financial Services, received an ISO certification on December 6, 2024, from TÜV HELLAS, a member of the TÜV NORD Group. This certification was issued for implementing a management system regarding the design, development, and provision of Administrative and Financial Services by its Central Administration, in compliance with the requirements of the ELOT EN ISO 9001:2015 standard.

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management for all companies, regardless of the type, size, product, or service provided. The ISO 9001 standard was introduced by the ISO Organization (International Organization for Standardization), an independent, non-governmental organization. ISO 9001 describes a management model that ensures the expected quality of products and services, targeting customer satisfaction.

The aim of the design, development and implementation of the quality management system is the standardization and continuous improvement of the procedures followed by the Administrative and Financial Services of FORTH's Central Administration. The demanding implementation of this standard has a positive impact both at the level of the Organization as well as at the level of interaction with social institutions and collaborating enterprises; on the one hand, it facilitates the faster and smoother integration of new employees into the FORTH workforce and on the other hand it ensures faster, easier and more efficient provision of services to employees and researchers of the Foundation as well as to external partners.

“This certification is highly significant for FORTH, and is part of the broader strategic planning of the Foundation, which includes upgrading and modernizing its operations and services, utilizing all the modern methods and tools offered over time. It also demonstrates the continuous effort made by its Central Administration to provide the best possible support, which is necessary primarily for the smooth implementation of its important research work", stated FORTH’s President, Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis.

It is worth noting that FORTH is the first and so far the only Research Centre in Greece whose Administrative and Financial Services are certified under the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

A few words about TÜV HELLAS

TÜV HELLAS (TÜV NORD) is a certification and inspection body, 100% subsidiary of the German TÜV NORD Group. It has been active in Greece since 1987, providing Third Party Inspection-Certification services, for all types of enterprises, in both the private and public sector, in the fields of Technology, Quality, Security, Energy, and the Environment. Up to date, TÜV HELLAS has certified more than 15,000 Management Systems, providing internationally recognized certificates that increase credibility in global markets. The Training Division has organized more than 5,000 seminars covering a wide range of activities with 45,000 participants. The Personnel Certification Directorate offers more than 115 professional certification schemes and has certified over 40,000 professionals, granting them a competitive edge in the labour market. TÜV HELLAS operates two subsidiaries in Cyprus and Egypt, Offices in Thessaloniki, Heraklion (Crete), and Ioannina, as well as a global presence through the certification and inspection of projects, spanning from Asia to America and across Europe.