The Ambassador of Switzerland in Greece, Mr. Stefan Estermann, and Ms. Joanna Thanasis, Attachée, visited NCSR Demokritos last week.

Switzerland, named Europe’s most innovative nation for the 8th consecutive year (European Commission’s Innovation Scoreboard 2025), continues to set high standards for innovation and collaboration. At the same time, new links between Greece and Switzerland are gradually taking shape. One such initiative is the establishment of the Swiss Hellenic Business Association (SHBA) in November 2024, which aims to strengthen economic, professional and cultural ties between the two countries.

Collaboration between the Embassy of Switzerland in Greece and NCSR Demokritos first took shape through a creative initiative: the Embassy supported Worlds within Worlds, an educational programme designed by the Education Office of NCSR Demokritos, in collaboration with Flux Laboratory and Metaneira Dance School, inviting primary school students to explore scientific concepts through movement and sound.

During the visit:

• Dr. Vangelis Karkaletsis, Director of NCSR Demokritos, presented the Centre’s vision and research ecosystem.
• Dr. Sofia Magkia, Head of the Innovation Department, introduced the Lefkippos Attica Technology Park, highlighting its role in fostering innovation and technology transfer.
• Dr. Lida Arnellou, Head of the ARTIFACT (Artificial Intelligence for Culture) team and curator of AiTHERION, showcased initiatives connecting science, culture, and education.
• Mr. Vasilis Stenos, Founder & CEO of Solmeyea, and Ms. Alexandra Plessa, Life Science Business Developer at Nanoplasmas P.C., presented spinoffs hosted at Lefkippos, demonstrating cutting-edge work in sustainable energy and plasma technologies.

Collaboration begins with dialogue.
We look forward to continuing the conversation on research, creativity, innovation, and education between Switzerland and Greece. 🇬🇷🤝🇨🇭