A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Thessaly and the University of Edinburgh was signed on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Rector’s office Prof Zissis Mamouris in Larissa. This memorandum originally started as a collaboration between the Greek National Research Infrastructure on Synthetic Biology, OMIC-Engine, which is coordinated by the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the University of Thessaly, and the Edinburgh Genome Foundry, one of the largest European synthetic biology infrastructures located in Edinburgh. Based on both sides’ interest and the assessment of the quality of the Institutions and with a view to maximizing cooperation, this memorandum was upgraded to include all the structures of both Universities.
The aim of the memorandum is to promote joint actions, such as high-quality research, interregional and international cooperation, and mutual exploitation of knowledge, experience, and expertise.
More specifically, areas of common interest include:
- Cooperation on research projects, joint ventures, and exploitation of research products.
- Encouragement and support of staff and researchers’ mobility.
- Agreements of know-how exchanges in matters of common interest.
- Strengthening of infrastructure and actions to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Facilitation and participation in educational programs (postgraduate, doctoral).
On behalf of the University of Thessaly, the MoU was signed in the presence of the Rector Prof Zissis Mamouris, the Deputy President of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Prof Katerina Moutou, and the Director of OMIC-Engine Prof Kostas Mathiopoulos. On behalf of the University of Edinburgh, the Director of the Office of International Affairs Prof Tilo Kunath and the Director of the Edinburgh Genome Foundry Dr. Rennos Fragoudis were present.
“With the signing of the MoU we open the way for a broad cooperation between the two Institutions, as well as for a more effective connection between the University of Thessaly and one of the most important educational and research centers in the world,” said the Rector of the University of Thessaly.
For his part, Mr. Kunath said: “We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Thessaly in education and research and in the prospect of commercial exploitation of the research. We are starting with collaborations in the fields of synthetic biology and engineering, with plans to expand into veterinary medicine, the biology of aquatic ecosystems, and plant sciences. The Memorandum of Understanding covers all disciplines of the Universities of Edinburgh and Thessaly and I look forward to expanding the cooperation in many matters of common interest.”
University of Thessaly
The University of Thessaly was founded in 1984 with its administrative headquarters in Volos and university units in Volos, Larissa, Lamia, Karditsa, and Trikala. It is the third largest university institution in Greece, in which more than 44,400 undergraduate and 5,700 postgraduate students and doctoral candidates currently study, while it is operated by 844 members of teaching and research staff.
The University of Thessaly demonstrates a constant interest in high-quality scientific research, considering it a necessary condition for the transition to a knowledge-based society. Its research policy is targeted towards the recognition and strengthening of innovation and excellence, the increase of research extroversion, the production of innovative products, the support of the country’s development potential, and the promotion of socially beneficial knowledge.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and was recently ranked 16th in the QS World University Rankings (2022). It focuses on high-quality research, with over 40,000 students. It is a truly international university with over 44% of students and 29% of the staff coming from outside the UK. The University of Edinburgh is committed to creating innovative international partnerships to deliver excellent teaching and research with mutually beneficial impact for all parties.