Innovation & Extroversion: University of Thessaly and One Planet Thessaly at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair

The University of Thessaly and One Planet Thessaly participated dynamically in the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), presenting the new profile of the University with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and societal engagement. At Pavilion 17 (Stand 08), the University welcomed the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, the Deputy Minister of Education, Nikos Papaioannou, as well as numerous representatives of the state and the academic community.

The Rector, Professor Charalambos Billinis, presented the vision and strategic directions of the Institution, stressing that the University of Thessaly, the third largest university in the country, has entered a new phase:

Investment in infrastructure and research through modern funding opportunities.
Internationalization with leading collaborations, such as with Columbia and Georgetown Universities (USA) and McGill University (Canada).
Innovative initiatives, such as the establishment of a Veterinary School in Cyprus and the launch of three international joint postgraduate programs.

Exhibition Pavilions at the 89th TIF

The University of Thessaly’s participation was marked by five innovative showcases, highlighting its multidimensional character:

🔹 International postgraduate programs in collaboration with leading universities.
🔹 Applications of Robotics, IoT, AI, VR & 5G in agriculture, supporting the agro-food transition.
🔹 European projects in plant protection and the environment.
🔹 Initiatives for the protection of coastal ecosystems and citizen participation.
🔹 A cutting-edge implantable sensor for monitoring patients with heart failure.

The Role of One Planet Thessaly

A key highlight of the University’s presence at TIF was the promotion of the One Planet Thessaly unit, under the leadership of Professor Chrysi Laspidou, Vice Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance.

Professor Laspidou presented the ongoing actions implemented through One Planet Thessaly, which strengthens interdisciplinary research and acts as a bridge between science, society, and policy-making.

Strategy for the Future

With the support of the Ministry of Education and through collaborations with leading academic and societal stakeholders, the University of Thessaly is entering a new era of extroversion and innovation, consolidating its position on the global academic map while contributing to the sustainable development of Thessaly.