History

Speeches – Lectures
1966-2003

The main purpose of the Eugenides Foundation to organize speeches, lectures and lessons was to present both the classic and, at the same time, contemporary achievements in science and technology.

The Foundation’s goal was to create the appropriate conditions and opportunities for the development of a close relationship between students and the general public with Greek scientists. In this way, the Greek scientific community had the opportunity to communicate with students and the wider public, going beyond their narrow professional boundaries, but always within their scientific capacity.

The intellectual level of the lectures was designed to be suitable for students of all schools, technical schools, already employed skilled workers, Polytechnic and university students and the general public. The presentations aimed at developing technical consciousness in a responsible way by providing continuous information on issues of fundamental importance. This resulted in the uplifting of the level of technical education, consequently creating the necessary conditions for increased interest in technical culture.

The lectures were accompanied by the most up-to-date teaching aids available at the time. The projection of appropriate educational films and hand-outs of the printed texts of lectures and lessons were considered indispensable tools for further study and assimilation of this new knowledge, especially by young people. This effort also aimed to lead young people to acquire the broadest technical knowledge and to strengthen their contact with libraries of technical books and journals.

Apart from lectures and speeches, it should be stressed that the effort of educating young people in the scientific and technical fields was supported by all the other activities of the Eugenides Foundation, such as its publications, the Technical and Scientific Library, the Halls for physics experiments and technology displays and, last but not least, the Planetarium.

In this way, the Foundation tried to strengthen the trust of Greek university and school students in the acquisition of knowledge. The philosophy behind this effort was to provide the widest possible technical knowledge in all facets of human activity.

It was the only way to move from knowledge to practice and consequently to the exploitation of the national wealth, creativity and prosperity.

The acquisition of technical knowledge and technical consciousness had to be realized in a pleasurable, fast and efficient manner. Thus, with the creation of state-of-the-art facilities for their time, the Foundation wanted the lecture halls to become a meeting point not only for the scientific community but also for the general public.

For this reason, the Foundation organized speeches and lectures by distinguished scientists from all over Greece and abroad in order to bring the Greek public closer to the international scientific community.

Conferences

Since its founding, the Eugenides Foundation has been ambitious in promoting the exchange of knowledge amongst scientists and technicians of various nationalities; this is based on the idea that internationalizing science is a basic pillar for progress and that the collaboration of large numbers of scientists from all over the world is necessary for the benefit of mankind.

To this end, the Foundation organized or offered its premises for conferences, symposiums, seminars, etc. The Foundation believed that, apart from the contribution of the participants, a key factor for the complete success of a conference was the quality of the venue and the technical infrastructure it offered, in line with international regulations in force at the time.

With the completion of the Foundation’s facilities, dozens of Greek and international conferences were hosted. The Foundation thus contributed both to the excellent organization of the conferences hosted but also increased the country’s attraction and recognition abroad. Suffice it to consider that it was one of the first conference venues created in Greece.

From 2003
… to date

With the complete refurbishment of the Eugenides Foundation facilities in 2003 and then again in 2016 and 2018, a number of new conference halls were created, featuring the most modern audio-visual equipment and providing high-level technical support by specialized personnel, thus becoming the ideal venue choice for the organization of conferences and events.

Conference Spaces

The Eugenides Foundation offers the following facilities:

Auditorium (capacity 400 people)
Lecture hall (capacity 120 people)
Meeting room
Exhibition space
Reception areas and auxiliary spaces

The following spaces may also be used for conferences:
The New Digital Planetarium
The 2nd-floor peristyle (the dome of the Old Planetarium)
The ceremonies and receptions hall

Conference Organization

The Eugenides Foundation’s activity in the organization of conferences possesses high standing and experience from its past work. The Foundation staff approach the running of a highly organized scientific conference responsibly, respectfully and reliably to fulfil all expectations.

Every year, dozens of Greek and international conferences and events take place on the premises of the Foundation, hosting some of the most important figures of the global intellectual and scientific community.

On an annual basis, the Foundation’s conference facilities host an average of 96 conferences and events, with 37,000 participants and visitors.

The conferences hosted by the Eugenides Foundation are consistent with its aims and character, therefore dealing with issues that focus on science, technology, medicine, economy, shipping and their applications.

At the same time, the Foundation actively expresses its interest in important issues that interest the Greek public by hosting events aimed at offering a wider service and perspective to society.

The Foundation also organizes, both on its own or in cooperation with major institutions (universities, institutes, etc.) from Greece and abroad, conferences, lectures, workshops and seminars to acquaint the general public with new trends in science and technology.

These events are based upon, supported by and draw their themes from the Foundation’s core activities, such as publications, the Library, the Science and Technology Centre, the New Digital Planetarium and the UTech Lab.