On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Deree Science Day transformed The American College of Greece into a vibrant hub of scientific exploration, bringing together students, families, and researchers for an immersive journey into the world of science. Organized by the Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES) and the Department of Science and Mathematics, and initiated under the E.U. Erasmus+ project SDG4U, the event underscored the role of science and innovation in addressing global challenges, with a strong focus on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From thought-provoking talks to hands-on experiments, attendees were engaged in a dynamic experience designed to ignite curiosity, inspire learning, and promote sustainability through science.
Exploring Science Through Expert Insights
The event opened with an insightful keynote by Dr. Christos Yapijakis, Associate Professor of Genetics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Director of the Cephalogenetics Center, who explored “The Pursuit of Happiness: A Universal and Timeless Value.” His talk provided an intriguing perspective on how genetics, psychology, and philosophy intersect in the human quest for fulfillment.
Addressing one of the most pressing global issues, Dr. Kostas Lagouvardos, Research Director at the National Observatory of Athens, presented “Climate Change in Greece: Decoding Trends in a Warming World.” His analysis offered valuable insights into the escalating global temperatures and their specific impact on Greece’s climate patterns.
A standout moment of the event was the panel discussion featuring leading experts:
- Dr. Manolis Plionis, Professor in the Department of Physics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Director and President of the National Observatory of Athens
- Dr. Nikos Demertzis, Professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Dr. Vasiliki Kotroni, Research Director at the METEO Unit, National Observatory of Athens
Together, they delved into their co-authored book, “Pseudosciences & Conspiracy Theories”, dissecting how misinformation and unscientific beliefs shape public perception. The discussion, moderated by Dr. Stella Apostolaki, Assistant Professor in the Department of Science and Mathematics and Executive Director of CoES at Deree – ACG, sparked a lively debate, encouraging attendees to develop a more critical approach to information in today’s digital age.
Interactive Workshops: Learning Through Experience
Deree Science Day wasn’t just about listening—it was about experiencing science firsthand. Attendees participated in a series of engaging workshops led by distinguished faculty members, covering a wide range of scientific disciplines. Here are some of the highlights:
- AI Innovations in Biomedical & Environmental Sciences – Exploring AI’s revolutionary impact on health and sustainability with Dr. Paraskevi Papadopoulou.
- Around the World Adventure – A scientific expedition across the planet’s most fascinating landscapes guided by Dr. Ioannis Kougkoulos.
- Biodiversity of Hymettus: Plant Identification – An ecological walk showcasing the diverse plant species of the Hymettus mountain range, led by Dr. Anastasia Misseyanni.
- Cryptography and Math Games – A deep dive into mathematical puzzles and digital security, with Dr. Dimitris Christou, Dr. Nefeli Chatzistefani, and Dr. Vasiliki Dimitrakopoulou.
- Exploring the Timeline of Evolution and Fossil Observations – Unraveling the history of life on Earth with Dr. Theodoros Argyriou and Ms. Maria Koutsokali.
- Let’s Talk About Addiction: How Well Do You Know Your Brain? – A look at the neuroscience behind addiction, presented by Dr. Marina Sagnou.
- The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in Practice – Connecting science with real-world sustainability solutions, led by Dr. Stella Apostolaki and Dr. Alexia Polissidis.
- Lose Weight Quickly or Lose Your Health Permanently? – presented by Dr. Dorothea Lentis, Assistant Professor, Department of Science and Mathematics, Deree – ACG
Live Experiments: Science in Action
Throughout the day, participants engaged in live scientific demonstrations, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, hands-on experiences.
Attendees had the opportunity to:
- Observe their own cells under a microscope, led by Dr. Michalis Fragkos and Dr. Maria Adamopoulou.
- View solar activity through a telescope in an outdoor experiment led by Dr. Harry De Brown, Dr. Ioannis Christodoulakis, and Mr. Spyros Vassilopoulos.
- Conduct atmospheric measurements using a tethered balloon, guided by Dr. Ioannis Christodoulakis.
- Explore the molecular world with drug design and DNA origami with Dr. Georgia Kythreoti and Dr. Marina Sagnou.
- Witness fiber optics in action and their medical applications, led by Dr. Vicky Georgolopoulou.
- Create their own rubber balls and molecular cuisine in a chemistry experiment with Dr. Marina Sagnou.
Students from ACG played a pivotal role in supporting these workshops and activities, ensuring visitors had an interactive and enriching experience.
A Resounding Success – Looking Ahead to 2026
Deree Science Day 2025 was an inspiring success, attracting many attendees who actively participated in the hands-on activities, experiments, and discussions. The event bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, showcasing how science can drive sustainability, innovation, and societal progress.
With an overwhelmingly positive response, the organizing team extends heartfelt thanks to the speakers, faculty, students, and attendees who contributed to making this event a true celebration of science.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd Deree Science Day in 2026!
