Four Greek undergraduates, each pursuing distinct academic paths, recently had the opportunity to conduct research at esteemed institutions such as MIT, Yale, and Harvard, made possible through scholarships from the Greek Institute of Advanced Studies (HIAS).
Upon their return, they unanimously acknowledged that Greek universities possess equal knowledge and resources. However, they were notably impressed by the organization, facilities, and especially the vast research opportunities available at American universities.
For some, this experience clarified their academic trajectories, while for many, it reinforced their commitment to explore career opportunities, either immediately or after a few years in Greece.
Spyridoula Giannopoulou from Panteion University, along with Marios Rizos and Yannis Papakalodoukasis from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and Christodoulos Komiotis from the Medical School of Alexandroupolis, all received the Nicholas and Robert Askounis Ashford scholarship from HIAS.
HIAS is a non-profit organization composed of university professors from the Greek diaspora who collaborate with their counterparts in Greece to create educational partnerships and foster scientific collaborations.
A vital element of this initiative has been the contributions of Eythimis Kaxira, a Harvard Physics professor, and Daphne Manousaki, an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Crete.
Andreas Bountouvis, a professor at NTUA and former rector, emphasizes: “The students are excited about their experiences in U.S. labs. They have witnessed firsthand the importance of collaboration between Greece’s scientific talent and the Greek diaspora.” He adds that despite existing challenges, this cooperation holds immense potential, especially when supported by a broader national vision, which can help mitigate brain drain if backed by a strategic approach. HIAS is diligently working toward this goal.
Yannis Papakalodoukasis: Master’s at MIT and a Career Back Home
Yannis, a recent graduate from NTUA’s Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department, is gearing up for Boston after being accepted into a master’s program at MIT, where he will spend five years.
His HIAS scholarship allowed him to engage in research at MIT’s lab led by Professor Michalis Triantafyllou. He chose Naval Architecture due to his roots in Symi, a place rich in maritime tradition.
As the second of four brothers, Yannis’s education is predominantly supported by his father’s military income. While studying, he lived in student dorms, and his graduate studies will be financed by his paid research work at MIT.
“The scholarship really boosted my confidence,” he shares. “My education at NTUA was strong enough that I didn’t feel academically or technically behind my U.S. peers. However, the facilities and atmosphere at MIT are unparalleled—they inspire research and participation.”
He views his time in the U.S. as temporary, planning to return to Greece after gaining experience, either as a university professor or as a member of an innovative research team in the shipping sector.
Yannis consistently sought opportunities at NTUA, notably as part of Oceanos NTUA, which won the Championship prize at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2024 for building an entirely electric trimaran boat with advanced energy storage, propulsion, and control systems.
Spyridoula Giannopoulou: An Academic Career as a Geopolitics Expert Abroad
Spyridoula is a fourth-year student at Panteion University, majoring in International, European, and Regional Studies. Originally from Ioannina, she moved to Athens for university.
Her three-month internship at MIT’s Technology and Policy Lab with Professor Nicholas Asford significantly transformed her, enriching her educational and personal growth.
During her time in Massachusetts, she experienced a vibrant multicultural environment, particularly during the U.S. election campaign, which served as a valuable lesson for her planned PhD studies in the U.S.
Coming from a middle-class background, Spyridoula describes life at MIT as organized and tranquil, contrasting sharply with the hurdles she faced in Athens: “Daily life in Athens is characterized by challenges that enhance flexibility and resourcefulness. In Boston, I found calm and order. The MIT building had a large lounge with sofas, whiteboards, screens, and even a kitchen, fostering creativity without graffiti or broken facilities.”
She felt undeterred competing against American and European peers, as renowned professors offered unique opportunities for ambitious students. The scholarship crystallized her goals: completing her degree in three months, followed by a master’s and PhD.
Looking forward, she envisions a future in academia as an International Relations professor or working for an international organization abroad, noting, “There are no opportunities for geopolitics experts in Greece.” Her next venture is an Erasmus Plus internship at the Greek embassy in Sofia, commencing in October.
Marios Rizos: “High Standards at NTUA, but Yale is Another Level…”
Marios, 23, also received one of the four HIAS scholarships. He spent nearly three months at Yale working in Professor Manolis Zabetakis’s lab with PhD student Katerina Mamalaki, focusing on Theoretical Computer Science, specifically Learning Theory.
“NTUA students are undoubtedly of a high caliber, supported by a strong community,” he reflects. Originally from Metsovo, Marios found the transition to Athens challenging initially; however, NTUA opened up various opportunities for him.
At Yale, the differences became stark: “Students can access immense resources—research funding, labs, and infrastructure—that are simply unavailable in Greece,” he explains. “Research there is more advanced, and the facilities are awe-inspiring.”
His time at Yale solidified his ambition to pursue an academic career centered on research, even after returning to Greece.
Christodoulos Komiotis: “Clinical Medicine Without Research? Not Possible”
Christodoulos, a fourth-year medical student from Alexandroupolis, has a strong focus on clinical medicine. However, after spending approximately two and a half months at Harvard’s Smirnakis Lab, he recognized the vital role of research in the medical field.
With the HIAS scholarship, he worked under Professor Stelios Smyrnakis, a neurologist, involved in epilepsy research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
“When I first arrived, I felt uncertain about my capabilities,” he recalls. “Everything was unfamiliar, and I lacked prior research experience. However, I was immediately struck by the outstanding facilities.”
While he acknowledges opportunities at Democritus University, he believes Harvard’s research environment is in an entirely different league. “For me, clinical practice without research is no longer sufficient. I aim to integrate both,” he states.
His goal is to return, gain more experience, and contribute to advancing Greek medical research, particularly in neuroscience.
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