On 23 January 2025, IIASA was honored to receive a high-level delegation from Greece, visiting to learn about the institute’s research on wildfires, urban planning, wind and solar energy, as well as to explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The delegation included Secretary-General for Natural Environment and Water at the Ministry of Environment and Energy Petros Varelidis, Secretary of the Division of Natural Sciences at the Academy of Athens Costas Synolakis, and Co-Founder and President of the World Human Forum Alexandra Mitsotaki.
They were welcomed by IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber, Deputy Director General Karen Lips, and Head of the Communications and External Relations Department Barbara Kreissler. They provided the delegation with an overview of the institute’s history and current research priorities.
In accordance to the special interests of the Greek delegation, IIASA highlighted its research in the following areas:
Leila Niamir from the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program presented a summary of urban development research conducted at IIASA. Johanna San Pedro from the Agriculture, Forestry, and Ecosystem Services Research Group of the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program focused on the institute’s work on wildfires and their interconnectedness with climate change. IIASA Integrated Assessment and Climate Change Research Group Leader at the Energy, Climate, and Environment Program Volker Krey concluded the presentations by showcasing research on wind and solar energy.
The visit concluded with an open discussion of potential collaboration opportunities and the signing of the IIASA guest book.
The fruitful discussions and presentations underscored the shared commitment of IIASA and Greek institutions to advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering partnerships that can help to address some of the most prominent global challenges.
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