The Department of International Relations / Erasmus+ Office of Democritus University of Thrace is organising the 6th DUTH International Staff Week, to be held from Monday 4 to Friday 8 May 2026 in Alexandroupolis at the Exhibition Centre of Arts (Prefecture Building).

The International Staff Week is being delivered within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) entitled “EquALLity in ACTion: Empowering Communities, Transforming Institutions”, and is addressed to academic and administrative staff from universities abroad.

This year’s event, organised in collaboration with the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committee of Democritus University of Thrace, will welcome 35 staff members from 10 universities across five countries– Romania, Bulgaria, Armenia, Benin and Cameroon- thereby strengthening international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge on issues of equality, inclusion and the reduction of inequalities in higher education.

The programme includes presentations, workshops, interactive sessions and networking activities, with particular emphasis on promoting equality, inclusion and equitable access to education. Through practical tools and applied approaches, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills and strategies aimed at:

• strengthening inclusive practices within their institutions;
• reducing inequalities and systemic barriers;
• supporting diverse student and staff communities; and
• advancing equality-centred policies and leadership models.

The thematic areas of the programme include, among others, equality and inclusion in higher education, addressing inequalities in decision-making and within the academic environment, reducing gender disparities in STEM fields, and exploring students’ contribution to the development of inclusive policies.

The DUTH International Staff Week aspires to create a shared space for the exchange of knowledge and experience, strengthening cooperation among institutions and actively contributing to the shaping of a more inclusive and sustainable academic environment.

From the Rectorate of Democritus University of Thrace

Komotini, 30 April 2026

The participation of the Democritus University of Thrace in the regular meeting of the Governing Boards of the EMERGE European University Alliance was successfully concluded. The meeting took place on April 21-22, 2026, at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.

The meeting served as a milestone for the Alliance’s strategic trajectory, bringing together the Governing Board, the Student Advisory Board, and the Project Management Team. The primary objective was to coordinate actions focused on bridging higher education with local communities.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

• Multilingualism: The new EMERGE language policy was presented, aiming to promote linguistic diversity and pluralism within the European Higher Education Area.
• University-Society Connection: The Alliance presented its policy for fostering the meaningful relationship between academia and society, focusing on a substantial social footprint.
• Regional Resilience: During a special event at the Banská Bystrica City Hall, the role of universities as catalysts for innovation, growth, and cohesion within local communities was emphasized.
• International Cooperation: The President of the EMERGE Governing Board, Ricardo Cao Abad, stressed that in an era of geopolitical uncertainty, cooperation within the framework of the European University Alliance is essential for a stronger Europe, particularly for institutions located outside traditional metropolitan centers.

The participation of DUTH in the EMERGE Alliance reaffirms the University’s commitment to excellence, social responsibility, and the shaping of a common European educational environment without borders.

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Alternative Models of Education was held with great success in Alexandroupoli from March 16 to 20, 2026. The programme was organized by the Department of Primary Education of the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. Assistant Professor Katerina Alexandri served as the scientific coordinator of the initiative. The programme was implemented in collaboration with the European partner universities Universidade da Coruña (Spain), Europa-Universität Flensburg (Germany), Universidad de Burgos (Spain), and Prešovská univerzita v Prešove (Slovakia).

The partnership between the Democritus University of Thrace and the first two institutions is part of the EMERGE European University Alliance. Specifically, it aligns with Work Package 7, which focuses on Connecting Universities and Communities through Languages and Cultures, and more specifically with the Teaching and Learning thematic area, aimed at developing and promoting innovative multilingual approaches.

The programme brought together 40 university students, 11 faculty members, 10 primary school teachers, and approximately 200 primary school pupils from Alexandroupoli. The participants actively engaged in educational activities, gaining first-hand experience in applying alternative, student-centered educational models. The BIP structure included a virtual preparation phase, an intensive in-person training period, and a reflection phase.

During the week in Alexandroupoli, participants took part in interactive workshops, worked in international teams, and designed educational scenarios which they subsequently implemented in local primary schools. This direct engagement with classroom practice was a cornerstone of the programme, providing students with invaluable teaching experience in authentic school environments.

The enthusiastic response from the primary school pupils highlighted the profound impact of experiential and participatory learning. This initiative underscored the power of international collaboration and the importance of bridging the gap between the university and the local community, while serving as a prime example of promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity in education.

The Democritus University of Thrace participated from 9 to 13 March 2026 in the meeting of the EMERGE European University Alliance, which took place at Université Bretagne Sud, in the cities of Lorient and Vannes.

The meeting brought together representatives from the nine partner universities of the Alliance, with the aim of reviewing the progress of activities, coordinating the next steps, and strengthening cooperation for the development of innovative educational programmes and mobility actions.

The Educational Programmes Working Group focused on the development of innovative and flexible study programmes. Ways of aligning common teaching and learning approaches were discussed, while the institutions presented their European Academic Pathways, highlighting opportunities for cooperation and integration. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of joint degrees, including the exploration of cooperation models, the identification of academic synergies, and the examination of practical steps for the implementation of joint study programmes.

The Mobility Working Group focused on strengthening the mobility of students and staff, as well as on addressing barriers that limit participation. Ways of simplifying procedures, improving information provision, and facilitating access to mobility actions were discussed. At the same time, emphasis was placed on promoting inclusive and innovative forms of mobility, such as hybrid learning, collaborative projects, and challenge-based activities. In this context, practical actions were agreed upon, including the development of common support tools, the creation of digital guides for mobility procedures, and the strengthening of coordination among the institutions.

The meeting highlighted the importance of linking educational programmes with mobility actions, with the aim of shaping a coherent educational ecosystem within the EMERGE Alliance.

The participation of the Democritus University of Thrace reflects its ongoing and active engagement in the EMERGE Alliance, contributing to the development of joint study programmes, the enhancement of mobility, and the promotion of European cooperation in higher education.

The events marking the opening of the EMERGE Hub at Democritus University of Thrace were successfully held. The activities, held from 2 to 4 March 2026, marked the launch of a new space for collaboration and dialogue within the framework of the University’s participation in the EMERGE European University Alliance.

The three-day program included presentations, thematic discussions, and information sessions, with the active participation of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel. At the same time, the events were open to the wider public, attracting citizens and school students from Alexandroupolis. The warm response of the local community highlighted the outward-looking character of the initiative and the role of the University as a vibrant hub of knowledge in the region. The opening ceremony was accompanied by a musical performance by the Polyphonic Choir of the Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis.

During the events, the objectives and significance of the European cooperation promoted by the EMERGE Alliance were presented, with particular emphasis on the opportunities created for strengthening international engagement and developing joint initiatives in education and innovation.

The EMERGE Hub aspires to become an open hub for information and engagement for the university community, while also serving as a bridge between the University and society. It represents an optimistic starting point for the initiatives that will follow, aiming to foster a modern and outward-looking academic environment.

Democritus University of Thrace continues to invest in initiatives that strengthen its international perspective, create a culture of collaboration, and build bridges with society, aiming to shape a modern and open university capable of addressing the challenges of the future.

Democritus University of Thrace held on Friday, 5 December 2025, an online informational meeting on collaboration opportunities between business-sector stakeholders and the EMERGE European University Alliance.

During the event, the main actions of the Alliance in the field of Research were presented, along with the collaboration opportunities offered to the business sector. Specifically, reference was made to the Third-Places Fellowships (2026–2028), the Career Days initiatives, the Scientific Forums, the joint calls for research proposals, the transversal skills training programmes for PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, the Doctoral Networks, and the programmes introducing undergraduate students to research (Undergraduate Introduction to Research).

The EMERGE European University Alliance consists of nine universities across eight European countries and aims to foster long-term collaboration in research, innovation, and education. As a member of the EMERGE Alliance, DUTH actively promotes partnerships between academic and business entities and supports the development of research and innovation.

DUTh Hackathon, a three-day program dedicated to generating ideas and developing functional prototypes aimed at shaping the University of Tomorrow at Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh) in Xanthi, was successfully completed on Sunday, November 30.

The program attracted significant interest from students, researchers, faculty members, university administrative staff, and professionals from the innovation ecosystem, confirming the role of open innovation as a catalyst for ideas and prototypes with substantial impact on education, entrepreneurship, university life, research, and the institution’s extroversion.

The program was implemented by DUTh Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Mantis Beyond Innovation, serving as the Innovation Entity responsible for incubating the generated ideas and prototypes.

Over the course of the 48-hour Hackathon, more than 18 teams developed and refined their solutions, creating functional prototypes through intensive mentoring and thematic workshops led by specialized experts.

A few words about the winning teams

In the category of Innovative Ideas from Students, first prize was awarded to the Re-Hub team, for developing a digital platform that bridges the gap between students and faculty members, facilitating the creation of collaborations for undergraduate theses, master’s dissertations, and doctoral research.

Following a tie, second place was jointly awarded to:
• CHOS, with EcoDash, a tool for early-stage evaluation of green ideas, and
• DUTh Young Minds, with DUTh Future Minds, a platform that connects schools with DUTh through organized innovation challenges.

In the Researchers and Academic Staff Innovative Ideas Category, first prize was awarded to Studentable, a digital platform supporting students in crisis or vulnerability. Through anonymous assessment and AI risk scoring, it connects students directly to the appropriate support framework.

Second place went to Extra Natura, which developed a mobile bio-extraction unit that transforms DUTh’s organic waste into high-value bioactive components, effectively applying the principles of the circular economy across university facilities.

In the Functional Prototypes Category, first prize was awarded to PractiPal, an advanced AI chatbot that answers student questions related to internships 24/7, reducing the workload of administrators and simplifying the information process.

Second place went to InText, an AI-driven tool that supports universities in producing unbiased, consistent, and inclusive written content by automating the editing of academic and administrative documents.

Awards and development opportunities

As recognition of their effort and the quality of their proposals, the winning teams in the Innovative Ideas categories will have the opportunity to attend an international scientific conference on innovation, with participation expenses covered for team representatives.

The winning team in Functional Prototypes category will have the opportunity to have its functional prototype evaluated for potential co-development and co-investment with Mantis Beyond Innovation.

Statements

Maria Michalopoulou, Member of the DUTh Governing Council, Head of the DUTh Innovation Hub, and Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, stated:
“The University of Tomorrow is one that understands the needs and concerns of its students and prepares them for what lies ahead. A university open to challenges, socially sensitive, and capable of connecting its members not only with the region but also with Europe and the rest of the world.”

Georgios Broufas, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor at the Department of Agricultural Development, and Scientific Chair of the project, emphasized:
“Such initiatives are particularly important because they contribute to a shift in culture and mindset within the DUTh student community, enhancing their skills and effectively preparing them for their future professional steps.”

Christos Nikoloudis, Founder & CEO of Mantis Beyond Innovation, noted:
“The DUTh Hackathon showcased remarkable talent and mature ideas. As an innovation partner, we support activities that strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation and harness the power of data for practical solutions with broad impact, both in research and business sector.”

The program concluded on an exceptionally positive note, establishing strong foundations for future open-innovation initiatives at Democritus University of Thrace. The high level of participation and the outstanding quality of the proposals highlight the dynamic growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Thrace region, fostering a fertile environment for the next generation of students, researchers, and young entrepreneurs.

This project is implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.