The Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, successfully hosted the TOLERATE Summer School and Technical Workshop entitled:

“Innovating Biotechnology for a Sustainable and Resilient Future”

held in Alexandroupolis, Greece, on 6–8 May 2026, in the framework of the Horizon Europe project TOLERATE.

The event brought together researchers, students, academic institutions, and industrial partners from across Europe for an intensive programme of interdisciplinary training, scientific exchange, and collaboration focused on microbial biotechnology and innovation, genomic tools, sustainability assessment approaches, and the EU regulatory framework for microorganisms in sustainable agri‑food systems, with relevance to climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

The Summer School featured lectures and hands-on training sessions covering topics including microbial biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, environmental microbiology, and translational research approaches. Participants also engaged in computational and laboratory hands-on modules, as well as student lightning presentations, fostering active interaction and knowledge exchange among early-career researchers and experienced scientists. In parallel, a Technical Workshop in collaboration with the industrial partners of the consortium, highlighted the importance of connecting cutting-edge research with innovation and real-world biotechnological applications with a focus on R&D priorities, implementation challenges, and contributions to a resilient and sustainable Europe. The two-day program was designed to engage participants and support the skills development of the next generation of scientists and professionals.

The event formed part of the broader objectives of the TOLERATE project, which aims to explore ancient microbial adaptations to environmental stress and harness their potential for innovative bio-based applications.

The organizers would like to warmly thank all speakers, participants, students, collaborators, and partner institutions for their valuable contributions and active participation, which greatly contributed to the success of the event.

More information about the TOLERATE project is available at:
TOLERATE Project (https://tolerate-eu-project.com)

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.