Democritus University of Thrace bids farewell to Sofia Corradi, known as the “Mother of Erasmus.” Corradi regarded Erasmus—the exchange program through which around 16 million students have studied abroad across Europe—as her “personal peace mission.”

Sofia Corradi, professor of education at Roma Tre University in Rome, won a US Fulbright Scholarship at the age of 20, which led her to Columbia University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Law. When the courses she had completed in the United States were not recognized by the Italian education system upon her return, she began to envision the idea of a student exchange program. This vision became reality in 1987 with the development of the Erasmus Program, that for decades has inspired, transformed, and united millions of young people across Europe and beyond—opening new paths and changing lives.

Corradi’s legacy has offered thousands of students of the Democritus University of Thrace the opportunity to live a part of her dream—receiving support to spend a study period at another university or to undertake an internship in another country. Through these experiences, they have broadened their horizons, gained life-changing experiences, and contributed to building a Europe without borders, grounded in shared values.

Her legacy has also enabled hundreds of academic and administrative staff members to participate in exchanges—either by visiting other universities or hosting colleagues—collaborating, teaching, receiving training, and developing new skills, while bringing the benefits of these experiences back to the university, their peers, and their students.

Indicatively, over the past two years, 260 students and 243 staff members (academic and administrative) of DUTH have had the opportunity to take part in mobility activities within Erasmus partner countries, and these numbers continue to grow steadily as the university secures increasing funding.

The memory of Sofia Corradi will remain linked to courage, vision, and the conviction that education can be a tool for peace and progress—a reminder that we can build bridges, not walls.

From the Rectorate

Komotini, 21.10.2025

Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the reaccreditation process for its Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS-DUTH), which was awarded the highest distinction by the Evaluation and Accreditation Council of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE).
The evaluation took place in person in Komotini on 12–13 May 2025 and was carried out by an External Evaluation and Accreditation Committee (EEAC), comprising five members from HAHE’s Registry of Experts. During their visit, the committee met with the University’s senior leadership, academic and administrative staff, researchers, students, alumni, and representatives of the local community. They also visited key academic and research facilities on campus.
According to the final evaluation report, DUTH fully complies with all seven thematic areas of the National Quality Assurance Standards. The report highlights several key strengths, including:
•A coherent and well-substantiated strategic plan, with quality clearly defined as a central pillar
•The excellent performance of the University’s Quality Assurance Unit (QAU-DUTH), which plays a pivotal role in the design, monitoring, and documentation of the IQAS
•The development and effective use of specialised digital tools for collecting and analysing quality-related data
•The active involvement of alumni and societal stakeholders in quality assurance processes, strengthening accountability and outward engagement
•The University’s significant contribution to the EMERGE European University Alliance and the enhancement of its international presence

The entire process was expertly coordinated and supported by QUA-DUTH, the institutional and operational core of the IQAS, working closely with University Administration, Departmental Internal Evaluation Teams (DIETs), and the Strategic Planning Committee. Noteworthy was the contribution of teaching and administrative staff, students, alumni, and representatives from the social and productive sectors who participated in the on-site meetings with the EEAC.
The final report also offers constructive recommendations, including the promotion of participatory practices and a broader quality culture—areas where the University has already initiated steps for further enhancement.
Statement by the Rector of DUTH, Professor Fotis Maris:
“The successful completion of the reaccreditation of our Internal Quality Assurance System reaffirms once again Democritus University of Thrace’s steadfast commitment to excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement. I extend my sincere thanks to all those who contributed their expertise, dedication, and effort to this successful outcome—members of our academic community: academic and administrative staff, students, alumni, and societal representatives.
This positive evaluation serves not only as a recognition of our achievements but also as a commitment for the future, further strengthening our institution’s work across education, research, and social engagement. With consistency and dedication, DUTH continues to offer high-quality education and services, reinforcing its position in both the national and international academic landscape.”
Democritus University of Thrace continues to advance its strategic vision for quality in education, research, and societal contribution—demonstrating its academic dynamism and its capacity to evolve with foresight, realism, and purpose.

From the Rectorate
Democritus University of Thrace

As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) and Helwan University, a high-level delegation from DUTH visited Cairo from 28 June to 4 July 2025.
The visit formed part of the initiative to establish a DUTH Branch in the Egyptian capital and to develop modern, inter-university forms of cooperation.

The DUTH delegation comprised 15 members, including members of the University Council, Vice-Rectors, Professors, and senior administrative staff, who conducted a series of meetings and consultations.
During the visit, extensive discussions were held, confirming both the availability of the necessary infrastructure and the commitment of Helwan University’s leadership to support the establishment and operation of a DUTH Branch in Egypt.

In addition, Greek and Egyptian academics met to discuss the joint development of undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes in fields of mutual scientific interest, alongside other educational and research activities such as the organisation of joint summer schools, thematic workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.

This mission represents an important milestone in the dynamic bilateral cooperation between DUTH and Helwan University. It reaffirms their shared vision for the establishment of the DUTH Branch in Cairo and further enhances the internationalisation and outward orientation of DUTH, while contributing to the strengthening of the Greek academic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Further details will be announced as the relevant procedures progress.

Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) continues to invest in lifelong learning and in the quality support of its teaching and training staff, strengthening both the pedagogical dimension of teaching as well as its connection with the modern needs of the society.

In this context, the first seminar entitled “Learning Cycle for Trainers of the Training & Lifelong Learning Centre (TLLC-DUTH)” was successfully completed, with the active participation of 62 trainers.
The initiative was implemented by the TLLC-DUTH, in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (TCL-DUTH); this 10-hour training programme aimed to enhance the skills of members of the TLLC-DUTH Trainers’ Registry in topics related to Adult Education.

The seminar was designed according to a modern blended learning model, combining synchronous online sessions with asynchronous learning through a specially developed Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
The MOOC’s educational material was developed by specialised experts and academic staff within the framework of the ERASMUS+ MAGNET project, which focuses on University Pedagogy in Higher Education and is implemented by 11 universities from the Balkans under the coordination of DUTH.

TLLC-DUTH currently includes approximately 700 registered trainers in its registry. This first Learning Cycle represents a significant initial step towards the systematic and ongoing training and support of its teaching community.
The programme had an introductory character, and further specialised training activities are already being planned for the near future, with the aim of empowering the human resources that support Adult Education within TLLC-DUTH programmes.

The feedback from participants was particularly positive.

According to the anonymous evaluation conducted at the end of the seminar — the results of which are presented in the relevant report published on the TLLC-DUTH website — a high level of satisfaction was recorded, confirming both the need for and the effectiveness of this initiative.