The CIVIS Research Unit is a dedicated unit that supports the research and innovation strategy of the CIVIS university alliance. It works closely with the Research Council and the Management Committee to implement the Research and Innovation Roadmap, monitor the relevant decisions of the CIVIS governing bodies, and support research-related actions and projects. At the same time, it facilitates collaboration between partners, enhances the exchange of good practices, and leverages existing tools and programs of the alliance.

The nexus monARC project proposes a set of capacity building actions aimed at upgrading the scientific and technical profile of the staff of the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, as well as the collaborating groups of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Through these actions, a holistic approach is developed for the environmental monitoring of the marine environment of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc in the Mediterranean Sea — an ecosystem influenced by multiple anthropogenic and natural factors, such as fisheries, large-scale tourism, volcanic activity and hydrothermal emissions. The project objectives are achieved through the transfer of knowledge and best practices, leveraging the extensive know-how of the collaborating institutions, and through the implementation of citizen science actions.

The Office’s participation in the nexus monARC project accelerated its development and contributed decisively to its evolution through “twinning” actions – exchange of best practices between partners – which played a decisive role in strengthening its operation.

The Office participates in the Capacity Building Project “SymbIASIS” under the umbrella of EIT Health, strengthening the interconnection of the University of Athens with one of the largest pan-European networks in the field of health innovation.

Through this participation, collaborations are cultivated with leading academic and research institutions, businesses and healthcare organizations, creating fertile ground for innovative initiatives with tangible social impact.

SymbIASIS aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters health innovation by accelerating the dialogue between hospitals and startups to co-create innovative Value-Based Healthcare Solutions. Building on the startups’ need to validate their solutions in real-market environment, and hospitals need to speed up their integration cycle with tech-intensive, customized products and services, SymbIASIS follows a consolidated methodology addressing both needs.

In the context of strengthening innovative capacity and entrepreneurial spirit in higher education, the Office participates in the COPILOT project under the EIT Higher Education Initiative. This initiative is a joint action of the EIT community and recognizes higher education institutions (HEIs) as key actors in regional and European innovation ecosystems. Objective is to boost HEIs’ capacities to integrate entrepreneurship & innovation processes, structures, and mindset for SECT, and enabling HEIs for nurturing Deep Tech talents, innovation-integrated curricula/research, and ties with industry.

The COPILOT project aims to shape a dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the field of Deep Tech technologies with an emphasis on sustainable energy and clean technologies. The project promotes the integration of innovation in HEIs through the reform of curricula, strengthening the connection with industry, supporting start-ups and creating synergies between partners from different countries and levels of innovation.

Vision 2030 of COPILOT is to integrate structural changes in HEIs to foster Deep Tech entrepreneurship and innovation (E&I) in Sustainable Energy and Clean Technologies (SECT), fostering inclusivity and bridging disparities between developed and less developed HEIs. Supporting EU’s Green Deal and S3, COPILOT will contribute to a cohesive/impactful European innovation ecosystem. 

The European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) was launched by the German Federal Government in 2017 to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and advance cooperation on climate action in Europe. Since then, we have funded 232 cross-border climate projects and created an active network with 459 organisations in 31 European countries.

Promoting green entrepreneurship and low-carbon innovation in transitioning regions is crucial to achieve EU climate targets and foster a just transition. The project corresponds to a structured pre-incubation and early-stage launchpad initiative focusing on awareness ideation, and capacity building for green entrepreneurship. Through a combination of digital tools, local mentoring and stakeholder engagement, it supports young and aspiring entrepreneurs to shape viable climate-oriented business ideas. By promoting climate innovation at an early stage, the project empowers local actors, improves regional cooperation and lays the foundation for future greenhouse gas emission reductions in sectors such as energy, agriculture and the circular economy.

The project contributes to the structural transformation of coal-dependent regions, in Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia, by promoting the transition to a low-carbon and innovation driven local economy. These regions are currently experiencing deep socio-economic consequences due to the lignite phase-out and need targeted support to unlock sustainable growth pathways that are in line with climate neutrality goals.