Statement by the Former Dean Prof. N. Moussiopoulos

This edition summarizes the activities of the Deanship of the Faculty of Engineering at AUTH, during the period 2006-2010, a period of critical importance for public higher education our country. Various laws by the Ministry of Education led to an intense debate, creating an intense atmosphere, particularly during the academic year 2006-07.

Several questions as to the future of higher education in Greece still remain unanswered, mainly during the most recent period, stemming from the unprecedented financial and institutional crisis affecting our country.

At such times in particular, the role that the Polytechnic Schools and Faculties of Engineering are invited to play is vital, in laying down the foundations for a new developmental plan, that will subsequently lead to an increase in employment and prosperity. Having contributed in a decisive manner to the development of Northern Greece for over half a century, the Faculty of Engineering at AUTH is once again prepared to offer its support in order to overcome the present crisis.

To this aim, and despite the number of obstacles present, important steps have been taken by the Faculty of Engineering during this short period, that have mainly focused on promoting education and research, improving the daily life of people, planning and implementing new infrastructure, coordinating the Faculty’s collaboration with neighboring institutions and strengthening its connections with the production sector.

All of the above have been incorporated in an overall strategy focusing on interdisciplinarity, extroversion and an international orientation, that takes care to ensure the highest level of cohesion for the Faculty, so that the results of each School are maximized, and added value is gained through the synergy of all the subject areas pertaining to the science of Engineering.

(Excerpt from the edition: “Statement of the Deanship, Faculty of Engineering 2006-2010 by Prof. N. S. Moussiopoulos)

Statement by Mr Tolikas

I felt a great sense of honor and responsibility bestowed upon me three years ago, when the Faculty of Engineering entrusted me with the position of Dean. I was fully aware of the fact that I was taking up office at an extremely challenging period for the future of the University, and of Engineering Faculties in particular. I knew that collective efforts and action would be required in order for our Faculty to continue to play a pioneering role in higher education. Thus the “Activity Report 2003-2006”, as analyzed in the following pages, is the fruit of collective labor. As I leave my position as Dean, I feel the need to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to this work, namely, the Chairs of the Schools for helping to jointly map out the course of the Faculty, the members of the various committees for their well-documented proposals, my colleagues-faculty members for their useful observations and suggestions, the staff at the Dean’s Office and Secretariats for their impeccable collaboration, all the Faculty staff for their steadfast support and, last but not least, the students, who inspired me with their youthful outlook and vivacity, in addressing even the most difficult matters with a degree of enthusiasm and optimism.

Statement by Mr Papageorgiou

Dear Colleagues and Students.

Six years have passed since you entrusted me with the position of Dean of the Faculty. It was indeed a great honor and responsibility. Today, I feel the need to express my gratitude to you for this great honor, and to present in brief the most important activities that took place during my Deanship for the period 1997-2003. All the pre-election commitments of the Dean have been implemented, while at the same time, new goals that have arisen along the way, have either been realized or are in progress. A major part of these actions pertain to the quality of our daily life and cultural affairs, while remarkable efforts have been made towards maintaining and upgrading our buildings, networks and facilities in general. It brings me great satisfaction to observe that this work was the result of a collective effort of numerous Colleagues, who participated in committees and in individual actions. Our common objective and aspiration was and still is to keep our Faculty at the forefront of the academic world. At present, the academic landscape is characterized by:

  • Absence of central planning by the state. The inequalities that exist between Universities, and even Faculties of the same University, are indicative of the lack of organization and programming that is affecting Greek universities
  • Academic inflation, which is the highest today in Europe
  • The labyrinthine institutional framework of operation
  • The new class of unemployed scientists, which seems to favor postgraduate students
  • The University as entrepreneur
  • The devaluation of university degrees

are only some of the ills that have befallen Greek universities.

Within this unfavorable climate, the Faculty of Engineering is still struggling to redefine its functional role, and its interactions with the broader social environment. It has proved however that it can follow the times and move on. The Faculty of Engineering will remain adhered to the principles of the university’s public profile, with a social image and a high level of competitiveness. It will seek out new scientific fields related to the strategic development of the Faculty, new scientific specializations linked to the changing terms of development and employment, and finally, a new social role.

It is my belief that, the Faculty of Engineering is following an upward course that can continue over the following years, with everyone’s support. Its prospects for the future are indeed excellent.

Statement by Mr Papageorgiou

Dear Colleagues. The Deanship of the Faculty of Engineering which resulted from the elections of 1997 is nearing the completion of its term. In view of the new elections, that will be taking place next month, we feel the need to note, in the space provided by our Faculty’s journal “POLYMICHANO”, a brief overview of the most important activities for the period 1997-2000.

All the pre-election commitments of the Dean have been implemented, while at the same time, new goals that have arisen along the way, have either been realized or are in progress. A major part of these actions pertain to the quality of our daily life and cultural affairs, while remarkable efforts have been made towards maintaining and upgrading our buildings, networks and facilities in general.

It brings me great satisfaction to observe that this work was the result of a collective effort of numerous Colleagues, who participated in committees and in individual actions. Our common objective and aspiration was and still is to keep our Faculty at the forefront of the academic world.