[Konstantinos Tzemis]
The Deon Policy Institute, a Boston-based Greek diaspora think tank, brought together more than 100 government leaders, academics and international professionals on Tuesday at the Basil and Elise Goulandris Institute in Athens to explore solutions to Greece’s academic brain drain.
The event was inspired by the Institute’s new report, “Greek Academic Diaspora Survey: Is Brain Regain in Greek Academia Possible?”, which examines challenges and opportunities for bringing Greek academics back home.
The report, presented by Afroditi Xydi, executive director of the Deon Policy Institute, and co-authored by Korina Anagnostopoulou, a contributor and policy advisor based in Massachusetts, is the first comprehensive survey of Greece’s academic diaspora.
“Our findings show 59% of Greek academics abroad are interested in returning,” said Xydi. “We outlined the conditions necessary for their return and provided concrete recommendations to improve higher education.”
Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis delivered the keynote speech ahead of a panel discussion.
“This event demonstrates the immense potential we have to reimagine Greece’s academic landscape,” said Georgios Laskaris, president of the Deon Policy Institute. “With the right reforms, we can bring our brightest minds back and strengthen Greek universities.”