Yale University’s global engagement efforts were focused at Athens this month as Yale President Maurie McInnis, former President Peter Salovey and a delegation of senior Yale faculty visited the Greek capital to strengthen institutional cooperation with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
McInnis met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, NKUA Rector Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Greek ministers and deputy ministers, to establish partnerships that are aligned with Yale’s mission in education, research, and impact. During the June 16 meetings, the Yale delegation explored opportunities to expand joint programming, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative research across the sciences, humanities, and public health.
Building on their existing partnership, the two institutions will now offer a joint postgraduate program titled “Global Environmental Sciences and Public Health,” which will be funded by Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund.
“Yale’s collaboration with NKUA reflects our commitment to bringing academic communities together in pursuit of research and education that benefit the world,” said McInnis. “It’s an example of how universities can work across borders to address complex global challenges.”
NKUA Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, former Yale President Peter Salovey, and Yale President Professor Maurie McInnis / Photo Credit NKUA
In a separate ceremony held in his honor, former Yale President Peter Salovey received an honorary doctorate from the NKUA Medical School in recognition of his pioneering research career in social psychology as well as his leadership during his 11-year tenure as Yale’s 23rd president.
“Throughout his tenure, he championed innovative teaching and expanded Yale’s collaborations… most recently, with our own university,” said NKUA Rector Siasos. “For Professor Salovey, ensuring access to Yale for students from all over the world — regardless of financial background — was a priority.”
As Yale’s 23rd president, said NKUA Rector Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Salovey led the development of new programs and facilities, reorganized departments and schools, founded the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, and transformed the Yale School of Public Health into an independent, self-supporting school that is respected globally.
The Yale delegation also participated in a climate and innovation dialogue at the National Bank of Greece (NBG). Hosted by NBG Chairman Gikas Hardouvelis and CEO Pavlos Mylonas, the session included Yale faculty presentations on interdisciplinary research on how major cities can adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“The connection of Yale to Greece is long and deep and runs in parallel to the connection of Greece with the U.S.,” said Hardouvelis during his opening remarks.
See the Yale delegation meeting with Greek PM Mitsotakis in the YouTube video below (In English):
Cover Photo Credit NKUA
