Though the Eugenides Foundation is widely associated with its iconic Planetarium, its 70 years of uninterrupted operation reveal a far deeper institutional and educational role. As Ioannis Golias — Director of the Foundation and former Rector of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) — explains in an exclusive interview with newsit.gr, this journey has been defined by a sustained commitment to social mobility through applied knowledge, grounded in real-world practice rather than theoretical exercises on paper.
A Legacy Rooted in Vision
Established in 1956, the Eugenides Foundation was founded to fulfill the vision of its benefactor, Eugenios Eugenidis, who stipulated in his will that the institution’s mission was “to contribute to the education of young Greek citizens in scientific and technical fields.” Today, it has evolved into a multifaceted organization with a strong educational footprint. Annually, it welcomes between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors — more than half of them young people, including approximately 100,000 students.
Expanding Educational Reach
The Foundation’s activities span a broad spectrum: the Science and Technology Center; state-of-the-art robotics laboratories; a specialized technical library; a model conference center; and the publication of authoritative technical handbooks.
Bridging Education and Industry
According to Mr. Golias, the Foundation’s strategic focus is shifting toward integrating education with production. To this end, it has developed multi-layered collaborations with several Greek ministries:
- Ministry of Maritime Affairs: A long-standing, privileged partnership centered on maritime training.
- Ministry of Labour: Joint efforts to map local vocational training needs.
- Ministry of Education & Institute of Educational Policy: Professional development programs for instructors and students at Vocational High Schools (EPAL).
- Ministry of Rural Development: Initiatives supporting the adoption of advanced technologies in agriculture and livestock farming.
Connecting Society, Education, and the Economy
Two recent high-profile events underscore the Foundation’s ambition to serve as a bridge between education and the labor market. The event We Come from the Sea reaffirmed its historic ties to the blue economy. Meanwhile, a summit on implementing the European Strategy for the Maritime Industry and Ports demonstrated its ability to bring together citizens, educators, and industry representatives.
A New Chapter with CERN
A major milestone lies ahead: the Foundation’s new partnership with CERN — Europe’s premier particle physics laboratory. Despite its global scientific stature, CERN faces a significant skills gap: 80% of its workforce needs are for technical personnel. ‘This collaboration aims to translate the everyday applications of accelerator research — from mobile phones to preventive medicine — into accessible language, while also opening new professional pathways for young Greeks,’ says Golias.