The Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) organized an event on Monday, March 23, 2026, to highlight the impact of a Science and Society program entitled “Always Strive for Excellence – Theodore Papazoglou: Supporting Research, Making an Impact,” which was supported collaboratively by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and H.F.R.I.
The aim of the program was twofold: to support research excellence by rewarding exceptional proposals submitted under the highly competitive funding mechanism of the European Research Council and to create favorable conditions for harnessing Greece’s scientific potential and attracting young scientists working abroad. It included a substantive dialogue on the broader role of research funding in promoting excellence in the country.
The event was held in memory of Theodore Papazoglou, who had served as Head of Unit for the Support of the ERC Scientific Council, and was attended by his wife, Dr. Elke Hennig, and sister, Athanasia Papazoglou. Dr. Laura Pontiggia, Senior Policy Analyst at the ERC Executive Agency, delivered a tribute, referring to Theodore Papazoglou’s particularly significant contribution to the international scientific community.
SNF Chief Operating Officer Panos Papoulias gave remarks on behalf of SNF, mentioning that the Foundation’s support for the program is part of Recharging the Youth, an SNF initiative implemented in the wake of the socioeconomic crisis in Greece to help combat high unemployment rates among young people. At the same time, he talked about the tangible impact of the initiative, which contributed significantly to strengthening the Greek research ecosystem, encouraging the return of Greek scientists, as well as Theodore Papazoglou’s decisive contribution to shaping the initiative.