News – 30 May 2024

The Athens Institute in collaboration with the University of Maryland, under the direction of Professor Dimitrios Goulias (cv) hosted the 6^th Study Abroad Program on Sustainability & Infrastructure (18-30 May 2024). Sixteen (16) students and the two University of Maryland instructors (Prof. Dimitrios  Goulias and TA, Osama Aljarrah) were involved in the program; the students were divided in two groups and their main project was to redesign with Sustainable principle interventions the Klafthmonos Square in Athens. Apart from working on their sustainability design projects, the students had a fully packed program with onsite visits such as the Construction Site TBM Veikou Line 4 of the ATTIKO Metro, the Ellinikon Experience Centre & Park, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, the Rio Antirrio Bridge & Corinth Canal, the Acropolis & the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and more. In addition, Several insightful lectures were given during the program.

Dr. Mehmet Cevat Yildirim, Associate Professor at Gaziantep University, Türkiye, talked about “The Degrowth Alternative”, Dr. Gregory T. Papanikos, President of the Athens Institute, delivered a lecture on “Quality Infrastructure and Sustainable Development: An Empirical Economic Analysis”. Mr. Antulio Richetta, Director of IBI Group, Greece, discussed “Toll & Motorway Management Systems, Practice in Greece”. Dr. Konstadinos Goulias, Professor at the University of California Santa Barbara, USA, explored “Sustainable Mobility Technologies”. Dr. Roido Mitoula, Professor at Harokopio University, Greece, addressed “Individual Actions for the Implementation of the 17 Global Goals of Sustainable Development in Cities”. Finally, Dr. Amalia Polydoropoulou, Professor at the University of the Aegean, Greece, presented on “Sustainable Transport”.