H.F.R.I. is a new institution through which a profound reforming effort is being attempted in the field of Research and Innovation in the country: the research and academic community is, for the first time, actively involved in shaping the country’s research policy.
H.F.R.I.’s Governing Bodies are:
The General Assembly is comprised of distinguished internationally acclaimed scientists, selected by the Higher Education Institutions and Research Bodies in the country, on the basis of criteria set by the National Council for Research and Innovation. The term of office for members of the currently active General Assembly expires in September 2021.
The General Assembly is tasked with:
- Selecting the members of the Scientific Council.
- Approving collaborations and partnerships with other public and private sector organizations in Greece or abroad in order to achieve H.F.R.I.’s goals.
- Submitting proposals to the Scientific Council on issues relating to the research activities of H.F.R.I.
- Approving the annual report (financial review and actions report) of H.F.R.I.
The term of office for the General Assembly runs for three years.
The Foundation’s Scientific Council (SC) consists of nine (9) regular members, all of whom are internationally acclaimed scientists with backgrounds in the following areas:
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Sciences & Technology
- Life sciences (Medical & Health Sciences)
- Agricultural Sciences – Food Science & Technology
- Mathematics & Information Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities & Arts
- Environment and Energy
- Management & Economics of Innovations
SC members are elected through a process that follows an international call for expression of interest, and are individuals renowned for their international work and experience in their respective field.
The Scientific Council holds Foundation management and is tasked with:
- Ensuring the success of Foundation objectives according to the national research and innovation policy.
- Accepting donations and all kinds of funding.
- Setting up evaluation committees and appeal committees in order to review proposals and select final beneficiaries.
- Selecting the Director and Deputy Directors.
- Approving the Foundation budget, upon Director Recommendation.
- Proposing collaborations and partnerships with public and private sector organizations, both domestic and foreign, to the GA.
- Proposing Internal Rule of Operation amendments to the Minister.
- Approving the commission of Foundation services and offices in other cities within Greek Territory, upon Director Recommendation.
The term of office for the SC members runs for four years
The Foundation Director is a scientist of high international standing and expertise, administrative experience and notable research activity. Director qualifications are specified in the Internal Rules of Operation. The Director is selected and appointed by decision of the Scientific Council, following a Call for expression of interest, for a four-year office term, renewable once. The Foundation Director drafts a proposition for the appointment of two (2) Deputy Directors to the SC, following their selection through an open Call for expression of interest. The Director implements Foundation strategy as it is decided by the Scientific Council.
The Director is tasked with the following:
- Heads services offered by the Foundation, is liable for its unhindered operation and is the authorizing officer of all its expenses.
- Prepares and publishes Calls for Action funded by the Foundation, in accordance to the annual schedule of Actions and decisions of the SC.
- Endeavours for the realization of Foundation budget targets.
- Is entitled to request an irregular meeting of the GA and the SC, through the President of the relevant governing body at all times, and participate in their meetings without voting rights.
- Prepares the annual report and submits it to the SC and then to the GA for approval.
- Pursues new funding sources for the Foundation.
- Represents the Foundation in trial and non-trial proceedings.
Deputy Directors are nominated by the Scientific Council on a Director proposal, following an open call for interest and candidate evaluation.
One of Deputy Directors is responsible for H.F.R.I. organizational and operational affairs. The appointee is a scientist holding a post-graduate or doctorate degree, a documented and extensive administrative ability and longstanding experience in issues regarding the management and organizing of research and research policy, as well as a profound knowledge of the research ecosystem in the country. The appointee must have command of the Greek language and not have completed the 63rd year of age during candidacy submission.
The second of Deputy Directors is responsible for research affairs. The appointee is a scientist holding a doctorate degree, notable research activity and shall have participated successfully in research programmes in Greece or abroad, under any capacity. The appointee must have command of the Greek language and not have completed the 63rd year of age during candidacy submission.
Deputy Director competencies are set out in detail by decision of the Director. Deputy Directors are appointed by the S.C. for a four-year term of office, renewable once. The appointment decision of Deputy Directors is published in the Government Gazette and specifies which of Deputy Directors shall substitute for the Director. In case the Director position is vacant, his / her duties are exercised by the Deputy Director nominated by the above decision, until the new director assumes duties, although not exceeding six (6) months.
The Advisory Committee, established by decision of the Minister, is independent of other Foundation bodies. The Advisory Committee holds an advisory role in aim to assess Foundation activity, through drafting opinion reports and proposals to optimize its operations. It examines issues of particular gravity or others holding special interest as to the operation of the Foundation and the funding of research and innovation.
It consists of eleven (11) members who are either distinguished scientists of international acclaim or serve in the business and/or production sectors, in Greece or abroad. Advisory Committee members are selected as follows: Three months prior to their end of term in office, the National Council for Research and Innovation (NCRI) compiles a list of twenty-two (22) candidate members, of whom six (6) are also NCRI members, submitting it to the Minister and the Scientific Council. From this list the Minister selects six (6) members and the Scientific Council a further five (5). Of the eleven (11) Advisory Committee members, up to three (3) may also serve as NCRI members. Up to three (3) members of the Advisory Committee are entitled to attend H.F.R.I. Scientific Committee meetings. These members are appointed in the Advisory Committee decision of constitute. Scientific Council meetings can also be attended by a person designated by the supervising Minister.
By decision of the Scientific Council or the Advisory Committee, acclaimed Greek or foreign scientists may be invited to Advisory Committee meetings. The term of office for Advisory Committee members runs for four years.
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