On May 21-22, 2024, the University of Crete, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panteion University, the National Centre of Social Research (EKKE), the District of Crete, the Municipality of Rethymnon and the Regional Development Fund of Crete, organized the Scientific Conference entitled “Social Sciences and Humanities in the 21st Century.”

The Conference aimed to highlight the role and importance of the social sciences and humanities in the modern era and to analyze the critical aspects and dimensions of these sciences in the face of contemporary challenges. The President of the Scientific Council (S.C.) of the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), Professor Xeni Chryssochoou, participated in the Conference proceedings, especially on Wednesday, May 22, in the Round Table with representatives of Institutions and moderated by the Director and President of the Board of the National Centre for Social Research (EKKE), Professor Vassiliki Georgiadou. The Round Table was also attended by the President of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), Professor Pericles Mitkas, the Vice President of the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (NCRTI), Mr. Aristos Doxiadis and the President of the National Documentation Centre (NDC), Emeritus Professor Lazaros Vryzidis.

During the discussion, Professor Chryssochoou stressed that the HFRI has been the only institution funding research in the Humanities and Social Sciences since its inception. “The HFRI’s goal is to continue to seamlessly support the country’s research and academic community, making it a priority in its strategy to support all Scientific Areas. Particularly for the Social Sciences and Humanities and Arts, the Foundation implemented Actions that strengthened the country’s participation in European infrastructures, such as the European Social Survey, from which the country had been absent for over a decade, and DARIAH and CLARIN, respectively. In addition, it has supported these disciplines with scholarships for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral projects, faculty members, and researcher projects and equipment. Also important is their prominence in the Science and Society Actions (200 years since the Greek Revolution, Research, Innovation and Dissemination Hubs, Interventions to address the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic). Finally, the HFRI has entered into an agreement with the National Endowment for the Humanities of the USA for small collaborative projects between researchers from the two countries. Social Sciences and Humanities will continue to be high on the agenda of the HFRI’s funding programs,” she stated.