30/06/2004

The foundation of a National Commission for Research and Technology and the recording of distinguished Greek scientists that live abroad were among the announcements of the first meeting of the research centres supervised by the Ministry for Development, on 21 June 2004, at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute.

The Minister for Development, D. Sioufas, underlined that the enhancement of research and innovation, along with the improvement of human resources, constitute basic priorities for the country's growth. To this end, the Ministry aims to:

• Improve the scientific and administrative operation of the research centres
• Promote the meritocracy in the administration system of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology, especially in the area of recruitment & career development of human resources and the appointment of directors at the research centres
• Establish an integrated, transparent and efficient operation framework for all research centres
• Enhance the "excellence" in research in order to successfully meet the challenges of the EU's 6th and 7th Framework Programmes for research and technology
• Link the research centres with the entire research network of the country (universities, ministries, private sector)
• Find means to reinforce their viability so as to eliminate public funding of non-viable research efforts.

Source: Ministry for Development