13/03/2006

The establishment and operation of a Research, Technology & Development Centre in Thessaly, was recently announced by the Minister of Development D. Sioufas. The purpose of the initiative is the creation of new research infrastructures in the region and the strengthening of their cooperation with enterprises and productive bodies.

The Centre, which is being supervised by the Ministry of Development, consists of four research institutions: the Institute of Mechatronics (Volos), the Institute of Technology and Rural ecosystems Management (Karditsa), the Institute of Biomedical Research and Technology (Larissa) and the Institute of Physical Performance and Rehabilitation (Trikala). The Centre’s Headquarters is Volos and its Chairman, Professor Ilias Houstis.

The Institute of Mechatronics (IMTRONIKS) promotes research in the following sectors: Mechatronics, Biomechatronics, Micromachining, Materials, Nanomaterials, Nanoconstructions, Information and Telematics Systems, Robotics and Automation Systems, Biomechatronic Technologies, Micro-electro-mechanical Systems (MEMS).

The Institute of Technology and Rural ecosystems Management (ITEDA) is responsible for research on subjects of integrated and biological production of agricultural products, water and land resources, precision agriculture, agricultural constructions, and renewable energy sources, with an emphasis on biomass, hygiene assurance and certification of vegetable and animal production, nutrition and welfare of livestock, and wood technology.

The Institute of Biomedical Research and Technology (IBET) is active in the sectors of medical applications and basic biomedical research. Furthermore it promotes translational research in cooperation with Universities, hospitals and other bodies.

The Institute of Physical Performance and Rehabilitation is competent for the development of scientific and technological research on biological sectors of human movement, in order to improve Physical Performance and quality of life. Its sectors of action include the study of muscle structure and function, the biomechanical analysis of movement, the biochemistry of exercise and the study of nutritional characteristics of different populations, the support of high level athletes and the restoration of pathological incidents and injuries.

The creation of a Regional Innovation Pole in Thessaly is also planned in parallel with the establishment of the Research, Technology & Development Centre. The objective is to strengthen innovation of research and enterprise bodies, by the public and private sector, as well as the improvement of competitiveness in important branches of the local economy such as food, drinks, textiles, biofuel, etc.

It is noted that the Minister of Development announced the drafting of studies for the establishment of three new Research, Technology & Development Centres, in Patras, Giannena and Xanthi. Within the framework of the new centres, research institutes will operate in every prefecture of the Western Greece Region, Ipiros and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

Source: Ministry of Development