Design of the First Anniversary Publication for the 190 Years of the National Technical University of Athens

The National Technical University of Athens will celebrate its 190 years of pioneering excellence in academic achievement and social contribution with a distinctive and richly illustrated anniversary publication. For the first time, the entire history of our iconic institution will be covered, drawing on extensive new research as well as full use of the available scholarly literature. NTUA has historically shared the same chronological path as the modern Greek state. The history of NTUA is an integral part of the history of our country, given that our iconic institution has contributed enormously to the development and progress of our society and people. It is therefore important that the history of NTUA be recorded in a rigorous academic manner, and that the resulting work become a reference volume of Greek historiography. We owe this to our alumni, to our current and future students, we owe it to our community, and we naturally owe it to our nation, given that the path of our alumni has extended far beyond our geographical borders.

On the proposal of the Rector of NTUA, Professor Ioannis K. Chatzigeorgiou, and with the approval of the Senate, the research and editorial work for the anniversary publication was entrusted to Professor Aristotle Tympas of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. According to the project schedule, the design of the publication is set to commence in March 2025 and to be completed in February 2027.

Professor Aristotle Tympas, whose academic field is the History of Technology in the Modern Era, has served as President and Director of the History Sector of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, as well as Chair of the European Network of Historians of Technology ‘Tensions of Europe: Research Network on History, Technology and Europe’. He is also Vice-President responsible for research of the International Master’s Programme on Society, Science and Technology (ESST). His research has been supported by international fellowships (NSF, IEEE History Center, Smithsonian, Hagley, Chemical Heritage Foundation) and research programmes (ESF, EU FP7, EU Horizon 2020, EU Creative Europe, Erasmus+, COST).

Professor Tympas and his collaborators will be assisted by an editorial committee comprising I. K. Chatzigeorgiou, Rector of NTUA; S. Theodoridis, Professor Emeritus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and external member of the NTUA Board of Directors; and P. Tournikiotis, Professor Emeritus of NTUA. In addition, an ad-hoc advisory committee of School representatives will provide guidance, composed of: D. Koutsoyiannis, Professor Emeritus of the School of Civil Engineering; N. Marmaras, Professor Emeritus of the School of Mechanical Engineering; N. Hatziargyriou, Professor Emeritus of the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering; N. Belavilas, Professor of the School of Architecture; I. Kalogirou, Professor Emeritus of the School of Chemical Engineering; Ch. Ioannidis, Professor of the School of Rural, Surveying & Geoinformatics Engineering; K. Tsakalakis, Professor Emeritus of the School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering; S. Mavrakos, Professor Emeritus of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering; and K. Theologou, Professor of the School of Applied Mathematical & Physical Sciences.

The anniversary publication will include rare photographic material and personal narratives. Its structure will consist of three sections: (1) the history of the formation of NTUA’s Schools and their respective fields of study; (2) the history of how the NTUA community responded to pivotal moments in Greek history, through, among other things, significant engineering works, research projects, and other initiatives; and (3) the history of NTUA’s distinctive standing, alongside that of its alumni, within the international network of polytechnic and related educational and research institutions.

The research and writing will be supported by a three-member team of researchers — postdoctoral fellows or doctoral candidates in the final stage of their dissertation — with expertise in the history of technology.

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On Monday 3 November, at the Eugenides Foundation, the official presentation of Greece’s first Master’s programme on «Ship Performance Analysis and Management» was held with great success and wide participation.

The event was hosted at a venue of deep significance for shipping and education — the Eugenides Foundation, which has long supported and promoted maritime education in Greece and internationally.

The event was opened by the Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, Professor Ioannis Chatjigeorgiou, who spoke about the historical journey and enduring contribution of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering to education, while highlighting the vision and strategic plan of NTUA for continuous development and academic excellence in the years ahead. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the new master’s programme for the future of Greek shipping, with warm thanks expressed to the Eugenides Foundation for its hospitality and steadfast support.

A greeting was delivered by the President of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenidis, who referred to the long-standing collaboration between the Foundation and NTUA and to the importance of investing in knowledge and in young Greek seafarers and engineers, who continue to excel internationally. He also underscored the importance of collaboration between the academic community and the shipping industry as a decisive factor in shaping a sustainable and innovative future for the sector. Speaking about the new Master’s Programme and the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at NTUA were:

Professor Konstantinos Belibassakis, Dean of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at NTUA, who presented the School, its modern facilities and technological equipment, and its dynamic research activity.
Dr. Nikolaos Kakalis, NTUA alumnus and LR Global Bulk Carriers Segment Director, who highlighted the current needs and challenges of the shipping market that the new programme aims to address.
Associate Professor Giorgos Dimopoulos, Director of the Programme and member of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at NTUA, who presented in detail the structure, content, and objectives of the Master’s Programme.

The event brought together a large number of distinguished representatives of the Greek shipping community, founders and senior executives of major shipping companies.
Following the presentations, a productive discussion and exchange of views took place among the participants, confirming the strong interest of the shipping industry in this new academic initiative.

This Programme arrives at a time when Greek Shipping, a global pioneer, is called upon to respond to a new, complex, and demanding environment, full of challenges but also opportunities, such as:

The energy transition and the increasing need for green and sustainable maritime transport.
The digitalisation and automation of ships and maritime processes.
Stricter regulatory and environmental requirements.
The need for strategic thinking and specialised human resources.

The National Technical University of Athens, with its long tradition and expertise, aspires through this new Programme to contribute actively to shaping the next generation of leaders in naval technology and science, strengthening Greece’s role as a global centre of excellence in shipping and maritime technology.