With great success and the participation of distinguished scientists, civil protection professionals, and private sector executives from six countries in Southeast Europe, the International School for Training Trainers has been held in Kavala, as part of the European program GROWTH – Erasmus+ Capacity Building for VET.

The event was hosted by the Department of Chemistry of the Democritus University of Thrace from November 3 to 7, 2025, with the aim of strengthening resilience to human-induced and technological risks through targeted educational interventions and innovative distance learning methods.

A Program with a European Dimension and Local Impact

GROWTH (Strengthening Resilience by Offering Targeted National and Local Scientific and Practical Training Activities for Capacity Building and Awareness-Raising of the Risks and Impacts of Manmade Disasters) is co-funded by the European Union, coordinated by Associate Professor of Chemistry Michalis Halaris, Lieutenant General of the Fire Brigade (ret.), and is implemented in collaboration with public and private entities from Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Greece.

The program aims to develop an innovative distance learning system based on simulation models, scientific documentation, and analysis of the needs of frontline professionals (civil protection, security, volunteering, vulnerable citizens, private sector).

Training Content: 16 Modules for Critical Situations

The training is based on 16 modules covering critical areas such as:

• Risk management and crisis communication
• Industrial accidents, CBRN/HAZMAT incidents, and attacks
• Firefighting, confined space rescue, first aid
• Natural disaster emergencies (earthquakes, floods, NaTech)
• European regulatory framework for civil protection

The program leads to an ECVET certificate, supports personalized learning paths, and is designed for large-scale asynchronous training.

Resilience as a Collective Responsibility

During the training week, participants had  the opportunity to:

• exchange experiences and good practices,
• learn about modern simulation technologies,
• strengthen their capabilities in crisis management and civil protection,
• to act as multipliers of GROWTH educational material in their countries.

This initiative strengthens regional cooperation, promotes inclusive education, and contributes to building a culture of prevention and preparedness.

Kavala and Democritus University of Thrace at the Forefront

The School of Educator Training confirms the strategic importance of the structures of Democritus University of Thrace in Kavala for research and education on natural and man-made disasters.

The Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with the established “Hephaestus” laboratory and the Research Sector on Risk, Crisis, and Safety Issues, as well as the Postgraduate Program “Chemical Industry: Quality, Environment, Health and Safety Management,” are scientific pillars of innovation and knowledge transfer.

The project’s scientific team has the proven ability to support the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT) —and Greek local communities as a whole— in:

• Preparation of operational plans (IOLAOS, DARDANOS, EGKELADOS, VOREAS)
• Development of training programs in municipalities and local authorities
• Mapping natural and technological hazards
• Utilization of innovative early warning technologies

The team’s scientific expertise, international experience, and practical readiness make it a valuable strategic partner for the design and implementation of integrated resilience policies at the local and regional levels.

More information about GROWTH: https://growtherasmus.eu/

More information about the M.Sc.: https://hssqe.chem.duth.gr/ 

Scientific Group Email: [email protected]