Dynamic Start of the 4th Educational Series of the Postgraduate Program “ Quality, Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Management ” of the Democritus University of Thrace »

The future is built on vision, scientific consistency, and social responsibility. This triptych was emphatically reflected in the opening ceremony of the 4th Educational Series of the interdisciplinary and interdisciplinary Master’s Program of the Department of Chemistry of the Democritus University of Thrace entitled: MSc in Quality, Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Management, in collaboration with ELINYAE.

On October 24, 2025, in an online event, students from 17 different departments at 14 Greek and foreign universities welcomed a program that has already established itself as a benchmark for combining scientific education, innovation, and career prospects. The program, unique in its kind, integrates cutting-edge interdisciplinary education with substantial employment prospects in public and private institutions, combining theoretical training, practical specialization, and laboratory training using innovative tools.

Opening the event, the Director of the MSc program, Associate Professor Michalis Halaris, presented the strategic objective of the program: “To create a new generation of scientists and executives who can interpret, manage, and predict crises in the fields of Quality, Risk, and Sustainability.” “To create a new generation of scientists and executives who can interpret, manage, and predict crises in the fields of Quality, Health, Safety, and the Environment. Our MSc program combines modern distance learning, laboratory training through the established “Hephaestus” Laboratory, and practical application through the Virtual Crisis Control Room (VCCR).”

The Rector of the Democritus University of Thrace, Professor Fotios Maris, praised the strategic role of the MSc program as a bridge between the positive sciences and the social mission of the University, emphasizing that “interdisciplinarity is not a luxury, it is a prerequisite for sustainable development” and underlined the dynamic extroversion of the MSc program and its alignment with the strategies of the Green Deal and Sustainable Industry.

The Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Professor Georgios Kyzas, referred to the support provided by the Department for innovation and the expansion of scientific education.

The President of ELINYAE, Ms. Rena Bardani, highlighted the pioneering role of the MSc program in strengthening the culture of prevention in the workplace and promoting institutional dialogue between education and the labor market.

Mr. Aristidis Psaras, Head of the Greece Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, welcomed the establishment of scholarships for immigrants and injured persons/ families of victims of the Tembi tragedy, highlighting the social role of university education.

Professor and CEO of Management Force Group, Mr. George Panopoulos, referred to the need for new executives with modern skills in risk and security management.

The Director of Accreditation of ESYD and Secretary General of EEX, Mr. Ioannis Sitaras, presented the role of Management Systems and accreditation in strengthening trust in public and private organizations.

Mr. Savvas Peltekis, former CEO of TÜV HELLAS, referred to the strict requirements of certification and the importance of continuous retraining of executives in the industry.

Mr. Vlasis Amanatidis, editor-in-chief of IT Security Pro and Security Manager, highlighted the new threats related to critical infrastructure and cyberspace.

Mr. George Mylonakis, General Director of the Hellenic Institute for Fire Protection of Structures (ELIPYKA), who highlighted the importance of integrating fire protection issues into the broader context of risk management and structural safety. He stressed that the modern approach to safety cannot be limited to compliance, but must be based on documented forecasting, risk assessment, and continuous training—elements that, as he noted, are fully covered by this specific postgraduate program.

Graduates spoke about their experience:

Ms. Maria Bakogianni, a graduate of the first class, emphasized the immediate application of knowledge in her professional life, while Mr. Kostas Mallas, a graduate of the second class, highlighted networking, practical skills, and the coherence of the teaching program.

Keynote Speech – A Look into the Future

The event culminated with a keynote speech by Mr. Ioannis Mastrogeorgios, Special Secretary for Long-Term Planning at the Presidency of the Government, entitled:

“Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Thinking in the Fields of Quality, Environment, and Safety.”

The speech highlighted the connection between foresight and the critical parameters of public administration and industry in the era of the Climate Crisis.

The 4th Educational class  has already begun with classes starting on October 25, inaugurating another academic year of meaningful learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development opportunities.

For more information: http://hssqe.chem.duth.gr/