The “Times Higher Education World University Rankings” ranked the University of Crete 276th in the annual supplement compiled by UK newspaper The Times listing the world’s top 400 universities.
The University of Crete was the only Greek participant in the 2011-2012 list, while last year Kapodistriako University of Athens, Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki and the University of Patras were also included in the world’s 400 top higher education institutions.
The surprise of this year’s list was the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which knocked Harvard University out of the number one spot for the first time in eight years. Harvard is now number two, followed by Stanford University in the third place.
“Times Higher Education” evaluating list is the result of many different aspects, such as the teaching quality, international activities and publications. This year list can be found at: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2011-2012/europe.html
University of Crete Ranks 276th Among 400 Top Universities in the World
Greek and Turkish Architects in Exhibition in Thessaloniki
The 1st Diploma Thesis Projects’ exhibition is organized by the Department of Architecture of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki in collaboration with the Department of Architecture of ITU. This exhibition is being held after continuous collaboration between the Turkish and the Greek Departments. The exhibition will showcase 100 projects, 50 from each Department.
The main purpose of this exhibition is to demonstrate the collaborative way and multiple dimensions of teaching and research of architectural design. The selection of these particular projects has been made by Professors from both Departments.
The exhibition is intended to contribute to the comprehension of teaching and research, taking place in both Departments of Architecture.
The exhibition’s organizing commitee members include:
George Papakostas, Professor, President of the Department of Architecture of AUTH
Vilma Chastaoglou-Martinidi, Professor of the Department of Architecture of AUTH
Titi Papadopoulou, Department of Architecture of AUTH
Fani Vavili, Department of Architecture of AUTH
OrhanHacihasanoğlu, Professor of the Department of Architecture of I.T.U
GülsünSağlamer, Professor of the Department of Architecture of I.T.U
NuranZerenGülersoy, Professor of the Department of Architecture of I.T.U
FatmaErkök, Assistant Professor of the Department of Architecture of I.T.U
The exhibition began on the 6th of October and will stay open till the 7th of November at Apothiki, Thessaloniki Port.
Oaks Being Cut Down Illegally!
Not only have fires already destroyed a large percent of Greek forests, but it recently been discovered that a group of Albanians have been entering the country illegally to cut down oaks!
The department of Boarder Guard in Prespa caught two of them, but the horses they brought with them in order to carry the illegal timber unfortunately managed to escape.
The policemen traced two men aged 22 and 68-years-old, who had illegally passed through Greek boarders, cutting oak trees in the forest area of Vrontero in Florina.
The two men were led in front of the Prosecutos of Florina, where police seized from their possession the illegal wood and an axe.
The same problem is being faced at the forestial area of Polydroso in Souli, where the residents find every day that many trees are being cut. The suspicions fall on loggers who cut the trees before the winter comes, in order to sell them later, causing notable ecological damage.
Priceless Antiquities Seized from Smugglers in Thessaloniki
Police in Thessaloniki have seized “priceless” antiquities of “major archaeological value”, arresting two suspects, officials said late on Thursday.
Officers recovered more than 70 items dating to the late 6th century BC, include four helmets, gold funerary masks, a glass perfume vial, clay idols, metal vessels, pieces of a gold diadem, and an iron sword decorated with gold leaf, culture ministry officials said.
No details were given on their provenance, but such items usually accompanied the burials of Ancient Greek aristocrats or royalty.
The finds were taken to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens on Thursday for inspection by Prime Minister George Papandreou, who called the operation a “great success.”
“We have an ongoing project to protect our cultural heritage and reclaim lost treasures,” said Citizen’s Protection Minister Christos Papoutsis.
Greek and Turkish Trade Associations Come to Kos Island
Greek architects are going to meet with Turkish architects in the island of Kos, located in the Agean Sea, near Turkey.
Greek Technical Chamber in Dodecanese and members of Chamber of Architects Mugla have previously signed protocols in order to promote the scientific, professional, and cultural collaboration between Greece and Turkey.
According to the protocol, both Chambers must promote mutual collaboration, help, and friendly relations among their members.
The meeting of the Chambers takes place once a year. In 2010, the meeting was held in Bodrum. This year’s meeting started on 7th October until 11th of October in the Island of Kos and includes poster exhibition, panel discussions and workshops.
Korres: During Tough Times Companies Still Thrive in Greece
While Greek economy makes negative headlines globally, some Greek companies are still strong and are not only growing during this crisis, but are inventing new products that are loved by millions around the world. A great example of such an organization is Korres Natural Products, a company lead by George Korres.
Korres makes unique treatments and cosmetics using only natural products and in recent years, has started exporting to over a dozen countries including huge markets in America and Asia.
We met the Greek CEO at his company’s headquarter’s in Athens, Greece and talked about his company, his career and how he created such a successful company in Greece, a country that has been critisized by many for the tough requirements and taxes imposed on corporations without giving incentives. Watch the exclusive interview below:
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Who is George Korres?
Born in Athens in 1965, George Korres studied Pharmacy at the University of Athens. In 1989, while still a student, he started working at a pharmacy and took over the management of the pharmacy in 1992. In 1996, having developed a deep understanding and knowledge of natural ingredients and their application in over 3,000 herbal remedies, he created Korres Natural Products, with a goal to produce safe, highly effective, and reasonably priced skincare products with beautifully designed packaging.
George Korres’ involvement in the company is multi-faceted: he closely monitors the running of all departments and drives the strategic direction and creative vision of the brand.
His contribution to the cosmetic field is widely recognized worldwide. International Cosmetic News awarded Korres the Most Innovative Brand [2008] globally while Wallpaper, the internationally acclaimed design lifestyle magazine for urban modernists and global navigators alike, in its 10th anniversary issue, featured George & partner Lena Korres as two of the world’s top 40 influencers under the age of 40.
Isthmus of Corinth Natural Laboratory for Geological Research
The intense seismic activities that occur at the Corinth Canal draw the attention of scientists worldwide. Professor Yiannis Papanikolaou of the Agricultural University of Athens told Espresso Newspaper that Corinth Canal is of great importance to seismologists and geologists, since ” it provides a natural laboratory for the study of earthquakes”.
Professor Papanikolaou also explained that professors and students from up to ten universities abroad are visiting Isthmus of Corinth for 1-2 weeks every year, in order to study the geological processes that take place there.
“The area of Corinth Canal can be a geological place with a great influence on the region and the whole country”, Professor Papanikolaou highlighted, adding that Corinth Canal carries such characteristics that make it unique worldwide.
Police Officer who Attacked Photo-Reporter Released
The police officer who hit and wounded the photo-reporter Tatiana Bolari, during the episodes at Syntagma on Wednesday afternoon, was released
The policeman was identified and arrested after the photo-reporter turned to the General Police Directorate of Attica and sued him. The officer, who was captured in numerous photos, was brought to court.
The prosecutor released him after having ordered further investigation to be done by a magistrate. Many photos showing the extent of injury to the photo-reporter were not included in the forensic report.
PASOK Slips, But No Winners Seen
PASOK Slips, But No Winners Seen
 ATHENS – Eighteen months after imposing pay cuts, tax hikes and slashed pensions on the working populace in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy, the ruling PASOK Socialist party has fallen further behind the major opposition Conservative New Democracy rival party, but a new poll shows neither would have enough support to win a new election because of raging voter discontent with both. Worse for the party leaders is that both have fallen behind minor parties as a choice for the country’s leaders. The poll, for the newspaper Kathimerini and SKAI TV, shows PASOK slipping 4 percent since last month in the wake of another wave of austerity measures, giving the only 22.5 percent approval compared to 31.5 percent for New Democracy, the party which preceded the and which the European Union said lied about the economy. That leaves New Democracy far short of the margin needed to win an election, further compounding the country’s woes. |
According to the projections, ND would gain between 134 and 145 seats in the 300-member parliament, depending on whether five or six parties make it into the House. PASOK would win between 57 and 71, less than half what it currently has, 154 seats.. A party needs 150 seats to control the body. That voter unhappiness was said to be one of the reasons PASOK members are rubber stamping the demands of the Troika lending the country $152 billion to keep from going bankrupt, orders issued through Prime Minister George Papandreou. Some PASOK MP’s have said they fully expect to lose their seats.
PASOK’s slide has benefited the Communist Party (KKE) and the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), as well as the smaller Democratic Left, which was formed last year. Kathimerini said that the general unhappiness with the state of Greek politics means that for the first time in a Public Issue poll, respondents rated parties and politicians as the country’s third-biggest problem after the economy and unemployment. Nine in 10 voters say they are unhappy with the government but an equal amount say they are dissatisfied with New Democracy.
Papandreou and New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras are both falling in the polls, Papandreou down 7 percent to 23 percent since last month, with Samaras falling 2 percent to 35 percent. The country’s most popular political leaders are Popular Orthodox Rally’s Giorgos Karatzaferis and SYRIZA’s Alexis Tsipras, who tie on 38 percent. Despite their concerns about the government’s handling of the economic crisis, 53 percent said that Greece does not need elections, against 39 percent who believe they are necessary.
Ancient Greek Farmers Found Buried with Livestock
Archaeologists in northern Greece have found a rare group of ancient graves where farmers were interred with their livestock, a Greek daily reported on Friday.
At least 11 adults and 16 farm animals were found buried together near the town of Mavropigi in the northern region of Macedonia, some 21km from the city of Kozani, Ethnos daily said.
The men, women and a child lay alongside horses, oxen, dogs and a pig in two rows of graves, the area’s head archaeologist told the newspaper.
‘It is the first time that this strange custom is found at such a scale, and from this particular period of time, the late 6th century and early 5th century BC,’ head archaeologist Georgia Karamitrou-Mentesidi said.
(source: AFP)