The institutional conference “Integrative Health and International Collaboration Programs”, held on 14 May 2026 at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel in Athens, concluded successfully with the participation of institutional representatives, academics, and distinguished public figures. Attendees were introduced to the new International Master’s Program “Integrative Health & Herbal Medicines”, offered by the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) in collaboration with the world-renowned Purdue University.
The event also featured the presentation of the DAMIA Institute, a new initiative aimed at fostering international collaborations that will contribute to safeguarding Greece’s food sustainability and security.
Opening remarks
- Professor Spyridon Kintzios, Rector of the Agricultural University of Athens, who highlighted the University’s leading position and the strategic initiatives undertaken to further enhance its academic excellence and international presence.
- Ioannis Andrianos, Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, who praised the collaboration with Purdue University and emphasized the importance of such forward-looking initiatives.
- Andreas Stoimenidis, President of OSETEE, who underscored the value of advanced educational programs in addressing the challenges of agricultural development.
- Litsa Panagiotopoulou, Senior Advisor at Purdue University, whose contribution was instrumental in establishing the partnership between the two institutions.
The Master’s Program
Professor Spyridon Kintzios presented the International Master’s Program “Integrative Health & Herbal Medicines”, jointly developed by the Agricultural University of Athens and Purdue University. The program is co-funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), as well as national resources. It will provide knowledge and expertise offered for the first time globally, combining the disciplines of medicine and agricultural sciences to educate a new generation of professionals in the field of integrative health.
Sophia Trantza, President of the Panhellenic Pharmacists Association and faculty member of the program, presented key elements of the curriculum, emphasizing that students will acquire practical knowledge, including a comprehensive understanding of regulatory procedures for botanical-based pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Professor Konstantina Kostopoulou, Director of the Informatics Laboratory at AUA, presented the Artificial Intelligence component of the program and showcased the University’s AI-powered chatbots, with particular emphasis on the HerbalMed Chatbot.
The DAMIA Institute
Professor Spyridon Kintzios introduced the DAMIA Institute, the first Institute of Academic Diplomacy and International Cooperation in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences dedicated to Sustainable Development and Food Security. Professor Eleni Miliou, Vice Rector and Professor of Applied Hydrobiology, addressed the role of aquaculture in supporting the sustainability of local communities. Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the Office of Sustainable Development Goals at the FAO, spoke about the strategic importance of the agri-food sector and the concept of Food Diplomacy, which closely aligns with the vision and mission of the DAMIA Institute.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion moderated by journalist Apostolos Lakasas, featuring Professor Spyridon Kintzios, Stefanos Fotiou, and Professor Eleni Miliou, highlighting the necessity of strengthening international collaborations and ensuring coordinated institutional representation of universities.
Conference highlights
