The Agricultural University of Athens Confers Honorary Doctorates upon Ms. Litsa Panayotopoulos, Dr. Andreas Stoimenidis, and Dr. Stefanos Fotiou

The Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) conferred Honorary Doctorates of the School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology upon Ms. Litsa Panayotopoulos, Dr. Andreas Stoimenidis, and Dr. Stefanos Fotiou during a ceremony held at the University's Ceremonial Hall on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

The ceremony was opened by the Rector of the Agricultural University of Athens, Professor Spyridon Kintzios, who emphasized that the three honorees are distinguished personalities who, each from a different professional background and field of expertise, have made outstanding contributions to science, technological innovation, sustainable development, public policy, education, and the connection between knowledge, society, and the economy. He noted that their work closely aligns with the contemporary priorities of the Agricultural University of Athens, and particularly those of the Department of Biotechnology, including interdisciplinarity, the green and digital transition, occupational health and safety in production systems, sustainable agrifood systems, innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and international outreach.

The Department of Biotechnology, as an academic unit with a strong research, technological, and developmental orientation, serves a field that naturally extends beyond the boundaries of laboratory science. Modern biotechnology is closely linked with biosafety, environmental sustainability, agricultural resilience, food systems, data-driven innovation, the bioeconomy, public policy, and the development of innovation ecosystems. In this context, the honorary recognition of individuals with internationally acknowledged contributions to these strategic areas further strengthens the Department's prestige, international profile, and long-term vision.

The presentation of the honorees' careers and achievements was delivered by Professor Eleni Ntouni, President of the Department of Biotechnology and Dean of the School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, who highlighted their internationally recognized accomplishments and their significant contributions to their respective scientific and professional fields.

Dr. Stefanos Fotiou has built an outstanding international career in sustainable development, food systems, the green and circular economy, environmental policy, and the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Director of the FAO Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, he has played a leading role in shaping international policies for the transformation of agrifood systems. His extensive experience includes managing large international teams and budgets, developing policies and tools for sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, climate action, and biodiversity, as well as supporting numerous countries in their transition toward more resilient and sustainable production and consumption systems.

Dr. Andreas Stoimenidis is a distinguished expert in occupational health and safety, sustainable development, renewable energy, and the integration of engineering, environmental, and social dimensions into productive activities. With academic training in Mechanical Engineering, postgraduate specialization in environmental protection and sustainable development, and a doctoral degree focusing on renewable energy applications and their impact on regional development, he has pursued a uniquely interdisciplinary career. His professional experience encompasses major engineering and railway projects, environmental management, energy applications, education, research programmes, and policies related to occupational health and safety.

Ms. Litsa Panayotopoulos is a leading figure in technological innovation, education, and the development of knowledge ecosystems in Greece and internationally. A graduate in Computer Science from the University of London, with a professional career spanning more than four decades, she has played a pivotal role in Greece's digital transformation, the development of critical technological infrastructures, the management of international organizations and technology companies, and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship through education. As Head of Oracle operations in Greece, Southeastern Europe, and Cyprus, and through her contribution to the establishment and expansion of the company's activities across numerous countries, she has significantly advanced the role of technology as a driver of institutional and economic transformation.

Following the proclamation of each Honorary Doctor, Professor Eleni Ntouni, President of the Department and Dean of the School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, read the Department's official Resolution, after which Professor Spyridon Kintzios, Rector of the Agricultural University of Athens, formally conferred the Honorary Doctoral Diplomas. In accordance with the University's academic tradition, the honorees were then invested with the ceremonial academic gown of the Department by the Rector, Professor Eleni Miliou, Vice Rector for the European University, Internationalization and Student Affairs, and Professor Ntouni.

The ceremony concluded with the acceptance speeches delivered by the three Honorary Doctors.

Ms. Panayotopoulos stated:

"I accept this Honorary Doctorate from the Agricultural University of Athens with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I sincerely thank the University's leadership, and especially Rector Professor Spyridon Kintzios, for this exceptional honour. This distinction further strengthens my bond with an academic institution that has consistently connected knowledge with production and society, always keeping the land and its enduring lessons at its core—that growth and progress require strong foundations, care, and time. These are the principles I remain committed to serving and promoting."

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Andreas Stoimenidis expressed his heartfelt gratitude for being awarded the Honorary Doctorate, emphasizing that science must ultimately serve humanity. He highlighted the close relationship between biotechnology and occupational health and safety, stressing the transformative role of innovation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnological applications in preventing occupational risks, particularly in the agricultural sector. He also underlined the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and proposed the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Safe and Sustainable Agricultural Work, encouraging the new generation of scientists to use knowledge as a means of serving society and protecting human life.

Dr. Stefanos Fotiou thanked the University for the distinguished honour and expressed his conviction that science fulfils its highest mission when it serves people, society, and sustainable development. Reflecting on the individuals who shaped his career, his extensive international experience, and the vital relationship between science, policy, and society, he warned against the commercialization of knowledge, the political instrumentalization of science, and the marginalization of nature in decision-making. He concluded by emphasizing the pivotal role of the Agricultural University of Athens in shaping a more sustainable future.

The ceremony concluded with the address of Dr. Stefanos Fotiou.