Participation of the Agricultural University of Athens in the Graduation Ceremony and Awarding of Specialization Diplomas to Graduates of the 2nd Cohort of the EU-CONEXUS Joint Master’s Programme in Marine Biotechnology

Date:

Friday 18 Jul 2025

On Friday, July 11, 2025, the in-person Graduation Ceremony and Awarding of Specialization Diplomas for the 2nd cohort of the Joint Master Programme in Marine Biotechnology took place in La Rochelle, France.

The programme is implemented by EU-CONEXUS, the European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, of which the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) is a founding member. It is co-funded by the European Union as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.

The goal of the Joint International Inter-University Master’s Programme is to provide high-level education so that graduates gain a solid scientific background and expertise in specialized fields related to Marine Biotechnology.

Representatives from the Rectorates of the nine (9) partner universities of the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance participated in the ceremony. Representing the Rectorate of AUA were Prof. Spyridon Kintzios, Rector of AUA, and Prof. Eleni Miliou, Scientific Coordinator of the Programme at AUA and Vice-Rector for the European University, Internationalization, and Student Affairs.

During the event, Specialization Diplomas were awarded to 25 graduates from 19 different countries. Among them was student Anthi Rekliti, who conducted her Master’s thesis at the Laboratory of Applied Hydrobiology, Department of Animal Science, AUA, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Emmanouil Malandrakis.

The keynote speech was delivered by the Rector of AUA, which made a strong impression on the attending graduates, their families, and faculty members. After offering warm congratulations to the graduates, he highlighted the multiple benefits of their integration into the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance and emphasized the meaningful aspects of European unification. The complete text of the Rector’s speech is provided in the attached document.

Graduate speeches followed, during which students enthusiastically shared their experiences and underlined the excellent opportunity for postgraduate studies provided through the ERASMUS MUNDUS scholarships. Speakers also highlighted the friendships, collaborations, and bonds formed during their studies, stressing the international and multicultural nature of the Programme.

After the ceremony, attendees extended wishes to the graduates for health, strength, and successful professional paths.

As part of the Graduation Week for the 2nd cohort of the Joint Master’s Programme in Marine Biotechnology, Master’s thesis presentations took place on July 7 and 8, 2025. These presentations were evaluated by three-member committees composed of Professors from all collaborating universities of the Alliance.

On July 9, 2025, the Programme Committee and the External Advisory Committee of the Master's Programme met to assess its progress and plan future actions of this ERASMUS MUNDUS Programme.

Finally, on July 10, 2025, as part of Graduation Week, a "Blue Innovation Day" event was held. During this event, graduates had the opportunity to engage with experienced researchers from the EU-CONEXUS network, receiving guidance for their research careers and professional development.

The Joint Master’s Programme in Marine Biotechnology is implemented through the collaboration of the following six (6) EU-CONEXUS Alliance member universities: