On Friday, 10 July 2026, the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) hosted the Graduation and Diploma Awarding Ceremony for the 3rd cohort of the EU-CONEXUS Joint Master’s Programme in Marine Biotechnology.
The Joint Master’s Programme aims to provide high-level education, equipping graduates with a strong scientific background and expertise in specialised fields related to marine biotechnology. Delivered by six European universities, the programme offers specialised training in areas including aquaculture biotechnology, marine biorefineries, blue biomass, and innovative marine bioproducts.
The participating universities are:
- Catholic University of Valencia (Spain)
- La Rochelle University (France)
- Agricultural University of Athens (Greece)
- University of Zadar (Croatia)
- Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
- Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (Romania)
The ceremony was attended by the Rector of AUA, Professor Spyridon Kintzios; the Academic Coordinator of the programme at AUA and Vice-Rector for the European University, Internationalisation and Student Affairs, Professor Eleni Miliou; the Vice-Rector for Research, Finance and Development, Professor Thomas Bartzanas; the Head of the Department of Animal Science, Professor Georgios Papadomichelakis; and the Dean of the School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology and Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Professor Eleni Ntouni.
The event was also attended by representatives of the rectorates of the EU-CONEXUS partner universities, including Professor Francisco Javier Sancho Pelluz, Vice-Rector of the Catholic University of Valencia; Professor Zvjezdan Penezić, Vice-Rector of the University of Zadar; Professor Valérie Thiéry, representative of the Rectorate of La Rochelle University; and Professor Rasa Grigolienė, Vice-Rector of Klaipeda University. During the ceremony, they congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of European cooperation in higher education and research.
Master of Science diplomas were awarded to 32 graduates from 20 different countries.
The keynote address of the event was delivered by the Rector of AUA, Professor Spyridon Kintzios, leaving a profound impression on the graduating class, their families, and the attending faculty. After extending his warmest congratulations to the new graduates, the Rector commented on the numerous benefits arising from their integration into the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance, while emphasizing the deeper significance of European integration. Following the Rector’s address, graduate representatives took the floor, enthusiastically sharing their experiences from their studies. They strongly highlighted the unique opportunity for advanced postgraduate studies made possible through the Erasmus Mundus scholarships, while also reflecting on the close friendships, fruitful collaborations, and lasting personal bonds forged during their studies. Special mention was made of the international and multicultural nature of the program, which was key to shaping a rich academic and social experience.
The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by the AUA Music Club, which presented a selection of international songs under the direction of Associate Professor Panagiota Koutsouli.
The graduation ceremony concluded a week of academic and celebratory events. On 6 and 7 July 2026, the students of the 3rd cohort presented their Master’s theses before three-member examination committees composed of Professors from all Partner Universities. On 8 July 2026, representatives of the partner institutions participated in a visit to the island of Spetses, an activity designed to strengthen professional relationships and promote team building among the consortium members. On 9 July 2026, Blue Innovation Day brought together graduates, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, providing opportunities for networking, research exchange and career development discussions. On the same day, the Programme Board Members of the Master’s Programme and the External Advisory Board Members met to review the Programme’s progress and discuss future actions for this flagship Erasmus Mundus programme.
As a whole, the week’s events brought together students, academics and institutional representatives from across the Alliance, celebrating the achievements of the graduates and the continued success of the EU-CONEXUS Joint Master’s Programme in Marine Biotechnology.
