In light of the enormous destruction caused by wildfires and floods in Greece recently, and their long-term environmental, health, social and economic impact, the Archimedes Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) took the initiative to hold an innovative competition on "The Prevention, Management and Recovery of the Effects of Natural Disasters as a Consequence of Climate Change", with the support of ElvalHalcor.
In this context, the NKUA research community was invited to examine practical applications of its research findings in an effort to address the issue. A packed hall at the NKUA’s Kostis Palamas building attended the presentation of the nine innovative solutions that were shortlisted following strong participation. ElvalHalcor as a sponsor, provided a cash reward for three of the proposals that were selected. Professor Niki Evelpidou of the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment won the first award for “Nature4Nature", a green proposal for the protection of beaches from coastal erosion.
During the award ceremony, Dimitris Kyriakopoulos, vice chairman of ElvalHalcor, said "we invest in research and development as well as advanced technology, aiming to offer innovative products that will contribute to improving the quality of life of our society, responding to the demand for a sustainable future. Having set sustainable development as our strategic choice, we are pleased to support this effort that connects entrepreneurship with university research and innovation, achieving synergies that create and return real value to society." He said that the competition “is an excellent initiative that shows how applied research and innovation can contribute to a better future for all of us."