In its 20 years of operations, ELPEN’s Research Center has realized more than 700 educational programs, thereby contributing decisively to the production of scientific knowledge and the support of the scientific community. With modern facilities, cutting-edge technological equipment and highly trained personnel, the Center operates under international standards, and is recognized as a vital research entity, both in Greece and abroad. The sensibility shown by ELPEN towards Greek researchers is also highlighted by the 120 scholarships, which have been offered up until now – scholarships, which have been institutionalized and receive legal recognition by Universities and other research entities.
During its 20 years of operations, the Center has been supporting international and domestic scientific collaborations, as well as experimental programs with the Secretariat General of Research & Technology, the European Union and other entities. The high-standard, cutting-edge research, which is conducted within the framework of these collaborations, have placed the Center among the few laboratories for applied research; it is recognized as being the only one originating from the private sector – in particular, from the Greek productive industry.
Of outstanding importance is the award, which the Center received, during its inauguration, in 1996, by Sir Magdi Yacoub, who characterized it as a “fantastic, innovative project”.
The activities of the Experimental & Research Center include:
1. Scientific collaborations with Clinics and Laboratories from the Greek Universities of the National Health System and the Private Nursing Sector, for original research ideas
2. International research collaborations
3. Pilot programs with the Secretariat General of Research & Technology, the European Union and other entities
4. In vivo preclinical experimental research on new molecules, for which ELPEN reserves exclusive rights
5. Training for specialized physicians, intern physicians and other scientists, with institutionalized Panhellenic or International Seminars, which are organized by esteemed scientific entities, followed by the appropriate certification (CME)
6. Scientific updating for Entities (Universities, Clinics, Laboratories, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students), physicians and other scientists, about the industrial activities and operations of the Center
The Research Center’s significant scientific work can be summarized in the following:
• >400 Announcements in international scientific conferences
• 80 Publications in Greek scientific journals
• >600 Announcements in Greek scientific conferences
• >200 Awards by Greek and international scientific entities
• >400 Lectures - Speeches
• >700 Organization of educational events
• 300 PhD theses and Masters (at various stages of completion)
• 15 books and publications
• >600 educational visits to the facilities (production and research up until 2013)
• 11.000 visitors
Mr. Apostolos Papalois, Biologist, PhD, KGSJ, AMACS, Director of ELPEN’s Experimental & Research Center, emphasizes: “The Center is a successful model and a living proof of the great possibilities, which emerge from the collaboration between the Public and Private sector. It is a familiar space for both sectors; it is an incubator of growth and combined forces, a truly innovative idea for Greece, Science and our National Economy.”