A delegation from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens visited Boston University, where they met with senior leadership to further strengthen ties between the two institutions. The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to expanding academic and research collaboration in key strategic areas.
The visit followed President Melissa Gilliam’s October 2025 trip to Athens with her team. Building on that momentum, both sides expressed a clear intention to develop meaningful and sustained collaboration, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary initiatives in both the short and long term. Priority areas include health sciences, classical studies and the broader humanities—particularly archaeology—as well as pharmacology and international law.
During the visit, Rector Gerasimos Siasos met with President Gilliam to explore strategic priorities and new opportunities for partnership. At the same time, Vice-Rector Sophia Papaioannou and Professor Effie Basdra of the School of Medicine held separate meetings with senior Boston University officials, including Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gloria Waters, Senior International Development Officer William Straughn, Director of International Advancement Tuoyang Mu, and Associate Dean of the School of Law Christina Cox, along with faculty members and administrative staff.
Particular attention was given to the University of Athens’ English-taught programmes, which drew strong interest from Boston University. These programmes were recognised as offering students the opportunity to study in a high-quality academic environment enriched by Greece’s unique cultural and historical setting.
Boston University also expressed interest in re-engaging with the University of Athens on its summer course ‘Voyage into Classical Civilisation’ and the Classical Archaeology programme. Both were highlighted as distinctive opportunities to combine academic study with direct experience of history and culture.
The two sides concluded the meetings with a shared commitment to continuing their collaboration and agreed to proceed with concrete next steps. These discussions mark an important milestone in the development of a dynamic and multifaceted partnership, drawing on the complementary strengths of the University of Athens and Boston University in education, research, and international engagement.
