A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday, February 3, 2022, by the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) and the Postgraduate Program “MSc in Energy: Strategy, Law and Economics” of the Department of International & European Studies of the University of Piraeus. The memorandum, signed by the CEO of DESFA, Maria Rita Galli and the Director of the Program, Professor Nikolaos Farantouris, provides a joint action plan for the further consolidation and strengthening of the cooperation between the two organizations, which includes, among others:
- Exchange of know-how and more specifically, cooperation in academic and scientific actions, exchange / mutual visits of members and students of the MSc in Energy and executives of DESFA, as well as collaborations with research centers, academic bodies, innovation institutions in Greece and abroad for the development of joint programs.
- Talent attraction and support, such as award of scholarships by DESFA to students of the Postgraduate Program, support of field research activities such as Postgraduate Diploma Theses, as well as development of an “Internship” program for students of the Postgraduate Program in DESFA.
- Participation in co-financed projects, such as design or creation of joint co-financed actions or programs, submission of joint proposals to co-funded national, European or international programs
- Organization of joint events, namely organization of joint scientific or research activities, such as organization of conferences and workshops.
DESFA, actively supporting academic excellence and young people who wish to work in the energy sector, focusing on the gas market, will already offer in the current academic year 3 scholarships and internships for graduates of the program.
On the occasion of the signing of the MoU, the CEO of DESFA, Maria Rita Galli, stated: “At a time when the energy sector is evolving rapidly and given the role of DESFA for the transition to a sustainable energy future, a culture of continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling of the human capital is critical. In this framework, the direct and continuous connection with the academic community and the research work produced is a high priority for us. In this context, we are particularly pleased to strengthen our cooperation with the “MSc in Energy: Strategy, Law and Economics” of the Department of International & European Studies of the University of Piraeus, a postgraduate program with a very high academic level and direct relevance to our field and we look forward to a close and mutually beneficial relationship for the fulfillment of our common goals”.
On his part, the Director of the Postgraduate Program, Professor Nikolaos Farantouris, noted: “The interdisciplinarity of the energy sector is reflected in the Postgraduate Program in Energy Strategy, Law & Economics of the University of Piraeus but also in the actions, operation and goals of DESFA. It is also reflected in the framework of our Program’s cooperation with a leading company, which serves as a pillar of security of energy supply in our country and the EU, such as DESFA: Law, Economy, Geopolitics, Strategy, Institutions and Regulation, all assemble and influence energy planning, energy policies and energy security. Our cooperation aspires to contribute to this planning, as well as to the emergence of new executives in leading positions of responsibility in the field of energy in Greece and Europe for the coming years”.
During the meeting, which took place at the headquarters of DESFA, the main points of cooperation were presented and the immediate actions for the implementation of the MoU planned within the current semester were discussed. During the meeting, views were also exchanged by the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Aggelos D. Kotios, the Dean of the School of International, Economic and Business Studies of the University of Piraeus, Professor, Michael Sfakianakis, the Chief Financial Officer of DESFA, Marc Vercruysse, the Market Development Department Manager of DESFA, Gerasimos Avlonitis, the Department Manager CEO Office, Tatiana Zachou, as well as the company’s Corporate Governance Department Manager, Dimitris Papadopoulos.
