Aegean College not only offers dedicated courses in sustainability but also integrates sustainability principles across a broad spectrum of academic programmes. This approach reflects a commitment to preparing students to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is our intention to fully address and map the curriculum of all our programmes towards the 17 criteria of SDGs criteria of United Nations, over the next 5 years. Aegean College intends to submit data to Times Higher Education and participates in the Impacts rankings which measure directly how Higher Education Institutions tackle SDGs.

Undergraduate Biology programmes of Aegean College are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

The accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) for the BSc Biology programmes with streams in Molecular Biology, Ecology and Conservation, and Marine Biology at Aegean College signifies a recognition of the programmes’ adherence to high standards of excellence in biological education. This accreditation has several benefits for the development of best practices in tackling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Assurance of Quality Education: RSB accreditation provides assurance that the BSc Biology programmes maintain high standards of academic rigor and quality.This assurance is crucial for producing graduates with a strong foundation in biological sciences, ensuring that they are well-equipped to address the complexities of sustainable development.
2. Alignment with International Standards: The accreditation aligns the BSc Biology programmes with international standards set by a respected professional body like the RSB. This alignment ensures that the education provided meets or exceeds benchmarks recognized globally, contributing to the development of best practices in biological education and research.
3. Recognition of Specialized Streams: The accreditation specifically acknowledges the specialized streams in Molecular Biology, Ecology and Conservation, and Marine Biology. Recognition of these streams indicates that students are receiving education and training in areas directly relevant to addressing specific aspects of the SDGs, such as life on land and below water.
4. Emphasis on Practical Skills and Application:RSB accreditation often includes a focus on practical skills development and application of knowledge. Students in accredited programmes are likely to engage in hands-on experiences, projects, and fieldwork, enhancing their ability to apply biological principles to real-world challenges outlined in the SDGs.
5. Integration of Sustainability Principles: The accreditation process may emphasize the integration of sustainability principles within the BSc Biology programs. This integration ensures that students are not only well-versed in biological concepts but also understand the importance of applying these concepts in ways that contribute to sustainable practices.
6. Enhancement of Research Opportunities: Accreditation by a prestigious body like the RSB enhances the credibility of research conducted within the BSc Biology programs. This credibility attracts researchers, collaborators, and funding opportunities, fostering an environment conducive to impactful research that can contribute to addressing SDGs.
7. Professional Recognition for Graduates: Graduates from RSB-accredited programs often receive professional recognition from the society, which can positively impact their career prospects while recognized professionals are better positioned to contribute to best practices in tackling the SDGs through their work in research, conservation, and other relevant fields.

The accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology for the BSc Biology programs at Aegean College is a testament to the quality and relevance of the education provided. This accreditation enhances the programs’ contribution to the development of best practices in addressing the SDGs by ensuring alignment with international standards, emphasizing practical skills, recognizing specialized streams, and promoting the integration of sustainability principles. Graduates from these programs are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development challenges.

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Aegean College collaborates with the NGO Athens Alzheimer Association in educating the community and creating awareness for dementia

Aegean College in collaboration with non-profit organization Athens Alzheimer Association organized free training and learning seminars for caregivers of people with dementia.

For the first time since the pandemic, the institution of “Caregivers School” was organized in person, with three important seminars that took place in Aegean College’s central facilities at Panepistimiou 17 Str.

The Seminars

Paraskevi Sakka, president of Alzheimer Association and president of the Greek National Observatory for Dementia – Alzheimer, opened the seminars on Wednesday, 18th of May with the topic of “Dementia, forms of dementia, clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment”. The same day, neurologist Kynthia Kondyli examined the topic of “Alzheimer’s disease, prevention, risk factors, protective factors”.

On Monday, 25th of May, Costis Prouskas, Psychologist, Doctor of Gerontology and director of Aktios Elderly Care Units, gave his speech on “Practical issues of care, behaviour and communication with people with dementia” followed by Kostas Nikolaou, psychologist of the Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Department at Hygeia Hospital, who talked about “Understanding and addressing problematic behaviours in people with dementia”.

The seminars were completed on Wednesday, 1st of June with three more interesting speeches.

Nikoletta Geronikola, MSc, neuropsychologist, moderator of the Day Care Center Marousi, analysed the “Psychosocial Interventions on people with dementia and their carers”.

Social worker, Irini Vamvakari, MSc, gave a speech on the topic of “Services for people with dementia and their carers”.

Finally, lawyer Giannis Bilianis talked about “Dementia: Rights, Ethical & Legal Issues”

The collaboration between Aegean College and the NGO Athens Alzheimer Association in educating the community and raising awareness for dementia contributes significantly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined below .

1. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): The collaboration contributes to SDG 3 by promoting good health and well-being through community education on dementia. Increased awareness helps identify symptoms early, leading to better management of the condition and improved quality of life for individuals affected by dementia.
2. Quality Education (SDG 4): The collaboration aligns with SDG 4 by providing educational initiatives on dementia to the community. Educational programs contribute to building a knowledgeable and informed society, fostering understanding and empathy for those affected by dementia.
3. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): The collaboration works towards reducing inequalities associated with dementia by offering education and awareness programs accessible to diverse segments of the population. Ensuring that information reaches various demographics helps address disparities related to awareness and understanding of dementia.
4. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Education and awareness efforts in communities align with SDG 11 by contributing to sustainable urban and community development. The collaboration supports creating inclusive, safe, and resilient communities where individuals with dementia are understood and supported.
5. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The collaboration between Aegean College and the Athens Alzheimer Association exemplifies SDG 17 by fostering partnerships for the goals. Working together enhances the impact of initiatives related to dementia education and awareness, creating a collective effort towards achieving shared objectives.
6. Community Engagement (SDG 16): The collaboration engages the community, aligning with SDG 16 by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. Increased understanding of dementia reduces stigma and discrimination, contributing to a more compassionate and supportive community environment.
7. Empowerment of Individuals (SDG 5): Educational initiatives empower individuals, caregivers, and the community at large to understand and respond effectively to dementia. This aligns with SDG 5 by promoting gender equality, as dementia often affects women disproportionately, and education helps empower women as caregivers and advocates.
8. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): The collaboration contributes to SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production of knowledge about dementia. Educating the community responsibly about dementia ensures that information is accurate, supportive, and aligned with ethical standards.
9. Increased Research and Awareness (SDG 3, SDG 9): The collaboration supports increased research efforts related to dementia, aligning with SDG 3. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 9 by promoting innovation in educational methods and approaches for raising awareness about dementia.

The collaboration between Aegean College and the Athens Alzheimer Association plays a crucial role in addressing multiple SDGs by promoting education, awareness, community engagement, and partnerships in the context of dementia. This collaborative effort contributes to building a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive society.

Link Here.

Aegean College is deeply committed to addressing sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across a wide range of academic programs. The college offers a diverse array of courses, including full degrees and elective modules, specifically designed to explore and contribute to sustainability and SDGs. More specifically :

1. Postgraduate in Sustainable Tourism Management: The university offers an MSc in Sustainable Tourism Management, providing students with specialized knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable practices in the tourism industry. This programme emphasizes the integration of environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles.
2. Optional Modules in Sustainable Business in both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Business programmes: Sustainable business is embedded into various academic programs, with dedicated streams that focus on sustainable practices in business operations. These streams incorporate principles of corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making, and sustainable business strategies.
3. Optional Modules in Shipping Programs: Shipping programs include optional modules such as “Sustainability in Supply and Logistics,” addressing the environmental and social impact of shipping and logistics operations. These modules explore sustainable practices in the shipping industry, aligning with SDGs related to responsible consumption and climate action.
4. Streams in Biology Programs: Biology programs offer specialized streams, including Ecology and Conservation, Marine Biology, and Biodiversity. These streams explore the principles of conservation biology, sustainable management of ecosystems, and the preservation of biodiversity, aligning with SDGs related to life on land and below water.
5. Integration Across Programs: More than half of the over 87 programs of study and 2000 modules address the majority of the 17 SDGs criteria, reflecting the university’s commitment to mainstream sustainability across disciplines. Sustainability is not confined to specific programmes but rather it is integrated into a wide array of academic offerings, ensuring that students across diverse fields gain an understanding of and contribute to sustainable development.
6. Real-world Application: Aegean College programmes emphasize the practical application of sustainability concepts, preparing students to address real-world challenges. Case studies, projects, and internships are often structured to allow students to apply sustainability principles in various professional settings.
7. Research and Innovation: Aegean College invests in research and innovation aligned with sustainability goals. Faculty and students engage in research projects that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in areas such as sustainable development, environmental conservation, and social responsibility.
8. Holistic Approach: Aegean College takes a holistic approach to sustainability, acknowledging the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. This approach ensures that students are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues and are prepared to address complex challenges.

Aegean College not only offers dedicated courses in sustainability but also integrates sustainability principles across a broad spectrum of academic programs. This approach reflects a commitment to preparing students to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is our intention to fully address and map the curriculum of all our programmes towards the 17 criteria of SDGs criteria of United Nations, over the next 5 years.

Aegean College  has included in its portfolio a dedicated program, the MSc in Sustainable International Tourism, which serves as a focused initiative to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to the following:

1. Focus on Sustainable Tourism (SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 14, SDG 15): The MSc in Sustainable International Tourism is explicitly designed to address sustainability within the tourism sector, aligning with multiple SDGs. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) are directly impacted by the program’s emphasis on sustainable tourism practices.
2. Integration of Environmental and Social Sustainability (SDG 13, SDG 10): The program incorporates principles of environmental sustainability (SDG 13 – Climate Action) and social sustainability (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities). Students are educated on minimizing the environmental footprint of tourism activities and promoting fair and inclusive practices within the industry.
3. Community Engagement and Responsible Tourism (SDG 1, SDG 11): The MSc program addresses SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through a focus on responsible tourism. Initiatives within the program encourage community engagement, economic benefits for local populations, and the development of sustainable tourism destinations.
4. Ethical and Inclusive Tourism Practices (SDG 16, SDG 5): The program contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting ethical tourism practices. Additionally, it aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by encouraging inclusive tourism initiatives that empower women and marginalized communities.
5. Research and Innovation (SDG 9): The MSc program supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering research and innovation within the sustainable tourism sector. Students are encouraged to explore and propose innovative solutions that contribute to the advancement of sustainable tourism practices.
6. Cross-disciplinary Approach (SDG 17): The program adopts a cross-disciplinary approach, linking to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry partners, governmental bodies, and local communities, is emphasized to create a collective impact on sustainable development.
7. Education and Capacity Building (SDG 4): The MSc program contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing students with a high-quality education that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to address sustainability challenges in the tourism industry.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation (SDG 17): The program includes mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impact of sustainable tourism practices, aligning with SDG 17. This approach ensures continuous improvement and accountability in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.

The MSc in Sustainable International Tourism at Aegean College is a dedicated program that addresses various SDGs directly and indirectly. Through its curriculum, research initiatives, and emphasis on responsible tourism practices, the program contributes to the global efforts to achieve sustainable development within the tourism sector.

Link Here.

Blood donation campaign with the University Hospital of Larissa

Even though Aegean College systematically collaborates with Hospitals and promotes Blood donation initiatives in all its campuses all over Greece, this case Study focuses on Blood donation in the Larissa Campus.

Blood donation initiatives in collaboration with the University Hospital of Larissa represent a crucial step towards developing best practices in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More specifically donations from students, academic and administrative staff contribute twords SDGs as follows:

1. Human Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Blood donation contributes directly to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The collaboration with the University Hospital of Larissa emphasizes the importance of maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply to support medical treatments, surgeries, and emergency care.
2. Collaboration for Partnerships (SDG 17): The partnership between the university and the hospital exemplifies SDG 17, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve the SDGs. Joint efforts in organizing blood donation drives strengthen the bond between academic institutions and healthcare facilities, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing global challenges.
3. Quality Healthcare Services (SDG 3): Regular blood donations ensure the availability of quality healthcare services, aligning with SDG 3. By actively participating in blood donation campaigns, Aegean College contributes to a resilient healthcare system, addressing the need for safe and sufficient blood supplies.
4. Education and Awareness (SDG 4 and SDG 3): Blood donation initiatives provide opportunities for education and awareness, linking to both SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3. Aegean College can organize awareness campaigns and educational programs on the importance of blood donation, fostering a culture of health and well-being among students and the wider community.
5. Community Engagement and Responsible Citizenship (SDG 16 and SDG 3): Blood donation campaigns engage the community in responsible citizenship, connecting with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 3. Encouraging community members, including students, faculty, and staff, to participate in blood donation promotes a sense of social responsibility and contributes to the broader goal of building peaceful and inclusive societies.
6. Emergency Preparedness (SDG 1 and SDG 3): Adequate blood supplies are crucial for emergency preparedness, aligning with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3. The university’s involvement in blood donation initiatives contributes to the preparedness of the healthcare system to respond effectively to emergencies, accidents, and natural disasters.
7. Sustainable Development of Health Systems (SDG 3): Blood donation practices contribute to the sustainable development of health systems, supporting SDG 3. The collaboration with the University Hospital of Larissa creates a continuous and sustainable approach to maintaining blood banks, ensuring a steady supply for medical treatments and emergencies.
8. Social Inclusion and Equality (SDG 10): Blood donation campaigns promote social inclusion and equality, aligning with SDG 10. By encouraging diverse community members to participate, the initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equal access to healthcare services.
9. Data Collection and Monitoring (SDG 17): The collaboration provides an opportunity for data collection and monitoring, supporting progress towards SDG 17. Monitoring blood donation rates, demographic information of donors, and the impact on healthcare services contributes to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.

Blood donation initiatives in collaboration with the University Hospital of Larissa serve as a practical and impactful way for the university to contribute to several SDGs. Through these efforts, Aegean College actively participates in the global agenda for sustainable development, promoting health, well-being, and collaborative partnerships.

Link Here.

Students of the 3rd year of BSc (Hons) Shipping visited Elefsina Port Authority, in the framework of the course “Port Management”.
During their visit, students and academics had the opportunity to tour the facilities of the Commercial Port of Elefsina and the cargo unloading areas, where they were informed by the Agency’s executives about the procedures followed in accordance with the relevant legislation for the safe loading/unloading of cargo from ships which is informed by sustainable practices of supply chain management in ports.

Link Here.