Stockholm University signs new Swedish-Greek research collaboration

The trilateral agreement between Stockholm University’s Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research, the Centre of Environmental Health and Biophysics at the Academy of Athens and TEMES S.A. – a Greek private company specializing in the development of luxury mixed-use resorts in the Mediterranean – will result in the establishment of an environmental observatory in the Greek region of Messinia.

The observatory is to be known as the Navarino Environmental Observatory (N.E.O.) and is expected to be in full operation in 2010.

The agreement comes after Stockholm University initiated discussions with the Academy of Athens and TEMES more than a year ago in response to the government’s encouragement that universities seek collaboration with the private sector.

“This requires a new mindset in the research world,” says Kåre Bremer, Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University. “We have actively been seeking strategic partners and have found a company [in TEMES] that we believe to have credibility on climate and environmental issues which are central to much of our research.”

Seeking to further its commitment to climate research – a leading field of research at Stockholm University– the Vice-Chancellor is optimistic about the possibilities the new venture will bring.

“We hope that the creation of N.E.O. will provide an example of how the academic community and private sector can work together to promote sustainability and apply the basic concepts of green economics,” says Bremer.

Achilles Constantakopoulos, Managing Director, TEMES SA, was similarly enthusiastic about his company’s role in working to study and improve the environment.

“We hope to contribute to the efforts being made to address climate change in a timely manner,” says Mr Constantakopoulos.

The Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research at Stockholm University has an international reputation as a centre for fundamental research on critical processes in the climate system. The Centre is currently undertaking extensive research into natural climate evolution and variability, as well as man’s ever-increasing impact on the climate system through emission of greenhouse gases and aerosols, and changes in land-use, vegetation and hydrology.

This latest research cooperation sees the Bert Bolin Centre and Stockholm University further enhancing its reputation as a key player in the climate debate.

More information about the research programme can be found here:
www.su.se/english/about/society-and-business/2.340/neo-1.1832

For more information contact:
Karin Ulfsdotter Crépin, Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Mobile: +46 (0)704-80 07 88, Email: karin.ulfsdotter.crepin@natgeo.su.se

TEMES S.A
www.costanavarino.com

Academy of Athens:
www.bioacademy.gr
www.zerefos.gr

Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research:
www.bbcc.su.se

Text: Jon Buscall