Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Energy Institute, and Athena Research Center Aim to Foster Academic and Research Collaboration
The Athena Research Center, Texas A&M University, and the Texas A&M Energy Institute formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 23, 2025, at the Athena Research Center’s premises in Athens, Greece, laying the foundation for a five-year collaboration in research and academic exchange.
The agreement, signed by Prof. Ioannis Emiris, President of the Board of Directors and Director General of Athena Research Center, Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute, and Dr. Holly Hudson, Associate Vice President for Global Engagement at Texas A&M University, establishes a framework for strategic cooperation. This includes exchange of researchers, scholars, and faculty members, sharing of academic materials, initiating joint research projects and organizing joint symposia, workshops and conferences.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Jeff Sammons, Associate Executive Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute; Kim Daniel, Academic Program Manager in the Texas A&M Energy Institute; and Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Associate Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute; as well as Prof. Chrysostomos Stylios, Director of the Industrial Systems Institute at the Athena Research Center and Professor at the University of Ioannina.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the signatories and participants shared their perspectives on the collaboration, emphasizing its importance for advancing research, innovation, and international academic engagement.
Prof. Chrysostomos Stylios noted, “The Industrial Systems Institute had begun communicating and exploring collaboration with the Energy Institute of the University of Texas two years ago. There has been collaboration on several levels, such as hosting graduate students for a week, and today, with the signing of the memorandum, the collaboration is officially confirmed, which will lead to further research and educational collaborations.”
Dr. Konstantinos Pappas stated, “This MOU is a testament to the shared vision of advancing critical research and educational initiatives through international collaboration. As an Associate Director, I am particularly enthusiastic about the opportunities this partnership creates for our researchers and students to engage in groundbreaking work with the Athena Research Center, especially in areas that will drive future energy innovations and strengthen global scientific ties.”
Dr. Stratos Pistikopoulos added: “We are excited to formalize our strong relationship with the Athena Research Center. This MoU will enable deeper collaboration in cutting-edge research, particularly in areas critical to energy, and will foster invaluable opportunities for our faculty and students to engage in international academic exchange.”
Concluding the ceremony, Prof. Ioannis Emiris remarked, “International collaborations are at the core of Athena’s strategy to maintain its global leadership in digital sciences and their applications. I’m confident that this step will lead to impactful synergies in domains that are relevant for all parties and will enhance the activity and visibility of our groups.”
Through this agreement, the parties aim to foster long-term collaboration, enhance academic excellence, and strengthen scientific and educational ties between Greece and the United States.
