Greek Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, attended the contract signing ceremony for the construction of two research infrastructures at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (IIBEAA), alongside the foundation’s president, Lucas Papademos.
The project, part of a broader initiative to upgrade research and innovation infrastructure, amounting to €370 million, involves the construction of a Biosafety Laboratory and Radiogenomics Units, with a budget of €20 million, funded by the Recovery Fund and the European Investment Bank.
During the signing ceremony, the Minister stated: “Research and innovation are fundamental to the new productive model we are implementing with planning and determination—for more and better-paid jobs, prosperity with reduced inequalities, and sustainable, resilient development. These priorities take on even greater significance when applied to medical research, which impacts every human life.”
Theodorikakos underlined the new infrastructures would be a catalyst for implementing innovative research programs to enhance the understanding of diseases and provide targeted personalized medical services. “The operation of these new laboratory units will create new jobs, attract highly specialized personnel, support the education and development of young scientists, advance research and development, strengthen public health in Greece, and boost the country’s position within the EU.”
On his part, Lucas Papademos noted the signing of the contract meant the implementation of the project for the construction and full equipment of the two research infrastructures had officially commenced. “These facilities will play a crucial role in advancing highly significant activities,” he remarked.
“The Biosafety Level 3+ Laboratory Unit will include the construction of a six-story building with two underground levels, covering a total area of 2,700 square meters, along with the laboratory’s equipment. It is the first of its kind in Greece, serving as a national infrastructure designed for safe and effective research, diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, and management of highly pathogenic organisms for the benefit of public health.”
