Two new research institutes will be founded in Greece, the Institute of Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology at the National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Attica, and the Institute of Human Genomics at the Foundation for Research and Technology (Forth) on Crete, Deputy Development & Investments Minister Christos Dimas told Parliament plenary on Wednesday.
While commenting on a bill related to the resolution of the Elefsina Shipyards, which will include a rider on the founding of the first such institutes in Greece, Dimas said the first one will produce research that can be applied across multiple industry sectors and it will set up interdisciplinary programs, graduate-school programs, and programs for public administration and business managers. It will also allow the use of European Union funds available for research in the quantum technology field, which will directly benefit the national economy, he added.
The second institute, on genomics, will use research on local genome variations to improve public health in Greece and to understand genetic issues specific to the Greek population in order to improve diagnosis and therapy, Dimas noted, while pointing out that Greece already has high-level researchers in genomics and computational biology whose experience is not being used enough.
Responding to a question by main opposition SYRIZA Deputy Theodoros Dritsas, the minister said that each will be incorporated under Demokritos and Forth, therefore under their budgets, but that “to a great degree their funding will also come from the Recovery Fund.” Therefore, “funding is guaranteed to a great degree,” Dimas added.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
