N.T.U.A. Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (M.I.R.C.)
- A short history - Aim - Mission - Activities - M.I.R.C. Scientific and Administrative Bodies - N.T.U.A. Headquarters of M.I.R.C. - Other arrangements - New Scientific Committee Members - Contact |
A short history
The Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center
(M.I.R.C.) of the National Technical University of Athens (N.T.U.A.) for the
Protection and Development of Mountainous Environment and Local European
Cultures was founded in 1993 by decision of the National
Technical University of Athens Senate,
following the proposal of the then Rector Professor N. Markatos. It was set up
in 1998, following the Proposal of N.T.U.A. Rector Professor Th. Xanthopoulos,
by decision of the 22nd N.T.U.A. Senate on December 23, 1998.
Construction of N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. main branch in Metsovon: N.T.U.A. Rector Professor N. Markatos appointed Professor D. Rokos as his proxy and representative (Special Proxy 4036, December 30, 1993, Metsovon Notary Glykeria Platari – Sougle), whom he asked, according to Senate Decision, to accept, on behalf of N.T.U.A., the donation of a 4,276 m2 plot in Metsovon by the Municipality of Metsovon, toward the establishment of the N.T.U.A. Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (M.I.R.C.) for the Protection and Development of Mountainous Environment and Local European Cultures.
Accordingly, Contract 4078 (March 19, 1994, Metsovon Notary Glykeria Platari – Sougle) for the donation of urban real estate property to N.T.U.A. by the Municipality of Metsovon, toward the establishment of the N.T.U.A. Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (M.I.R.C.) for the Protection and Development of Mountainous Environment and Local European Cultures, was signed.
The architectural study for the construction of N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. premises in Metsovon has been conducted by Architect S. Karakostas and her associates, who won the 1st prize in the architectural competition held by N.T.U.A.. The building permit has been issued by the Urban Planning and Environment Directorate of the Prefecture of Ioannina.
A Technical Proposal for the construction of N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. premises in Metsovon in the framework of the Regional Development Plan of Epirus 2000-2006, has been submitted to the Regional Administration of Epirus by Professor D. Rokos. Relevant contacts and discussions with the Secretary General of Epirus Region D. Kaloudiotis and his advisors have been realized. A counterpart Technical Proposal has been submitted by Metsovon Mayor A. Kachrimanis.
Following appropriate lawful procedures, funding (700,000,000 GRD) for the construction of M.I.R.C. premises in Metsovon, through European Community Support Framework III, has been approved and signed by the Secretary General of Epirus Region D. Kaloudiotis and his successor, E. Liakopoulos. Additional funding (600,000,000 GRD) for the same project and the provision of scientific and other equipment has been approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
The construction project has been assigned to HEPHAESTUS S.A., through a relevant contest and following lawful procedures. Works are currently in progress (May 2001).
N.T.U.A. and N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. Interdisciplinary Interuniversity Conference series "N.T.U.A. for Metsovon: Paying Back a Part of the Debt to the Homeland of its Founders and Great Benefactors”: The 1st Interdisciplinary Interuniversity Conference of N.T.U.A. and N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C., on the subject "N.T.U.A. for Metsovon. Paying Back A Part of the Debt.", was organized (with support from the N.T.U.A. Laboratory of Remote Sensing) and held at Metsovon Conference Center on May 5-7, 1995. The Conference Proceedings, edited by Professor D. Rokos, were published by N.T.U.A. Press (752 pages).
The 2nd Interdisciplinary Interuniversity Conference of N.T.U.A. and N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C., on the subject "Technology, Culture and Decentralization", was organized (with support from the N.T.U.A. Laboratory of Remote Sensing) and held at Metsovon Conference Center on June 3-6, 1998. The Conference Proceedings have been published (757 pages).
The 3rd Interdisciplinary Interuniversity Conference of N.T.U.A. and N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C., on the subject "Integrated Development Of Mountainous Regions. Theory And Practice.", was organized (with support from the N.T.U.A. Laboratory of Remote Sensing) and held at Metsovon Conference Center on June 7-10, 2001. The Conference Proceedings are in the process of being published.
Since December 2005, the branch of N.T.U.A MIRC in Metsovon is working with basic equipment and staff. The provision with equipment will be completed by May 2006.
Aim
According to the decision of the N.T.U.A. Senate, the aim of
M.I.R.C. is to substantially support N.T.U.A. in the management of its real
estate property in Metsovon, which consists of a building plot in Aghia Triada,
the infrastructure which is associated with or results from the above property,
as well as third party donations, bequests and allowances, with the objective of
substantially connecting N.T.U.A. with the homeland of its Founders and
promoting the effective contribution of N.T.U.A. to Metsovon Province's
Integrated Development. In this direction, M.I.R.C. is closely cooperating with
the local educational, research and cultural organizations of Epirus and
especially with the Municipality of Metsovon, the University of Ioannina, the
Embellishing Association of Metsovon, the Epirus Egnatia Foundation etc.
Mission
The
mission of M.I.R.C. indicatively includes:
its activation in the creation, construction and
operation of the main branch of N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. in the town of Metsovon. The
principal aim will be to contribute to the protection and development of
mountainous environment and local European cultures and the provision of
continuing education.
the conduct of research, studies and seminars and conferences, relevant to the broader object of M.I.R.C., the creation of a European Network with related organizations under the aegis of the Center or the participation in already existing Networks. The above will be utilized by universities, cultural, research and productive organizations with the aim of assisting Metsovon in becoming a European Center of decentralized interdisciplinary, educational, research, technological and cultural activities of N.T.U.A..
Activities
For
the achievement of its aim, M.I.R.C. has pursued and will continue to pursue a
series of activities, including:
assisting N.T.U.A. in the organization of a preliminary architectural study competition for the construction of the main M.I.R.C. branch in Metsovon. The premises will be appropriate for the pursuit of interdisciplinary research toward the protection and development of mountainous environment and local European cultures. They will include laboratory, library, reception, accommodation and dining facilities, to be utilized by members of the educational personnel, researchers and students of N.T.U.A. and the University of Ioannina, who contribute to projects relevant to the aim of M.I.R.C..
supporting N.T.U.A. in submitting the study and applying for a building permit, as well as in the auction and the construction of M.I.R.C. premises.
supporting N.T.U.A. in the acquisition of equipment and the development of laboratory infrastructure to meet the needs of the main branch of M.I.R.C. in Metsovon.
contributing to the preservation and support of traditional productive activities in Metsovon and their creative reinforcement with new technologies developed by N.T.U.A.
pursuing and conducting interdisciplinary research and study in the fields of development and protection of mountainous environment and local European cultures, either independently or in cooperation with the research laboratories of N.T.U.A. and/or the University of Ioannina or other universities, research and generally scientific organizations in Greece and abroad.
creating a library relevant to its activities. In the future, the library will be able to autonomously publish technical reports and studies pertaining to research conducted in M.I.R.C.. The Proceedings of the 2nd Interdisciplinary Interuniversity Conference of N.T.U.A. and N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C., on the subject "Technology, Culture and Decentralization” are currently in the process of being published by M.I.R.C..
creating a seminar center promoting communication and interdisciplinary cooperation in the European academic and research community, in scientific fields relevant to the aim and mission of N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C..
In connection with the above, N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. is responsible for:
the pursuit of donations, bequests, and other allowances to M.I.R.C. from public and private sources, in Greece and abroad, on behalf of N.T.U.A. and according to its principles.
the pursuit of financial sponsorship for M.I.R.C. from public and private sources, in Greece and abroad, on behalf of N.T.U.A. and according to its principles.
the collection of M.I.R.C. royalty fees pertaining to the provision of services to third parties (studies, research, consultation etc.), irrespective of whether such services are related to the aim of M.I.R.C..
any course of action which will contribute to the enhancement of M.I.R.C. property, the development of M.I.R.C. scientific, research and cultural activities and the improvement of its efficiency, in the framework of the principles of N.T.U.A. and the aim of M.I.R.C.
M.I.R.C. Scientific and
Administrative Bodies
According
to the decision of the N.T.U.A. Senate, the instruments of M.I.R.C. are its Scientific
and Administrative Responsible and its Scientific Committee, which
is presided over by the Scientific and Administrative Responsible.
By the same decision, N.T.U.A. Professor D. Rokos has been appointed M.I.R.C. Scientific and Administrative Responsible and N.T.U.A. Professors E. Galanis (then N.T.U.A. Vice-Rector), D.-D. Balodimos, D. Marinos-Kouris, N. Markatos and D. Rokos have been appointed members of M.I.R.C. Scientific Committee.
The Scientific Committe is supported in its mission by Dr. E. Stournas-Triantis, Architect, University of Ioannina (detached to N.T.U.A.) and Dr. Eng. E. Dimopoulou, Rural and Surveying Engineer, N.T.U.A..
N.T.U.A. Headquarters of M.I.R.C.
According
to the decision of the N.T.U.A. Senate, appropriate facilities should be
provided to N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. at the building of the Technical Service of the
N.T.U.A., Patission 42, Athens, Greece. These facilities
also meet research needs of the N.T.U.A.
Interdisciplinary Interdepartmental Programme of Postgraduate Studies
“Environment and Development”, because of the necessity for the
Postgraduate Programme’ s cooperation with M.I.R.C. toward the protection and
development of mountainous environment and local European cultures, in the
framework of the Postgraduate Programme’ s broader, activities.
According to the decision of the Rectors Council of the N.T.U.A. the Development Foundation of M.I.R.C. uses the same facilities.
The Scientific and Administrative Responsible and the members of the Scientific Committee serve gratis.
In the framework of the decision of the N.T.U.A. Senate, the Scientific Committee and the Scientific and Administrative Responsible are responsible for the development, quality operation, viability and the attainment of the aim of M.I.R.C..
The Scientific Committee, puts forward to the N.T.U.A. Senate, through the Scientific and Administrative Responsible, proposals on issues of particular importance, on which the Senate decides.
Toward the attainment of the aim of M.I.R.C., the Scientific Committee cooperates with the University of Ioannina and the Municipality of Metsovon and its organizations, pursuing all necessary initiatives and activities.
The Scientific and Administrative Responsible and the members of the Scientific Committee are accountable to the N.T.U.A. Senate. Their tenure is equal to the time period needed for the construction and the initial operation of M.I.R.C. in Metsovon and may be renewed.
New Scientific Committee Members
On May 4th 2007, the N.T.U.A. Senate decided to appoint three additional Members to the M.I.R.C. Scientific Committee, which now consists of Professors: 1) E. Galanis, 2) D.-D. Balodimos, 3) D. Marinos-Kouris, 4) N. Markatos 5) D. Rokos, Scientific and Administrative Responsible. New Committee Members, Professors: 6) A. Andreopoulos, 7) I. Koumantakis and Associate Professor 8) D. Kaliampakos, have considerable research experience in scientific fields relevant to the N.T.U.A. M.I.R.C. mission and have been actively participating in the center's activities.
Contact
The postal address of the M.I.R.C. of the N.T.U.A. is:
In Athens:
N.T.U.A. Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center
(attn. Professor D. Rokos)
National Technical University of Athens
Building of Technical Service
Patission 42
Athens 10682, GreeceTel: +30-210-7722593, +30-210-7722596, +30-210-7723944
Fax: +30-210-7722594, +30-210-7723945
In Metsovo:
N.T.U.A. Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center
National Technical University of Athens
Metsovon 44200, GreeceTel: +30-26560-29040, +30-26560-29047
Fax: +30-26560-29046
Email:
mirc@central.ntua.gr and
drdrok@central.ntua.gr
WWW:
http://old.ntua.gr/MIRC/
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