Neapolis University Pafos and Democritus University of Thrace Sign Agreement for Joint English-Taught Medical Undergraduate Programme

On Wednesday, 25 June 2025, Neapolis University Pafos (NUP) and Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) formalised their academic partnership with the signing of a Special Cooperation Protocol, laying the foundation for a new, joint undergraduate programme in Medicine, taught entirely in English.

The official signing ceremony took place at the Christiaan Barnard Hall of Coral Beach Hotel & Resort in Pafos. Opening the event, Mr. George Leptos, President of the Council of Neapolis University Pafos, described the initiative as a milestone for both the University and the city of Pafos, highlighting the regional impact of establishing a Medical School with international reach.

The Rectors of the two institutions shared a common vision for the programme’s academic and strategic importance.

Professor Fotios Maris, Rector of DUTH, emphasised:

“This agreement represents a strategic step forward for both universities. It brings together two academic ecosystems through a high-level partnership that will have tangible impact on the higher education landscape of Greece and Cyprus.”

Professor Pantelis Sklias, Rector of NUP, noted:

“We see this as a flagship collaboration between two institutions aligned by shared values and a commitment to excellence. The joint Medical programme strengthens the vision of the EMERGE European University Alliance and sets a new standard for internationally oriented education.”

The programme is designed exclusively for international students and combines four years of academic study at Neapolis University Pafos with two years of clinical training at the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis in Greece. It aims to integrate advanced medical education, cutting-edge technology, and real-world experience within a transnational framework.

Senior academic representatives from DUTH also addressed the audience, offering insights into the pedagogical, clinical, and European dimensions of the new programme.

Professor Alexandra Yiatromanolaki, Member of the DUTH Governing Board, described the initiative as:

“The result of trust, consistency, and vision. We aim to equip future doctors with knowledge, skills, and empathy to serve life with responsibility.”

Professor George Vadikolias, President of the Medical Department, remarked:

“Medicine is not only taught in lecture halls, it is taught at the patient’s side. This programme embraces that principle with full academic responsibility.”

Professor Michalis Koukourakis, Vice President of the Medical Department, reflected on the significance of the launch:

“We are signing the birth certificate of a programme that combines academic tradition with idealism. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and exceptional faculty, it is ready to enter the sphere of excellence.”

Professor Theodoros Konstantinidis, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, added:

“This initiative unites two geographical and cultural frontiers of Hellenism to build a programme with strong institutional grounding and forward-looking academic vision.”

Professor Maria Michalopoulou, DUTH’s Coordinator for the EMERGE Alliance, underscored the project’s broader European relevance:

“The Medical programme is embedded in the EMERGE Alliance and aligned with the vision for a European Degree Label. It supports academic excellence, research, and societal engagement across borders.”

The initiative reflects both universities’ strategic commitment to internationalization and outward-looking academic cooperation. It is also supported by their collaboration within the EMERGE European University Alliance and aspires to receive the European Degree Label by the European Commission.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of Neapolis University’s commitment to academic innovation and international outreach. Mr. George Leptos stressed the University’s dedication to ensuring the success, sustainability, and long-term impact of the new Medical programme through continuous investment in infrastructure, expertise, and global partnerships.