Introducing Visiting Professors
Repatriating Postdoctoral Talent: Rebuilding Greece’s Academic Future
The Deon Policy Institute sees the visiting professor initiative as a pivotal step in revitalizing Greece’s higher education system. By repatriating talented Greek postdoctoral researchers, Greece can tap into a well of untapped potential, enriching its academic environment and boosting research output. These young scientists, at a critical stage of their careers, bring fresh perspectives and expertise from top international institutions.
Proposal Overview
In 2022, Greece passed Law 4957, marking a crucial step in modernizing its higher education system. A key feature of this law is the creation of visiting professor appointments, which aims to attract top talent to Greek universities. We propose using this opportunity to bring back Greek postdoctoral researchers, who are often in limbo in their careers abroad. These young scientists have the potential to drive innovation in Greece and strengthen the country's academic and research environment.
Why Now?
Greece’s higher education system is evolving, aligning with global standards.
Postdoctoral researchers face challenges transitioning to permanent positions abroad, which creates a unique opportunity for Greece to benefit from their expertise.
The Proposal:
Focus on Postdoctoral Researchers: Instead of targeting established academics, we recommend focusing on postdoctoral researchers who are early in their careers but have valuable research experience.
Cluster Hiring: Rather than appointing individual professors, a group of 3-5 researchers from related fields can be hired together to foster collaboration and build a cohesive academic team.
Duration & Funding: Visiting professors will initially serve for one semester, with the possibility of extension, and their research will be funded by Greek state, European bodies, or private organizations.
Looking Forward:
This initiative can transform Greece’s universities by fostering talent and bridging the gap for young researchers. By offering permanent academic positions based on performance, Greece can benefit from the return of skilled scientists who will contribute to long-term academic growth and innovation.
With the right strategy, this proposal can serve as a powerful tool for Greece's academic renewal and economic growth.
Proposal Report
Three Ways to Reverse Academic Brain Drain in Greece
Our recommendations have been implemented:
In July 2020 the Greek Parliament ratified a new law for Higher Education that aimed to improve the quality and functionality of Greek Universities as well as increasing their linkages with society (Law #4957/2022). This law included the proposal made by our team to introduce Visiting Professors in Greek Universities (Article #171). This article allows Greek or foreign scientists who hold a professor or research position abroad can become visiting professors or visiting scientists in Greek Universities for a period ranging between one semester and three years.
In addition, a budget of €85mn has been allocated to such positions funded through Greece 2.0 (This is the brand name for the EU Resilience and Recovery Fund program for Greece). Professors and researchers interested in becoming Visiting Professors or Researchers in Greece can learn more here.
Two Deon Policy Members also wrote an article arguing that visiting professors appointment can be used as a repatriating mechanism for Greek post-doctoral student.
Project Contributors
President of Deon Policy Institute, Nuclear Physicist & Consultant
Assistant Professor, UMass Boston
Associate Professor of Periodontology, Tufts University
Postdoctoral Researcher, Harvard Medical School
Related Articles
Visiting Professor Appointments as a Repatriating Mechanism for Greek postdocs
by Nikos Tsopoulidis and Georgios Laskaris
Greece’s new visiting professor roles, introduced by Law 4957, are a key step in reversing brain drain and enhancing academic innovation. At the Deon Institute, we explore how these positions can build bridges with global talent, foster collaboration, and strengthen Greece’s research landscape.