On May 24, 2024, Panteion University and Columbia University signed a Memorandum of
Understanding, which aims to promote research in the field of East Asian and Chinese Studies.
The Memorandum was signed by Rector Christina Koulouri and Professor Andrew Nathan, in a
ceremony also attended by U.S. Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis and Secretary General for
Higher Education of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Prof.
Odysseas-Ioannis Zoras. The Memorandum establishes academic collaboration between Columbia
University's Weatherhead East Asian Institute (WEAI) and Panteion University’s Institute of
International Relations (IDIS).
The Memorandum aims to develop research and advance academic collaboration, such as the co-
organization of teaching programs and seminars and the conduct of joint research. Furthermore,
WEAI and IDIS agreed to co-organize public discussions and academic symposia and to jointly
host visiting researchers.
On the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum and his visit to Greece, Professor Nathan, a
leading expert on East Asian and Chinese issues, conducted a series of lectures at IDIS and held a
series of meetings with representatives of think tanks, business stakeholders, and non-governmental
organizations. Professor Nathan’s visit to Athens was implemented with the support of the U.S.
Embassy in Athens.
