Theoretical physics takes centre stage in Greece
The discipline of theoretical physics began in Ancient Greece under pre-Socratic philosophy and continued with the works of Plato and Aristotle. Today, Greece's fourth largest city, Heraklion, boasts a very promising research institute known as the Crete Center of Theoretical Physics. The EU-funded project 'Crete centre for particle physics and cosmology' (CRETEHEPCOSMO) aimed to reinforce the Center's capabilities and transform it into one of Europe's leading institutions. To achieve its aims, the project worked on attracting top researchers to the Center, establishing a computational unit and upgrading the hosting facilities for incoming researchers. It brought the Center up to date with top research trends and priorities, organising exchange visits and conducting high-powered research conferences on the island of Crete. More specifically, the project oversaw the engagement of several high-level researchers, including a senior post-doctoral researcher and several young researchers chosen from among 400 qualified candidates. It initiated numerous agreements and exchange visits with nine prominent partner institutions such as the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. CRETEHEPCOSMO then organised very successful high-level international meetings that positioned the Center as a leading player, setting the stage for long-term initiatives and exchanges. The Center was guided and evaluated by three world-class scientists who graced it with a very positive assessment. Numerous intriguing topics were explored during this period, from finite density and condensed matter applications to holographic modelling and heavy-ion physics. The study of black-hole formation and quarks also took centre stage, as did gravity theories and string phenomenology. Attesting to the Center's success, two staff members have already won prestigious awards, while several papers written by the institution's researchers have received distinctions. These achievements have helped position the Crete Center of Theoretical Physics as a true leader among similar European institutions. The success represents a welcome accomplishment in challenging times for Greece, providing a boost for its academic landscape.
