An initiative by NCSR Demokritos and Shanghai Jiao Tong University advancing interdisciplinary research in science, culture, and heritage.
30 October 2025, NCSR Demokritos Congress Center, Athens
A new collaboration between NCSR Demokritos and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) brings science and culture into dialogue through the newly launched Joint Laboratory for Cultural Heritage. The Joint Lab marks the beginning of long-term scientific and cultural collaboration between Greece and China, following the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. Its goal is to advance interdisciplinary research, linking science and innovation with cultural inquiry and heritage studies.
The Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (INPP), under the direction of Dr. Christos Markou, plays a central role in HeritageScience and in advanced materials characterisation. Dr. Andreas Karydas, Research Director and Head of the XRF Laboratory, leads Demokritos’ contribution, continuing the Institute’s pioneering work in non-destructive techniques for the study and preservation of cultural heritage artifacts.
The Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications (IIT) extends this vision, coordinating major projects in DigitalCulture and the development of innovative cultural applications. Dr. Lida Arnellou and her team lead initiatives that merge cultural expression with digital technology, as seen in AiTHERION.
At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the School of Humanities, led by Prof. Qi Hong, anchors the collaboration. As Prof. Qi remarked during the ceremony, “China and Greece, as the cradles of two ancient civilizations, share cultural heritages that belong not only to our nations but to humanity as a whole.”
As outlined by Dr. Vangelis Karkaletsis, Director and Chairman of the Board of NCSR Demokritos, the partnership will promote joint research in AI, robotics, big data, bioinformatics, and digital humanities, support joint postgraduate programs, and encourage international collaboration in research and innovation. It also aspires to create new digital exhibitions exploring the dialogue between ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy.
The opening ceremony gathered delegates from both countries. Among the distinguished guests were Prof. Liu Weidong, Vice Rector of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU); Prof. Wei Yadi; Mr. Lai Bo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Greece; Dr. Anastasios Gaitanis, General Secretary for Research and Innovation at the Hellenic Ministry of Development and Investments; and Ms. Maria Mertzani, Head of the Directorate for the Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments at the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Also present were representatives from the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens, the Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, along with researchers and cultural experts from both institutions.
From Athens to Shanghai, a dialogue between knowledge and creativity has just begun.
Chinese version available here: https://news.sjtu.edu.cn/jdyw/20251102/216085.html