Top scientists resign from research council, citing lack of strategy

Two leading Greek scientists have resigned from the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (ESETEK), citing a lack of government strategy in research and development.

Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas, a Harvard professor emeritus of cell biology and ESETEK’s president since 2019, and Angelos Chaniotis, a Princeton professor of ancient history, announced their resignations Wednesday.

Artavanis-Tsakonas criticized the fragmented approach to research funding and the council’s limited role. “We rubber-stamp secondary decisions,” he told Kathimerini.

Chaniotis, in his resignation letter, lamented government indifference, stating that key recommendations were ignored. He cited the prolonged silence on a proposal to reward top research institutions and the council learning of major AI policy changes through media reports.

Both scholars called for structural reforms, including an independent research authority or a dedicated ministry to ensure strategic planning and coordination in Greek research and innovation. 

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