OpenUp is delighted to announce an important milestone in its journey. At yesterday’s meeting of the Board of Directors (12 November 2025), the admission of ten (10) new full members was unanimously approved.
This is the largest and most strategically targeted expansion of our human capital since the day of our founding, marking a new era of growth and deepening of our expertise.
The decision was taken following a well-documented proposal by the President, Mr Stylianos Orfanakis, and the Board members, Ms Zeta Tsiga, Mr Yiannis Dimou and Mr Konstantinos Vourlias, with the aim of substantially strengthening the organisation with professionals of high academic and professional standing.
We warmly welcome to OpenUp the following new members:
- Professor Ilias Kourkoutas: Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Primary Education, University of Crete, specialising in interventions for children and adolescents.
- Dr Maria Sambani: Mathematician with a PhD in Quantum Cryptography. Researcher in the field of quantum information and author.
- Dr Christos Beretas: PhD holder and researcher specialising in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and IT Strategy.
- Dr Angeliki Tsameti: Academic Director at Aegean College. She holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour, an MSc in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and a degree in Economics (University of Thessaly).
- Dr Anna Fotiadou: PhD in Organic Chemistry with degrees in Chemistry and Pharmacy. Her research focuses on the synthesis of compounds of pharmaceutical interest.
- Dr Eleftherios Protopapas: Mathematician and member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) at the School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences (SEMFE), National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).
- M.Sc. Kosmas Kosmidis: Physicist with an MSc in Telecommunications, actively involved in educational programmes and initiatives with high social impact.
- Dr Sotiris Mandalidis: PhD in Physics and Principal of the 7th General Lyceum of Kalamaria, with active participation in educational programmes and actions.
- Rizos Theodoros Chadoulis: Physicist and PhD Candidate. Researcher with 4.5 years at CERTH and currently at IAASARS of the National Observatory of Athens, specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing.
- Dr Rania (Ourania) Photopoulou: PhD in Modern History from the Department of History and Archaeology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). She is an educator, a secondary education teacher, specialising in modern and contemporary Greek history.
The addition of these new members, with the rich and diverse expertise they bring, strategically reinforces OpenUp and expands our horizons in achieving the ambitious goals we have set.
We wish them every success and strength in our shared mission.
With appreciation,
The Board of Directors
OpenUp
