TEDxAUEB

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Christos Kyriakidis

  Christos Kiriakidis is a physicist and science communicator, born in Drama, Greece, in 1990. He studied Physics at the University of Ioannina and has dedicated his work to making science accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Through social media, public talks, and educational initiatives, he shares his passion for physics and scientific thinking. He is the creator of It’s Just Physics by Christos Kiriakidis, a science communication channel with more than 120,000 subscribers and over 24 million views, as well as the author of a popular science book that presents physics not only as knowledge, but as a way of understanding the world. He is the presenter of the educational television program “Discovering the World” on ERT, Greece’s public broadcaster, and teaches physics to secondary school students. He is also the founder of the first science laboratory in Drama, where he organizes scientific events, presentations, and school activities, bringing science closer to people through interactive and experiential learning.

• D3LTA Official

  D3lta is a Greek-British singer-songwriter and performer who rose to prominence with his breakout single Strange, which established him in the Greek music scene in 2022 and opened the way for an international audience between Greece and the United Kingdom. Blending elements of alt-rock and rock-pop, he has collaborated with acclaimed producers such as Jim Abbiss and Max Wolfgang. His singles Kids, Lonely Together, and Animals have surpassed two million streams worldwide, while in 2026 he will compete in the national final of Sing for Greece with his song Mad About It, continuing to develop his distinctive stage presence and visual identity.

• Elisavet Kokoli

  Elisavet Kokoli is a dancer, choreographer, and Pilates instructor based in Athens, Greece. She began her dance journey at the age of 18 while studying Psychology at Panteion University. Her training spans dance therapy, contemporary dance (Tejido Conectivo, Madrid), modern dance (Limón Institute, New York), and jazz dance. Since 2022, Elisavet has performed as a freelance artist in productions with Dance Athens and Lucid Art Collective, as well as at festivals including Foyer Art Stage, Fabrica Athens, and To Treno sto Rouf. She has also performed in all-inclusive resorts and in productions that she choreographed and directed herself through Magic Lantern. Her debut choreographic work, Demain dès l'aube, premiered in Madrid in 2023, followed by Rites of August (New York, 2025) and Symbiosis (Athens, 2025). Symbiosis also marked the debut performance of Phos Dance Collective, the contemporary dance company she founded after returning from New York in May 2025.

• George Grammatidis

  George Grammatidis is the Chief Communications Officer at ERLAC, bringing experience from both Greece and the United States in the fields of competitiveness, startup development, strategic communication, and building strong international partnerships. He has been recognized as part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his achievements and impact in the business and innovation ecosystem. Today, he plays an active role in the strategic growth and branding of the historic family-owned paints and coatings company, focusing on innovation, modern entrepreneurship, and the evolution of the company’s identity in a changing business landscape. Alongside his role at ERLAC, George serves as Secretary General of the Hellenic Association of Paints, Varnishes and Coatings Industries and is an active member of the Leadership Committee of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.

• Grigoris Skoularikis

  Grigoris Skoularikis is the founder and director of RunningNews.gr, Greece’s pioneering online platform dedicated to running, as well as the founder of RUNAWAY (training services and fitness), WERUN (road race organization), and athletin.gr (an online race registration platform). In recent years, he has developed a strong social impact through sports, focusing on inclusion and the active participation of people with disabilities in running events. He is widely recognized for his consistent presence in races alongside his daughter Angeliki, who has Down syndrome, promoting through action the message of equal opportunities and participation in sports. A former endurance running champion and international athlete in Triathlon and Duathlon, Grigoris has represented Greece in World and European Championships. Beyond his athletic career, he holds a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), specializing in Biomedical Technology.

• Jason Samakidis

  Jason Samakidis is a motivational speaker and social work student whose journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and the strength of the human spirit. From a young age, Jason was deeply involved in sports, achieving significant success and representing the Swiss National Youth Water Polo Team. At the age of 16, during a training session, he suffered a brain hemorrhage caused by an arteriovenous malformation, resulting in right-side paralysis and loss of speech. Facing the challenge of rebuilding his life from the beginning, Jason learned once again how to speak, write, read, and walk. Against all expectations, he stood on his feet again just five months later, beginning a remarkable journey of recovery and personal transformation. Today, almost a decade later, Jason shares his story through motivational talks in schools and rehabilitation centers, inspiring others to overcome challenges, believe in themselves, and discover their own strength in moments of uncertainty.

• Patrikios Kostis

  Patrikios Kostis is an educator and actor whose career bridges the worlds of education, theater, and the arts. A graduate of the renowned Veaki Drama School, he has worked extensively in theater, television, and film, while also specializing in educational drama through studies at Theatre of the Day under Lakis Kouretzis. Driven by a passion for learning and child development, he graduated with honors from the Department of Primary Education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds postgraduate studies in Social Neuroscience, Social Pedagogy, and Education, a multidisciplinary program offered in collaboration with the University's Medical School and Department of Biology. He has also completed studies in Early Childhood Education, Creativity, and Expression, and has participated in numerous seminars on children's and young adult literature, modern Greek dramaturgy, and innovative educational practices. Throughout his career, Patrikios has worked in early childhood education, as a drama teacher in schools, and, in recent years, as a primary school teacher at Pierce – The American College of Greece, where he combines creativity, empathy, and experiential learning in the classroom. Beyond his professional work, he is an accomplished musician, playing the flute, recorder, and saxophone. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and playful sports, especially those connected to the sea, which remains one of his greatest sources of inspiration.

• Sotirios Zarogiannis

  Sotirios Zarogiannis is Professor of Physiology and Director of the Laboratory of Physiology at the School of Medicine, University of Thessaly. He holds a degree in Medical Biochemistry and earned his PhD in Physiology from the University of Thessaly. He also holds postgraduate degrees in Public Health (University of Manchester), Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (Hellenic Open University), and Science, Technology and Society (Department of History and Philosophy of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens). He has worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Alabama, and has served as a Visiting Professor at both the University of Alabama and Heidelberg University. His research has been supported by prestigious organizations, including the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the European Respiratory Society, the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis, and the Hellenic Thoracic Society. He currently serves as Secretary of the Hellenic Physiological Society (2025–2027) and Chair of the Pleural and Mediastinal Malignancies Group of the European Respiratory Society (2024–2027). In 2025, he was elected a member of the Academy of Physiology of the International Union of Physiological Sciences. Professor Zarogiannis' research focuses on the physiology of mesothelial membranes and the effects of environmental pollutants on the lungs and kidneys. His work integrates in vitro cell culture studies, ex vivo tissue electrophysiology, in vivo animal models, and in silico bioinformatics approaches. His recent academic interests center on the relationship between Experimental Physiology, One Health, and Human Functioning, as well as the co-evolution of Science, Technology, and Society (STS).

• Spyros Staridas

  Spyros Staridas is a Cartographer with an academic background in Geosciences and Applied Arts, specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with numerous international distinctions and awards for his work. Since 2006, he has been working as an independent professional, having founded his own creative studio that provides Cartography services and designs high-accuracy printed and digital maps with a strong focus on both functionality and aesthetics. Alongside his professional practice, Spyros continues to share his passion for the science and art of Cartography as an Editor for internationally recognized cartographic publications, while also having significant teaching experience in map theory, design, and visual representation.

• The Lenormans

  The Lenormans perform improvisational comedy (improv comedy) in theatres, bars, festivals, and places that do not take themselves too seriously. Unlike the carefully prepared TEDx talks or the pre-written stand-up comedy performances, the Lenormans take ideas directly from the audience and create hilarious scenes on the spot, with no preparation, no script, and no safety net. Having built a strong connection with their audience through performances that are never repeated, the Lenormans are coming to TEDxAUEB at Technopolis to do what they always do: Ask for suggestions from the audience (half the embarrassment is theirs, half is yours), make bold decisions (all of them wrong), and pretend they are in control (this will probably go well). What will come out of it? Nobody knows. Not even them. Meet the Lenormans – Short bio (or something like a bio) Giorgos Garefalakis tries to escape everyday life by writing scripts. And then tries to escape scripts by doing improv. For now, his family seems to understand. Olga Stamatios knows two things very well: how to decipher doctors’ secret handwriting when they write prescriptions, and how to play improv. She often combines the two. So far, nobody has been harmed. As for the future, she has no idea. Chara Roukouni is over 18. She often has to mention this on the phone because people do not believe her. Anyone who has spoken to her understands why. She has been doing improv for 13 years. Her mother still believes she is doing theatre. Victor Dafetsios has a one-eyed cat that looks at him with half an eye for every decision he makes. Yes, even for improv. His parents feel the same way, especially since they had other dreams for him when they gave him a name that means “winner”. Nikoleta Tzirini has been doing improv since she was in her mother’s womb, but writing that down would be far too embarrassing. In 2021, she graduated from the House of Improv. Her dream is to retire. Not someday. Ideally yesterday. Konstantis Bitsis works professionally in stand-up and improv comedy. He performs constantly, as long as he remembers the location, the day, and the time. If you see him somewhere on March 7th, remind him that he is performing at TEDxAUEB.

• Vicky Miha

  Vicky Miha is the founder of asterisk*, established in 2019, and has been working as a film producer and consultant across the UK, Greece, and Sweden for the past fifteen years. She is a board member of the ACE Producers Network and the Hellenic Film Academy, while also regularly collaborating with EAVE as an expert. In 2023, she represented Greece at the EFP Producers on the Move program during the Cannes Film Festival. Her producing credits include films under the asterisk* banner, as well as internationally acclaimed titles such as DOGTOOTH by Yorgos Lanthimos (Oscar-nominated and winner of the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes 2009), KM by Christos Nikou (Rotterdam 2013), MODRIS by Juris Kursietis (Special Mention at San Sebastián and TIFF 2014), and HIWA by Jaqueline Lentzou (Berlinale 2017), among others. Vicky studied Journalism and Media in Greece and Film Production in the UK, combining her academic background with extensive experience in international film production and development.

• Yiorgos Eleftheriades

  Since starting his brand in 1992, Yiorgos Eleftheriades has defined the intersection of intellectual sartorial artistry and sustainable innovation. From his atelier in the heart of Athens, he has cultivated a legacy that spans international fashion capitals, championing conscious luxury Since its inception, the brand has evolved from a visionary Greek fashion house into an internationally recognized label. His collections have been showcased at prestigious fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and Barcelona, beginning with his landmark debut at Tranoï Paris in 2000. His creative vision has captured the attention of leading international fashion publications, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Dazed & Confused, Numéro Homme, ELLE, Dapper Dan mag, Surface, Citizen K, Grazia, and many more. Each Yiorgos Eleftheriades creation embodies the perfect synthesis of architectural precision and artistic expression. His collections span sophisticated womenswear, refined menswear, and meticulously crafted accessories. For over two decades, he has pioneered sustainable fashion practices, setting new standards for conscious luxury in the fashion industry.

• Γιώργος Δροσόπουλος

  Ο Γιώργος Δροσόπουλος είναι υπεύθυνος δράσεων διατήρησης στο Τμήμα Διατήρησης της Ελληνικής Ορνιθολογικής Εταιρείας. Σπούδασε Βιολογία στο ΕΚΠΑ και Συμπεριφορά Ζώων στα Bielefeld της Γερμανίας. Στην ακαδημαϊκή του πορεία ασχολήθηκε εκτενώς με την συμπεριφορική οικολογία: τους τρόπους με τους οποίους η συμπεριφορά των ζώων καθορίζει την αλληλεπίδρασή τους με το περιβάλλον τους. Στην εργασία του του εφαρμόζει τις γνώσεις αυτές προς όφελος των πουλιών και των βιοτόπων τους, υλοποιώντας δράσεις έρευνας και προστασίας πανευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων διατήρησης.

• Πέρσα Κουμούτση

  Η Πέρσα Κουμούτση είναι συγγραφέας και μεταφράστρια λογοτεχνίας. Γεννήθηκε στο Κάϊρο και επέστρεψε στην Ελλάδα αφού ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές της στη φιλοσοφική σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου του Καΐρου. Τα πρώτα χρόνια δίδαξε στη Μέση και Ανώτερη εκπαίδευση, ενώ από το 1993 ασχολήθηκε αποκλειστικά με τη λογοτεχνική μετάφραση, κυρίως της αραβικής λογοτεχνίας στα ελληνικά. Μεταξύ των μεταφρασμένων έργων από τα αραβικά είναι 14 μυθιστορήματα του βραβευμένου με Νόμπελ Αιγύπτου συγγραφέα Naguib Mahfouz καθώς και πολλά έργα διακεκριμένων Αράβων και αγγλόφωνων συγγραφέων. Η βιβλιογραφία της περιλαμβάνει επίσης, Ανθολογίες Σύγχρονης Αραβικής Ποίησης στα Ελληνικά, Βραβείο της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Λογοτεχνών Μεταφραστών (ΕΕΛΜ), 2017, Ανθολογία Σύγχρονων και Νέων Γυναικών του Αραβικού Κόσμου, βραβείο της ΕΕΛΜ 2022 , ανθολογία Παλαιστινιακής ποίησης, Αιγυπτιακής και άλλες ατομικές συλλογές Αράβων ποιητών. Για το συνολικό της έργο της της έχει απονεμηθεί το Διεθνές Βραβείο Καβάφη, και ειδική διάκριση από το Τμήμα Ελληνικών και Ιταλικών Σπουδών στο Πανεπιστήμιο Al-Azhar. Συνεργάζεται με ευρωπαϊκά εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα και έχει συγγράψει άρθρα, κριτικά κείμενα και μελέτες γύρω από τη λογοτεχνία ως μέσο και φορέα κατανόησης του Άλλου. το 2020 δημιουργεί το Κέντρο Ελληνικής και Αραβικής Λογοτεχνίας και Πολιτισμού, μια πρωτοβουλία που στοχεύει στην προώθηση και την ενίσχυση των πολιτισμικών σχέσεων ανάμεσα στην Ελλάδα και τις χώρες της Μεσογείου με έμφαση στον αραβικό κόσμο , μέσα από δράσεις και προγράμματα για την ενημέρωση και ευαισθητοποίηση σε θέματα σύγχρονης ελληνικής και αραβικής λογοτεχνίας, συνάπτοντας σημαντικές συνεργασίες και άλλους φορείς πολιτισμού στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό. Από το 2021 και με την υποστήριξη του Εργαστηρίου Γλώσσα και Πολιτική του Ιονίου Πανεπιστημίου διδάσκει σεμινάρια λογοτεχνικής μετάφρασης Αραβικά- Ελληνικά. Το 2022 έλαβε το σημαντικό Βραβείο "Επιτεύγματος" για τη συνολική προσφορά της στη Διεθνή Κατανόηση από τον Παγκόσμιο Αραβικό Οργανισμό Hamad. Το 2023 έλαβε Έπαινο από την Ακαδημία Αθηνών για το μυθιστόρημα «Η γέφυρα των λεμονιών» και το 2024 το βραβείο πεζογραφίας Νίκος Θέμελης. Το 2025 παρασημοφορήθηκε από την Παλαιστινιακή αρχή για τη συνεισφορά της στη μετάφραση της Παλαιστινιακής ποιησης και πεζογραφιας, ενώ τον ίδιο χρόνο έλαβε το διεθνές βραβείο Επιτεύγματος στη μετάφραση και την Διεθνή Κατανόηση από τον Παγκόσμιο οργανισμό King Abdel Aziz και το τμήμα γλωσσών του πανεπιστημιου Hunkuk στη Σεούλ. Προσωπικά της έργα έχουν μεταφραστεί στα Αραβικά και τα Ιταλικά.