Professor Demosthenes Kyriazis has been unanimously elected Rector of the University of Piraeus by the University's Governing Council and will lead the Institution during the 2026–2030 academic term.
Professor Kyriazis succeeds Professor Michail Sfakianakis, under whose leadership the University of Piraeus significantly strengthened its position within both the Greek and international academic community. During his tenure, the University achieved substantial progress in education, research, internationalisation, outward engagement and the enhancement of its infrastructure. Building on these achievements, the new Rectorate aims to further expand this momentum and continue the University's development with consistency, stability and a clear strategic direction.
Presenting the University's Development Plan for the 2026–2030 period, Professor Kyriazis outlined his vision of a modern, outward-looking and people-centred university that generates internationally recognised knowledge, attracts outstanding students and researchers from Greece and abroad, and makes a meaningful contribution to the country's economic and social development.
The new Rectorate's strategic priorities include further strengthening the University's educational and research excellence, expanding its international presence, harnessing the opportunities created by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, fostering a dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and creating an even more modern, creative and inclusive academic environment for students, faculty and staff.
The Development Plan also places particular emphasis on expanding international partnerships, launching new English-taught degree programmes, establishing new academic and research structures in artificial intelligence, innovation and entrepreneurship, upgrading the University's physical and digital infrastructure, broadening international academic and research collaborations, and promoting initiatives that support social responsibility and sustainable development.
Professor Demosthenes Kyriazis holds a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, an MSc in Techno-Economic Systems, and a PhD from the same institution. His research focuses on distributed systems and infrastructures, software technologies, data analysis and data management. Throughout his academic career, he has participated in and coordinated numerous major national and international research projects in these fields. In recognition of the impact of his scientific work, Professor Kyriazis was included in the Stanford University World's Top 2% Scientists list for 2025.
The new Rectorate also includes the following Vice Rectors:
• Professor Dimitrios Georgakellos, Vice-Rector for Finance, Planning and Development
• Associate Professor Dionysios Polemis, Vice Rector for Academic and Administrative Affairs
• Professor Aristotelis Tziampiris, Vice-Rector for International Relations and External Relations
• Professor Michail Filippakis, Vice Rector for Research and Lifelong Learning.
The new Rectorate will officially assume office on 1 September 2026.