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University of Crete

Proud moment for our International Medicine UoC team! 💙 On Sunday in Heraklion, we took on «Run Greece» together, with our International Program members showing up in full force. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Shoutout to all our students that participated, three members of our admin team and professors for joining the run. A day to remember! ✨
25th of March - A big dual public holiday in Greece! 🇬🇷

Today, Greeks are celebrating for two reasons:
‣ the beginning of the 1821 revolution against the Ottoman rule - the Greek Independence Day 
‣ the Annunciation of Virgin Mary - the Orthodox Churche’s celebration of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is pregnant to Jesus

☀️Remember that today super markets, most shops and public services are shut 
🇬🇷 You can take a look at the city’s parades - “παρέλαση” in Greek- and the atmosphere of national pride
🎏 We traditionally eat fried cod with a garlic dip (σκορδαλιά)
🎉 The common Greek names Vangelis, Vangelio and Eva are celebrated on the 25th of March!
Enjoy the day - even with the rain 🌧️
𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩! | Applications closed for the academic year 2026-2027.

🩺This year we received over 300 applications from more than 55 countries around the world.

A big and warm “Thank you” to all applicants, who took the time and effort to apply to our program!
 
🏛 We hope that you gained an idea of our program’s high standards and the University of Crete’s vibrant student life.

We are excited to begin the evaluation process and get to know you better. 

Good luck to everyone!
🌎 Happy Spring Equinox, “Εαρινή Ισημερία” in Greek! 

Today, March 20, 2026, at exactly 16:46, marks the Spring Equinox in Greece.

The word “equinox” comes from Latin, equi meaning “equal” and nox meaning “night.” Today, daylight and darkness are nearly equal, with about 12 hours each.

This moment occurs simultaneously all over the world and signals the official beginning of astronomical spring.

🌸 Wishing everyone a joyful Spring Equinox!
🌞 Here’s to brighter days, warmer weather, and the beautiful blooming landscapes of Crete.
🫀As part of this first year’s “Neuroanatomy” course, 19 of our students will soon be starting their clinical visits at the Heraklion University hospital.

🏫 Classes will be held at the Neurology and Neurosurgery depts of the Uni Hospital.

🔹Our students will work in teams and receive training on how to perform a basic neurological examination on real clinical cases! 
From March to May, they will learn to implement their basic knowledge of clinical neuroanatomy. 
 
▷ One of the main reasons why students choose our International Program, is the fact that the Heraklion University Hospital is a short walk from the university. Clinical hands-on training at a 700-bed teaching hospital is one of the strengths of the University of Crete iMed program.
University of Crete Achieves Excellence in Quality Assurance Certification

The University of Crete has successfully completed the evaluation of its Internal Quality Assurance System by a panel of external experts appointed by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (ETHAAE).

According to the certification report, the University received the highest distinction, “Excellent” (full compliance), in all seven (7) quality assurance principles of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), as well as in the overall institutional assessment. The certification is valid for five (5) years, from February 9, 2026, through February 8, 2031.

This distinction affirms the University of Crete’s excellence in education, research, and institutional governance, and serves as a strong incentive for continuous improvement and the advancement of meaningful initiatives that benefit both the academic community and society at large.

The University of Crete expresses its great satisfaction with this significant achievement and remains firmly committed to advancing its mission of excellence.
NEO/Nore Weekend hosted by the International Federation of Medical Student's Association (IFMSA) Poland in Gdansk!

In spite of her demanding academic schedule, our 1st year student Ms Zuha Ajlan recently participated in the NEO/NORE Weekend organized by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) Poland in Gdańsk. The event brought together medical students from different countries for interactive sessions, focused on clinical professionalism and research.

Through innovative, team-based activities, which included collaborative problem-solving simulations, participants strengthened their scientific thinking, communication skills, and international networking. This exchange experience not only enriched her academic perspective but also equipped her with practical ideas she is eager to share with her peers.

Her participation reflects both academic dedication and a commendable commitment to professional growth beyond the classroom.
Alumni of the BRAIN and MIND Sciences Seminar Series
Studying neuronal oscillations in the primate brain: from simplified static stimuli to virtual reality

Eleni Psarou, MSc, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow,
Zero-Noise Lab, Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) of the Max Planck Society, GERMANY

Thursday, February 19, 2026
14:00-15:00
ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 898 1282 5746
Passcode: 703942
 
https://med.uoc.gr/en/seminar-studying-neuronal-oscillations-in-the-primate-brain-from-simplified-static-stimuli-to-virtual-reality/
Celebrating the end of the examination period!

A suggestion for tomorrow (Saturday, February 7, at 21:00) : 
Chamber Music Series
Concert Hall - Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion Crete 

(https://www.cccc.gr/gr/events)

The repertoire for violin and piano is vast, as these are two of the most beloved instruments among composers and music lovers alike, throughout the centuries.

The countless sonatas written for this combination offer a kaleidoscope of styles and tonal colors. Tonight’s program focuses on Johannes Brahms and César Franck, two leading composers of late Romanticism, a period characterized by emotional richness and dramatic contrasts and shifts.

Between these two masterpieces of Romantic passion, and in complete contrast to them, we will hear Paul Hindemith’s Sonata in C major, a work of solid twentieth-century architectural design that simultaneously conveys an almost childlike innocence through its simplicity and humor.
NEWS UOC INTERNATIONAL
Periodical Edition of the University of Crete – Issue 17

https://news.uoc.gr/news/2026/26-01/17_Jul_Aug_25.pdf
Significant Publication by Professor George Chamilos

Warm congratulations to the Associate Dean of our School, Professor George Chamilos, and our colleagues on their publication in Nature.

The study highlights the important role of albumin in the defense of the human body against mucormycosis and is already being recognized for its significance in Science and Nature.

(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09882-3)
Wishing all our students a Happy New Year filled with success, growth, and exciting new achievements!

As part of the celebration, scrubs were offered to our 3rd-year students as they get ready for their first patient contact in the upcoming semester.
Grateful for a wonderful year and excited for the one ahead.

Best wishes for the holiday season!
Professor Venetia Zachariou, Edward Avedisian Professor and Chair at the Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, was one of the distinguished visiting faculty members who delivered a series of lectures on Anesthetics & Analgesics, Stimulants of CNS, Anti-psychotics and Antidepressants, as part of the Pharmacology A course of our program.

It was both a pleasure and an honor to host Professor Zachariou, who is also one of the coordinators of the Boston - Crete student exchange program.
The International Program of the Medical School is proud to share a meaningful holiday gift with our students. With the donation of over 100 medical education titles to the University’s central library in Heraklion, which include all textbooks suggested for the program courses of the first three years, we are strengthening academic resources with the promise to continue in the future. 

This initiative reflects our commitment to excellence in education, access to high-quality learning materials, and the academic growth of our future physicians.

We are excited to celebrate the season by investing in knowledge, that will inspire and support our students, throughout their medical journey.
"Keri Cross-Country Race"

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Keri Trail Run on 14 December 2025, a chance to discover the breathtaking beauty of the legendary Keri Forest, just minutes from Heraklion.

This vibrant event welcomes runners of every level, featuring scenic 5 km and 10 km routes, along with fun and engaging children’s races. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking to enjoy an invigorating day outdoors, the Keri Trail Run promises an inspiring blend of athletic challenge and natural wonder.

Join the race and immerse yourself in fresh forest air, spectacular scenery, and one of the region’s most captivating landscapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this unique sporting celebration!

https://ideanroutes.gr/keri-cross-country-race/
Warmest congratulations to the Professors of our ENT Clinic, who organized the live transmission of surgical procedures from the operating theatre of the Heraklion University Hospital, to the lecture hall of the Medical School of the University of Crete, for the benefit of both the undergraduate students undertaking their clinical training and the postgraduate students of the Interdepartmental MSc Program in ‘Rhinology-Rhinologic Surgery
The University of Crete at the Greek University Panorama in Amman. The Greek University Panorama in Amman, hosted in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, concluded successfully, drawing strong interest from students, parents, and educators exploring high-quality study opportunities abroad. The University of Crete actively participated, highlighting its academic excellence, innovative research, and expanding range of English-taught programs.

Organized by the Embassy of Greece in Amman in collaboration with Study in Greece, the event offered an excellent platform for promoting Greek higher education. The University of Crete warmly thanks H.E. Ambassador Irini Riga for her support and hospitality, as well as Study in Greece for the excellent cooperation.