Press Release
Deon's Afroditi Xydi on Innovative Greeks with Niki Kerameus and Marco Veremis
Contact:Theodora Kachrimanidi
Email: info@deonpolicy.org
Boston, May 4, 2026 — Afroditi Xydi, co-founder and Executive Director of Deon Policy Institute, was invited on Innovative Greeks hosted by Marco Veremis in an open discussion with Niki Kerameus, Minister of Labour and Social Security, on the topic of “Greece outside Greece”, with an emphasis on the academic diaspora, in the episode title From Brain Drain… to Brain Gain.
Afroditi highlights figures and examples, as well as Deon Policy Institute’s own research, such as the fact that Deon has recorded more than 3,500 Greek academics at leading universities worldwide and has collected around 500 responses regarding the conditions under which they would consider returning.
Download Deon’s Greek Academic Diaspora Survey here.
During the interview, Afroditi additionally stresses the importance of connecting Greece to the international ecosystem of knowledge and innovation through tools such as special visas for highly skilled human capital, as well as the value of “technology diplomacy” as a lever to strengthen ties between Greek businesses and global research.
Xydi and Kerameus also discuss the policies and incentives needed so that highly skilled scientists with international experience can begin to connect meaningfully with the country — either by returning or through active collaboration. Finally, they refer to the success of the Rebrain Greece initiative in New York City in December 2025, while the Minister extends an open invitation to participate in the next event, which will take place on May 9 in London.
Deon Policy Institute would like to thank SEV and Marco Veremis for hosting such a productive discussion, as well as Minister Niki Kerameus for joining the conversation.
About Deon Policy Institute
Founded by a group of Greek academics, entrepreneurs, and professionals, the Deon Policy Institute is a non-partisan think tank that aims to organize and transform the Hellenic Diaspora into a catalyst for the progress of Greece.