Deon Policy Institute is honored to announce that Afroditi Xydi, Executive Director of Deon, has been appointed as a member of the Sectoral Scientific Council (TES) for Collaboration with the Greek Scientific Diaspora and Technology Diplomacy under the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (ESETEK) of Greece (Decision No. 22943/2026 of the Deputy Minister of Development - Government Gazette Y.O.D.D. 523/21.04.2026) and under the supervision of the Deputy Minister of Development, Stavros Kalafatis.

Based on this new law, the TES’s key objectives include:

• Developing proposals for the creation of an observatory (and collaboration platform) connecting the various scientific communities of the Greek diaspora and leading Greek scientists in major scientific and technological hubs around the world.

• Creating proposals for attracting Greek scientists and, more broadly, leveraging Greek scientists and innovative startup entrepreneurs of the diaspora, while strengthening their connection with the local scientific and business community.

• Monitoring national, European, and international best practices, structures, and policiesin technology diplomacy, and submitting relevant recommendations to the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (ESETEK) and other relevant government bodies.

• Designing proposals for the creation of a Greek framework/system for technology diplomacy.

This appointment reinforces Deon’s commitment to ensuring that the perspectives and expertise of the Greek diaspora are integrated into Greece’s national research, technology, and innovation agenda.

This appointment highlights:

• Deon’s leadership in diaspora policy engagement

• The importance of including diaspora expertise in national strategic planning

• A strengthened connection between global Greek professionals and Greece’s innovation ecosystem

By representing Deon on the Collaboration with the Greek Scientific Diaspora and Technology Diplomacy TES, Afroditi will help shape forward-looking policies that integrate diaspora insight into research, technology, and innovation decisions at the highest level.

About ESETEK & TES

The National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (Εθνικό Συμβούλιο Έρευνας, Τεχνολογίας και Καινοτομίας - ΕΣΕΤΕΚ) is Greece’s supreme advisory body responsible for shaping and implementing the country’s national strategy for research, technological development, and innovation. It provides policy guidance and strategic recommendations to the Greek government. 

Under ESETEK’s leadership, Sectoral Scientific Councils (Τομεακό Επιστημονικό Συμβούλιο - ΤΕΣ) are formed by ministerial decision to support ESETEK and the General Secretariat of Research & Innovation by offering specialized knowledge, monitoring developments in their fields, and submitting proposals on national strategy updates.