1. Research Assessment and Recognition of Qualifications

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) has progressed in establishing a clear and fair framework for research assessment and qualification recognition within its academic community.
• AUTH conducted a thorough mapping and review of existing university policies and administrative processes related to qualification acknowledgment, professional progression, and reward mechanisms. This analysis aimed to identify potential inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement in line with European and national frameworks.
• More than ten policy areas and procedures were identified as candidates for revision or alignment. The action was carried out collaboratively among the Law, Medical, and IT Departments, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and shared ownership of the results.

The review also emphasized the recognition of experiential learning and research participation within Living Labs and Citizen Science initiatives, linking participatory research activities with formal academic evaluation pathways.

This work lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and evidence-based system of academic recognition, ensuring that researchers and innovators at AUTH are rewarded for their diverse contributions to science, innovation, and society.

2. Integration of MOOCs in the Medical Department

As part of its digital education transformation, AUTH focused on:

• Integrating Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) into its Medical School curriculum, promoting flexible and open-access learning.

The initiative aims to bridge traditional academic education with digital learning opportunities, providing medical students and external learners access to internationally recognized courses that support self-paced, inclusive learning.

• AUTH has designed a plan to integrate at least three MOOCs addressing themes such as digital health innovation, medical technology, and responsible research practices.

The activity includes close collaboration with faculty members and curriculum committees to ensure alignment with academic standards and learning outcomes.

• Special attention has been placed on engaging professors and students through interactive online activities, promoting peer learning, and enhancing the digital literacy of the academic community.
• To strengthen the impact, targeted webinars and workshops are being implemented to empower educators and students alike to navigate open learning environments effectively.

This action reflects AUTH’s commitment to modernizing medical education, expanding lifelong learning pathways, and supporting the European vision for open and accessible higher education.

3. Mainstreaming Open Science and Sustainability in Research

• AUTH has made substantial progress in mainstreaming Open Science principles across research, teaching, and policy activities.
• The university’s initiatives focus on promoting open data sharing, FAIR data management, and ethical research practices, contributing to a more transparent and sustainable research ecosystem.
• A major accomplishment was the introduction of a lecture on data sharing and openness within the Medical Department’s Innovation Course, embedding Open Science principles into undergraduate education. This early integration ensures that students understand and apply the values of openness, collaboration, and reproducibility in their future research careers.
• AUTH organized practical training sessions for researchers—in partnership with the Technology Transfer Office, covering FAIR data, data protection, and open access practices. These workshops addressed common barriers such as legal uncertainties, data ownership, and time constraints, encouraging a cultural shift toward responsible data sharing.

The combined educational and institutional efforts resulted in increased awareness and participation in Open Science practices, positioning AUTH as a national leader in responsible and transparent research conduct.

These actions also align closely with the European Research Area’s priorities on Open Knowledge and Sustainable Science, reinforcing AUTH’s role as a catalyst for cultural and structural change.