CHICAGO, June 8 οΏ½ The  Symposium οΏ½Nostos, Scientists, Technology οΏ½ A Vehicle for Economic Development in HellasοΏ½ is drawing intense interest from Hellene Scientists, but it also promises to be very informative for entrepreneurs and businessmen, announced Andrew A. Athens, head of the two organizations sponsoring the Symposium.

οΏ½We have several speakers who will address the issues of financial incentives and the strengths Hellene scientists demonstrate in high technology businesses, both in Hellas and in the Diaspora,οΏ½ Mr. Athens said.  Sponsoring organizations are the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC) and the World Council of  Hellenes (SAE).

Among the presenters is Dr. Nikos Kanopoulos, Director of Multimedia and Communications for Atmel Corporation, North Carolina, which already has established an operation in Hellas. He will address the issues facing a technology company from the companyοΏ½s experience. Other presenters will explore the experience of countries that developed high technology to boost their economies and innovations in higher educational institutions.  For more information on the Symposium go to www.saeworld.org click on Attention Scientists and follow the links.

The SymposiumοΏ½s keynote speaker is Minister of National Education and Religious Affairs Marietta Giannakou who will also speak Sunday, June 12, at a general gathering of the Omogeneia at Aghia Triada Church which operates the historic Greek School οΏ½Socrates.οΏ½ The SymposiumοΏ½s program follows:

NOSTOS, SCIENTISTS, TECHNOLOGY οΏ½
A Vehicle for Economic Development in Hellas
 June 11, 2005 οΏ½ Drake Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
8:00am οΏ½ Registration
8:30am οΏ½ Opening Breakfast: οΏ½Ties that Bind οΏ½ Hellenic Economy& Scientific NostosοΏ½
 MC -- Andy Manatos, Manatos&Manatos, Washington DC
*  Welcome by Andrew Athens, National Chairman, United Hellenic American Congress and President, World Council of Hellenes Abroad
*  Greeting by Minister Marietta Giannakou
*  Greeting by Consul General Aliki Hadji
*  Greetings by Chris Tomaras, SAE Vice President / Coordinator N & S America
*  Overview / οΏ½An Ocean Apart: Challenges and Rewards in Re-connecting with GreeceοΏ½ by Dr. Leo Irakliotis, Assoc. Chairman, Computer Science Department and Director, Professional Programs in Computer Science, University of Chicago;
Partner, Lambda Consultants, LLP

9:30am οΏ½ 12:30 pm οΏ½ Presentations
           Facilitator, Dr. Leo Irakliotis       
9:30 a.m. οΏ½ 10:15 a.m.  Session 1:  οΏ½Education and Science in Hellas TodayοΏ½   Opportunities in Education and Research 
-οΏ½Preparing the Scientist οΏ½ University and Innovation in HellasοΏ½, by Minister of National Education Marietta Giannakou
-οΏ½Technology Incentives and Legislative Framework in HellasοΏ½ by Annita                                        Mavromichalis, Minister Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Hellenic Embassy, Washington DC.
 
10:15 am οΏ½ Session 2:  οΏ½Science-Technology TodayοΏ½ οΏ½ Transitioning from Research to  
      Opportunity
-οΏ½The ScientistsοΏ½ Role in the Advancement of SocietyοΏ½, by Dr. Elias Gyftopoulos, Ford Professor Emeritus, MIT 
-οΏ½Developing and Operating a High Technology Enterprise In Hellas: A real Life ExperienceοΏ½ by Dr. Nikos Kanopoulos, Director of Multimedia and Communications, Atmel Corporation, NC                                                                                                                                 
                                                 11:00 am -   Break and Networking Opportunity
11:15 am οΏ½ Session 3:  οΏ½Words of Advice and Successful Models
from around the WorldοΏ½
-οΏ½Learning from the PastοΏ½ by Dr. Constantine P. Tzanos, Nuclear Engineer, Argonne National Laboratory.                                      
-οΏ½The Israeli ExperienceοΏ½ by Nakar Limor, Chicago Director, BIRD Foundation, former Commercial Attache, Consulate General of Israel
-οΏ½ Strategy for Technological Development In IllinoisοΏ½ by Ross Harano, Director, State of Illinois Trade Office
 
12:15 οΏ½1:00 pm οΏ½ Session 4:  Opinions, Comments, Suggestions from the floor.

1:30 pm οΏ½ Luncheon Program and Review of Recommendations
      MC Andy Manatos
-Keynote Speaker and Honored Guest:  Hon. Marietta Giannakou, Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Hellenic Republic
Awards: In Appreciation
3:15 pm οΏ½ 4:00 Final Questions /Comments from the Audience / Adjournment
Dr. George Alexopoulos, Board of Trustees, Oakton Community College