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 CHICAGO, June 14 � More than 130 leading Hellene scientists from U.S. universities and research institutions participated in the Symposium �Nostos, Scientists, Technology � Vehicle for Economic Development in Hellas� sponsored on June 11 by the United Hellenic-American Congress (UHAC) and the World Council of Hellenes (SAE) at the Drake Hotel in Chicago.
The scientists decided to create a group that will address the issue of returning to Hellas or establishing professional ties in Hellas. As a first step they created a blog seeking to receive from anywhere in the world comments, suggestions and proposals at http://sandbox.cs.uchicago.edu/nostos .
�We were overwhelmed by the large participation of superb talent and the intense interest demonstrated at the Symposium whose purpose is to explore the circumstances under which this talent would return to Hellas or would establish long term scientific links,� said Andrew A. Athens, president of the two sponsoring organizations. �Prime Minister Karamanlis has stated he would welcome Omogenia scientists.
�We know that advancement in high technology has led many small countries to further economic development, and that is our goal in this case, too. But to get there a country needs quality education coupled with scientific innovations which can be applied to development of technological products through investment of capital. Teamwork and quality are key words.�
 Mr. Athens presented awards to Minister of Education and Religion Marietta Giannakou and to the Secretary for Higher Education Athanasio Kyriazi who participated in the Symposium on behalf of the minister. Also awards were presented to speakers Elias P. Gyftopoulos, Emeritus Ford Professor at MIT, Boston, and Constantine Tzanos, nuclear engineer at Argonne National Laboratory, as distinguished scientists who have made valuable contributions to Diaspora Hellenism.
Dr. Leo Irakliotis, Assoc. Chairman, Computer Science Dept. and Director of Professional Programs in Computer Science at Chicago University, spoke about the kinds of changes that would help Diaspora scientists to return to Hellas.
Dr. Nick Kanopoulos of North Carolina, Director, Multimedia and Communications, ATMEL Corporation, explained that Hellas is a desirable place for high tech investment as in the example of his company that develops software in collaboration with Patras University. Finally, presenter Limor Nakar, director BIRD Foundation, described how her institution promotes Research and Development partnerships between Israel and the U.S.; and Minister Counselor for Commercial and Economic Affairs Annita Mavromichalis, Hellenic Embassy, explained incentive and investment laws in Hellas.
Symposium Facilitators were: First Session, Andrew A. Manatos, of the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes; Second Session, Dr. Irakliotis; Discussion among scientists was led by Dr. George Alexopoulos, trustee of Oakton College.
Photo on top: Mr. Athanasios Kyriazis, Special Secretary for Higher Education receives his award by Mr. Andrew Manatos (on the left), the Consul General of Greece to Chicago, Ms. Aliki Xatzi, the Metropolitan Mr. Iakovos and Andrew A. Athens, SAE & UHAC President.
Photo in the middle: Dr. Elias Gyftopoulos, Emeritus Ford Professor at MIT, also received an award during the Symposium
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