Theme: Metavasis

Join us on November 23 in Xanthi for TEDxDUTH 2024, where we explore "Metavasis," the theme of transformation and evolution. Through four thought-provoking sessions, we’ll dive into the various ways change impacts our world, from personal transitions to global shifts. Discover how humanity faces challenges, reconnects with itself, embraces new chapters, and strives for sustainability. Be part of an unforgettable experience that will inspire and empower you to rethink the world around you

Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace
Kimmeria University Campus
Xanthi, Xanthi, 67100
Greece

Alexander Taxildaris

Paralympian, Physiatrist, CEO of PERPATO

Alexander Taxildaris, a physiatrist and former Paralympic athlete, graduated from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and specialized in Physiatry at KAT Attica Hospital. After a diving accident at 21 left him a quadriplegic, he became a successful swimmer, winning a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championship and a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. He has since won numerous medals in swimming and participated in two more Paralympic Games. Currently, Alexander heads communication for the Hellenic Paralympic Committee and led Greek teams to the 2022 Winter Paralympics and 2024 Summer Paralympics. He is also the president of the "Perpato" Association, improving living conditions for people with disabilities in Komotini, Greece.

Alexandra Bounatsa

Artist

Alexandra Bounatsa, from Thessaloniki, has released three albums with les Au Revoir and a solo album. She has collaborated with artists such as Nouvelle Vague, Shantel, and Antonis Remos. Musically trained, she plays piano, accordion, and percussion. Her debut solo album is "Ena Gyro Ton Kosmo" (Around the World).

Alkyone

Artist

Alkyone is a multifaceted artist hailing from the picturesque mountains of Northern Greece. As a singer, songwriter, and musician, she navigates seamlessly between Greek and English languages, blending indie pop, cinematic, and folk elements into her unique musical tapestry. Drawing from her experience as a former choir member, Alkyone infuses her compositions with haunting choral arrangements, tapping into the primal and potent essence of collective voices.

Chrysoula Lazou

PhD Candidate & Researcher in Technology-Enhanced Learning at Democritus University of Thrace

Chrysoula (Chryssa) Lazou holds degrees in English, Distance Education, and Immersive Technologies. A researcher at AETMA Lab, D.U.Th., she is pursuing a PhD on technology-enhanced learning for digital and media literacy. Her work explores AR/VR/xR and AI in education. She is an IVLP alumna, Vice President of the International Association for Blended Learning, and Co-Chair of the VR/AR Association – Universities & Colleges Committee. She has led media literacy projects in Southeastern Europe and has received multiple awards, including the UNESCO Global MIL Alliance Award (2nd Prize, 2022) and the Governor General’s Gold Academic Award (2019/2020).

Danae Bezantakou

CEO, Navigator Shipping Consultants & Concept-Founder YES Forum

Danae Bezantakou leads NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS in the maritime industry while also being involved in family businesses in the tourism sector, including the tourism company KEFI S.A. and the MATILDA Hotel in Zakynthos. She is the founder of the YES Forum, the first platform for open dialogue between students, executives, and professionals in the fields of Shipping and Maritime Tourism, and the author of the book titled "Towards the Sea Meria," published by Dioptra Editions. Additionally, she serves as the First Vice President of the International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus), Director at Large of the International Propeller Club, and President of the Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association. She is also the President of iforU - Greek Mentoring Network, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs through Mentoring and Networking, and Head of the Education Team at ICC Women Hellas.

Efstathios Gavriilidis

Architectural Engineer, MEng, DUTH

Efstathios Gavriilidis, born in Ptolemaida Greece, studied Architecture at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Guided by the concept of Homo Universalis, he explored various disciplines through workshops and seminars in Greece and abroad, focusing on natural building, traditional techniques, materiality, technology, and art. A pivotal architectural journey in 2022 deepened his interest in construction innovation. He completed his studies in May 2024 with a thesis on biomaterials and mycelium in architecture, which later led to his first scientific publication. He now seeks to apply interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary architectural practice.

George Kaskarelis

Co-founder & CEO of Goodfairy Insurance

George Kaskarelis has worked in various responsible positions in the Banking and Insurance sectors, such as Head of Marketing at Eurolife FFH and Product Manager at Alpha Bank. He has gained recognition through numerous awards and conferences where he has been invited to speak. He is a graduate of economics with three master's degrees in Finance, Business Computing, and Marketing. He is certified by the Bank of Greece in insurance intermediation and by the Hellenic Institute of Insurance Studies in life insurance and motor accident expertise.

Giorgos Kountouras

Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH)

Georgios Kountouras is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Democritus University of Thrace. He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and the Department of Social Work at the Athens University of Applied Sciences (TEI Athens). He holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Derby and a PhD. He has also received training in psychoanalysis. He has significant academic experience teaching topics related to mental health and psychopathology.

Manuella Emmanoulopoulou

Social Media Creator

Manuella Emmanoulopoulou is a Greek YouTuber and Social Media Creator who launched her channel in 2011. Manuella is an experienced Social Media Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the social media and marketing industry. With a background in Economics and International Business from the University of Strathclyde, she has built a strong connection with her audience through her engaging videos. Known for her authenticity, Manuella also uses her platform to raise awareness about Eating Disorders, sharing her personal experience to inspire and encourage others to take action.

Nikos Charalambides

General Director of the Greenpeace Greece Office

Nikos Charalambides studied Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Meteorology and Oceanography in Paris and Athens. Active in environmental protection since 1985, he joined Greenpeace in 1992, leading the marine ecology campaign. Since 2002, he has served as General Director of Greenpeace Greece. In recent years, he has focused on Sustainable Development and has authored books and articles on environmental protection, civil society, climate change, energy, and sustainability.

Nikos Kosmidis

PhD Candidate in Architecture (DUTH), M.Th.

Nikos Kosmidis is a PhD candidate at the Department of Architecture Engineering at Democritus University of Thrace. He has studied Graphic Arts, European Culture, and Theology. Nikolaos has been involved in missions, committees, and events organized by international organizations, including the World Council of Churches in Geneva. He currently serves as the Communication and Public Relations Officer at the Thracian Art and Tradition Foundation and is involved in coordinating the "Actions for History, Memory, and Culture" program, aimed at promoting historical, social, and material memory through a generational approach. For his contributions to preserving historical memory, Nikolaos was awarded the “Meritorious for the Treblinka Museum” medal by the Treblinka Museum in Poland.

Stratos Stratigakis

Career Consultant

Stratos Stratigakis is a Career Consultant with over 16 years of experience and 30 years in education. Holding a degree in Mathematics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, he has taught in both public and private institutions. Stratos specializes in career guidance, vocational education, and professional development. As a writer for 18 years, he has contributed to naftemporiki.gr, Kathimerini, and Eleftherotypia on education and career topics. He is also the creator of the Career Guide (Οδηγός Σταδιοδρομίας), an online platform for career and educational information. Stratos has led career orientation seminars for 18 years and is a member of the Hellenic Society of Career Guidance and Counseling (ΕΛΕΣΥΠ).

Νέγρος Του Μοριά

Artist

Black Morris (Kevin Zans Ansong) is a cutting-edge musical artist with one of Greece’s most successful hip-hop labels, Stay Independent (based in Greece). A rapidly rising star, he is one of Greece’s most streamed artists and an influential voice in Greek civil society. Kevin has been featured in prominent media outlets like Liberation, Deutsche Welle, Vogue Greece, and BBC. His album “THRASOS,” produced with Grammy-winner Christopher King, blends his Greek and African roots, merging hip hop with traditional Greek music. His artistic name, "Νέγρος Του Μοριά," nods to Greek history. Kevin's music celebrates identity and heritage, particularly in underprivileged neighborhoods of Athens. Recently, he ventured into acting, starring in the award-winning 2023 film Black Stone and also appeared in TV series and hosted a 2020 music show.

Πέτρος Δ. Καψάσκης

President & Founder of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy

Ο Πέτρος Δ. Καψάσκης (Peter Kapsaskis) είναι Πρόεδρος και Ιδρυτής του Ελληνικού Ινστιτούτου Πολιτιστικής Διπλωματίας. Σπούδασε Πολιτική Επιστήμη και Ιστορία στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο και ολοκλήρωσε περαιτέρω εκπαίδευση στη Γεωπολιτική και την Ασφάλεια στο Royal Holloway, University of London. Το 2024, απέκτησε το διδακτορικό του στην Πολιτιστική Διπλωματία. Έχει εργαστεί ως μεταφραστής, αρθρογράφος, σύμβουλος και ερευνητικός συνεργάτης σε εταιρείες, πολιτιστικούς οργανισμούς και ερευνητικά ιδρύματα. Μιλάει Ιταλικά, Αγγλικά και Γαλλικά.