How is it possible that, in 2025, there is still no targeted, digital, and accurate registry of the Greek diaspora—especially of Greek scientists who live and thrive abroad?
This was the critical and enduring question raised by Prof. Angelos Chaniotis, President of the Board of Directors of Komvos – Networks of Global Hellenism, during the In Forum conference organized by in.gr, dedicated to the issue of brain regain. The question was addressed directly to Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis.
Prof. Chaniotis, who has held senior academic positions for nearly four decades in top institutions across Europe and the United States, noted that he had never been contacted by any Greek consulate, despite his distinguished international career. Acknowledging the need for strategic mobilization, he renewed Komvos’s proposal for a nationwide initiative to record and connect Greek scientific talent abroad.
Minister Gerapetritis responded with marked emotional intensity, emphasizing that Greece’s scientific community abroad is “not just a soft power – it is a survival resource.” He mentioned that a digital registry effort has already begun, starting with the United States, with the goal of completion within two years. Special reference was made to the recognition of medical specialties acquired abroad, a key factor for enabling dignified return and professional continuity.
Yet the issue is not only about return. As rightly pointed out, what matters is maintaining an active bond between Greeks abroad and the homeland. This relationship cannot be built through formalities and ceremonial greetings—it must be built on recognition, institutional support, and targeted policies. Komvos remains committed to this vision: proposing solutions, building bridges, and strengthening the global networks of Hellenism with seriousness and consistency.
In a second intervention during the same discussion, Professor Chaniotis also voiced strong concern about recent developments that affect not only the Greek scientific diaspora, but Greek academia more broadly. He highlighted the following key issues:
The Challenge of Scholarships and Visas
Due to cuts in research funding and policy changes under the Trump administration regarding visas, fellows from non-EU countries (e.g., China) now face serious delays—or even outright obstacles—in securing visas to pursue study and research abroad.
As a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, Chaniotis expressed concern that new fellows may not be able to arrive on campus by October, resulting in the loss of valuable scientific potential.
Brain Regain is More than Physical Return
He stressed that the notion of “Brain Regain” should not be understood as the literal repatriation of every Greek scientist. Many members of the diaspora actively contribute from afar—for example, by evaluating applications for new private universities in Greece—thus shaping Greek higher education even while based abroad.
A Policy Shift That Creates Opportunities
Chaniotis observed that recent restrictions on U.S. visa policy may create a unique opportunity for European countries, and especially for Greece, to attract back part of their scientific workforce—if the right incentives are put in place.
He noted that, in proportion to its population, Greece (alongside Israel) has one of the highest concentrations of scientists abroad. If targeted return incentives were introduced, many Greek scientists would likely choose to return home rather than remain in a state of uncertainty, particularly in the U.S.
European and National Programs Can Support Return
He highlighted the European Research Country initiative, through which the EU has increased funding for scientists returning to Europe. This initiative offers a valuable tool for facilitating return.
Chaniotis also emphasized the need to create in Greece a network of collaborating research institutions—a system that enables returning scientists not necessarily to earn more, but to work freely, without stifling bureaucracy.
A study from the University of Macedonia shows that for Greek scientists, the priority is not high salaries, but the ability to pursue research without administrative barriers. This research confirms the central importance of academic freedom. As Chaniotis put it, “this absolute freedom in research is a fundamental demand for Greek scientists to return—or to maintain strong ties—with Greek institutions.”
Example of Collaboration with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
He also cited a recent agreement between the Institute for Advanced Study and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation: any Greek fellow returning to Greece receives an additional $25,000 grant to continue their research.
In conclusion, Professor Chaniotis underlined the critical role of such fellowships and charitable contributions in ensuring the success of a broader return strategy—or at the very least, in reinforcing enduring ties between Greek scientists abroad and Greek academic institutions.
You can watch Prof. Chaniotis’ intervention here (Greek).
