Harokopio University

Ever wonder how a university can be both modern and steeped in history? Harokopio University, right here before us, embodies this intriguing paradox. This isn’t just any university. Harokopio University carries a legacy dating back to 1929, originally the Harokopios Higher School of Home Economics. Officially established as a university in 1990, it became the 18th state university in Greece. Harokopio University is named after its benefactor, Panagis Harokopos, a visionary who dreamed of an institution dedicated to the advancement of home economics. He purchased land in Kallithea, Athens, and between 1915 and 1920, the original school building was constructed, later expanded in 1959. This very building housed the Harokopios Higher School until its transformation into the university we see today. Harokopio University has grown beyond its initial focus. It now offers a diverse range of programs, including Economics and Sustainable Development, Geography, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Informatics and Telematics. The university hasn’t just grown academically. It has also expanded physically. In the late 1990s, a new building was added to accommodate the growing Geography Department and the library. More recently, in 2011, another building was opened in the Tavros area, providing a home for the Informatics and Telematics Department and the university refectory. Harokopio University is a relatively small institution, with around 120 academic and research staff, 80 administration personnel, and approximately 1,000 undergraduate students. This intimate scale fosters a close-knit academic community and allows for a flexible and responsive learning environment. Harokopio University isn’t just about academics. It’s also a hub for research, actively contributing to the scientific output of Greece. Its research focuses on Home Economics, Ecology, Geography, Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics, Informatics, and Telematics, with many projects incorporating the study of the environment. Interestingly, Harokopio University even has its own weather station, operated in partnership with the National Observatory of Athens. This station has recorded some impressive temperatures, including a scorching summer mean maximum temperature of 36.8°C in 2024. So, as you stand before Harokopio University, remember that you are at a place where history and innovation intertwine. It is a place where the legacy of Panagis Harokopos continues to inspire, and where the pursuit of knowledge shapes the future.