The grandson of the late Miltiadis Karatzis presented this year’s award.
In a packed Kastelakis Hall at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, the “Miltiadis Karatzis” Award was presented on Monday evening to FORTH researcher and PhD holder, Dimitris Zaridis.
The “Miltiadis Karatzis” Award – A Well-Established Institution for the Academic Community
The event, which has now become a celebrated institution for the academic and research community of Crete, brought together representatives of the region’s scientific, social, and business sectors.
From left to right: Ms. Anastasiia Volodko, Deputy COO of the Karatzis Group Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis, President & CEO of MK Hotels Collection Ms. Marita Karatzi, and President of FORTH Mr. Vasilis Charmandaris
The event opened with remarks by the President of the Friends of FORTH Association, Zacharias Karatarakis, who praised the support of President & CEO Antonis Karatzis in establishing and promoting the award, as well as the overall contribution of the Karatzis Group in advancing research and innovation — noting that this support is a stable investment in the future. The evening was coordinated by Katerina Zografistou.
MP for Heraklion Mr. Maximos Senetakis, General Manager of the Karatzis Group Mr. Kostas Archontakis, and Dr. Sakis Archontakis
As part of the event, academic and Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at the University of Athens, Christoforos Charalambakis, was proclaimed an honorary member of the Friends of FORTH Association.
This was followed by his particularly impressive lecture titled “Wanderings in the Ocean of the Greek Language.”
Emeritus Professor of NKUA Mr. Christoforos Charalambakis was honored as an honorary member of the Friends of FORTH Association
Next, Professor of Astrophysics and President of FORTH, Vasilios Charmandaris, delivered a talk titled “Searching for Truth with Light!”, offering a fascinating view into how science illuminates our world.
The moment of the “Miltiadis Karatzis” Award presentation
Honoring the lasting legacy of Miltiadis Karatzis
The awarding of Dimitris Zaridis marked the highlight of the evening, with the Deputy COO of the Karatzis Group, Miltiadis Karatzis, presenting the award and delivering an emotional address.
Visibly moved, he emphasized the personal significance of the moment, as he was speaking both as a grandson and namesake of the late Miltiadis Karatzis.
His Eminence Archbishop of Crete Eugenios, Ms. Anastasiia Volodko, and Deputy COO of the Karatzis Group Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis
Referring to the institution, he noted that “the Miltiadis Karatzis Award is not simply an honorary distinction”, but a living mechanism that serves, as he said, his grandfather’s profound vision: faith in the capabilities of Greek science, support for young researchers, and the promotion of innovation as a pillar of a progressive and dynamic society.
A moment from Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis’ address
Mr. Karatzis highlighted that through the award, “excellence, perseverance, and creativity of young scientists are rewarded,” while at the same time the great legacy of Miltiadis Karatzis is honored — a legacy of continuous investment in the future, tangible support for people, and contribution to society with integrity and consistency.
In closing, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to all those who support the institution and continue the work of his grandfather, while also congratulating this year’s award recipient for his scientific contribution.
From left to right: Researcher Mr. Dimitris Zaridis, President of the Friends of FORTH Association Mr. Zacharias Karatarakis, and Deputy COO of the Karatzis Group Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis
Dimitris Zaridis was honored for his pioneering work in detecting and monitoring prostate cancer using artificial intelligence — research described as highly promising for the future of medical diagnostics.
Watch the video: