Theme: IRIS

IRIS is a multi-dimensional notion, of which we intend on touching upon every aspect. More specifically: Iris, the ancient Greek goddess, the epitome of the rainbow and a messenger, is the connective link between gods and mortals. A nebula, a flower and a part of the eye also bear her name. The definition of iris is associated with light, as it regulates the amount of light on the eye’s retina. The goddess’s multifaceted nature was also the inspiration for this year’s TEDxAUTH event. We believe that in the same ease that the Goddess would transcend borders, our own ideas will be heard in the country and beyond. The guideline behind this year’s talks will be based on everything presented by the Goddess; the path towards the light, the discovery of aspects of ourselves, the ode to diversity as well as the human need for communication and connection are only a part of its manifestations.

Ceremony Hall of A.U.TH.
Thessaloniki 546 36
Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 36
Greece

Agapi Mesodiakaki

Agapi Mesodiakaki is a postdoctoral researcher at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), working in the field of telecommunication and next generation networks (Beyond 5G, 6G). She graduated from the National Technical University of Athens with a degree in electrical engineering and computer engineering and received a doctorate degree from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, BarcelonaTech) in Barcelona. After her doctoral degree she worked as a postdoctoral researcher as the Karlstad University (KAU) in sweden, and from 2018, she joined the Wireless and Photonic Systems and Networks (WinPhoS) team at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (C.I.R.I.) at AUTH. Recently she has been working in parallel as part of the extra teaching staff at the International Hellenic University (IHU). She has published over 40 scientific publications in international journals and at conferences, and her dissertation was awarded as one of the best dissertations of the year.

Alexandra K*

Alexandra K* is a playwright and novelist. At the same time, she is working as a columnist in newspapers and magazines, as a copywriter in advertising and as a screenwriter in television and cinema. In 2017, her first novel “How urchins kiss” (Patakis Editions) was released. In 2018, her play “Revolutionary ways to clean your swimming pool” (Patakis editions) was staged at the Experimental stage of the National Theatre of Greece, which has been translated into 5 languages and honored with the European EURODRAM award. Her last work “Milk, blood (Nefeli editions) was staged in 2021 in Mikri Epidavros, assigned by Athens Epidaurus Festival. She is currently collaborating with the National Opera of Greece, while at the same time she continues writing articles for Vogue Greece. During fall of 2021, she was writer-in-residence on the International Writers Program of the University of Iowa. She has also been a member of the administrative council of Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Amalia Tsiatoura

Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura is a specialized Dermatologist and Venereologist, with a degree in Medicine from the University of Ioannina. She completed the specialty of Dermatology - Venereology at the “Andreas Syggros” Hospital, where she was a Research Associate. Later on, she trained in Dermoscopy at Gratz of Austria, and Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser at the University of Colorado Hospital in the USA. She is considered one of the most specialized Dermatologists and specialists in Cosmetic Laser applications in Greece and Europe. In collaboration with the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Anastasios Vekris, she created the largest Medical Group of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, called Cosmetic Derma Medicine Medical Group, with 14 clinics in Greece and Cyprus, where she currently holds the position of Scientific Director. She has also participated as a speaker and trainer in international conferences and workshops organized by the CMD group.

Andria Zafeirakou

Andria Zafirakou, MBE (2018 Global Teacher Prize winner) is a teacher at Alperton Community School in Brent. Andria was born in north-west London to Greek-Cypriot parents and state-educated in Brent and Camden. She is an art and textiles teacher in Brent on the outskirts of London, one of the world’s most ethnically diverse places. She is passionate about education and changing the lives of young people and underserved communities through creativity. She has worked her entire teaching career of 16 years at Alperton Community School is now an Associate Deputy Headteacher leading on Staff Development , Diversity and Transitions. Using the prize money awarded by the Global Teacher Prize, Andria founded a charity called Artists in Residence (AiR) with an aim to improve arts education in schools.

Aris Argyropoulos

Aris Argyropoulos was born and raised in Athens, now studying Media and Marketing abroad. Growing up, he was given many chances to work in various art galleries and magazines. That’s how he discovered the creativity within him, trying to find a way to express it. During the pandemic he saw the chance, having the time and the will, to search for the exact nature of his wants. In his attempt at being productive, he decided to create a personal clothing collection. In July 2021, this vision came to reality by creating his own clothing line, DrisbyDris. DrisbyDris is a powerful brand that promotes authenticity through monochromatic looks.

Eleonora Zouganeli

Eleonora Zouganeli was born and raised in the heart of singing and theatre. She commenced her live performances alongside Giorgos Dalaras. From that moment up until today she has achieved many incredibly important collaborations. One of her career’s landmarks are the concerts celebrating 20 years from Melina Merkouri’s death, titled: “Na me thimasai kai na m’ agapas (Remember me and love me)” within the framework of the Athens Festival. An equally important landmark are her first steps on the theater, starring in the National Theatre play “Piaf” by Pam Gems, directed by Petros Zoulias. She is considered to be the most important performer of Greek music in the contemporary era. All of her records have become platinum, producing successfully many radio hits, and so are her performances. Her album “Ti na leme tora”, with music and lyrics by Stamatis Kraounakis, recently came out, and it has acquired positive feedback from the very moment of the announcement of this impeccable collaboration.

Gerasimos Evangelatos

Born in Athens. Ηe works as a lyricist, translator and writer. He studied Theatre at the University of Athens. In 2004 he was distinguished in the Second Audition of the Little Bear and since then he has had a steady presence in the Greek discography, with Themis Karamouratidis and Natassa Bofiliou as his main collaborators. He is the artistic curator of the group's performances and at the same time he is working with other artists (Giorgos Dalaras, Tania Tsanaklidou, Alkistis Protopsaltis, Anna Vissi, Eleonora Zouganeli, etc.). He also writes and translates for the Theatre. Original work: The other sense (2013), Omicron26 (2014), Ourania (2018), Simple Transition (2019) Translation/rendition: Fame, Cats (Ellinikos Kosmos), The Fiddler on the Roof, Sweet Charity (Badminton), Piaf, The Game of Slaughter (Greek Theatre), Nine (Pantheon), Billy Elliot (Pallas), Evita (Municipal Theatre of Piraeus), Break up with me on a Sunday (Mikro Pallas), Chicago (Olympia), The Court of Miracles (Athens Concert Hall).

Konstantinos Letsios

Konstantinos Letsios, Psychodrama Trainer, Educator & Practitioner (TEP) was born in 1957. He studied Psychology at the Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest. Between 1982 and 1985 he completed his postgraduate programme in Social Psychology at Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Paris. He was trained mostly in psychodrama by Dr Max Clayton, and since 2000 he’s been the director of the Psychodramatic Centre of Personality Development (PCPD), which resides in Athens. Since 2007, PCPD is a member of the Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organizations (FEPTO).

Panos Giannkopoulos

People in the industry call Panos Giannakopoulos “the celebrity photographer”, but maybe they should call him “the photographer of our hearts” since he’s got his way through his laughter, his humour and generosity, as well as through the almighty weapon in his hands (his camera) which charms everyone. He studied at ICP, New York, and the people that trust him mostly come from the Arts, fashion and advertising, while he has also collaborated with the biggest television networks and press in Greece and Cyprus. He loves capturing face expressions and moments. He also teaches photography classes in one of the biggest private colleges in Greece.

Sandra Zafeirakopoulou

Sandra coordinates the work of Make-A-Wish (Make-A-Wish Greece) from her position as a managing director. She prefers the title “fairy facilitator” herself, as she believes in the power and magic of teamwork. With an undergraduate degree in Political Sciences from the University of Athens, a postgraduate title (MSc) from the London School of Economics and a Diploma from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she treated her studies as a window to the world rather than merely a springboard to a career. While discovering herself, she came to love the sector of Communication and Marketing, serving in respective professional positions. At the age of 40, and with a son then aged 3, She Made A Wish…and it came true. Since then, as she says herself, she has become acquainted with a world she didn’t know existed and she wouldn’t change a minute of the past 8 years. Barring one: the loss of children.

Sotiris Oikonomos

Sotiris Oikonomos knew he wanted to work with IT from a young age, which he indeed achieved a few years later by studying at the department of IT and Mass Media. Nowadays he has assumed the position of CTO at the startup Owiwi, actively supporting the national and international startup ecosystem. He’s also very experienced in the software development industry in many different big projects. Owiwi’s symbol is an owl, a unique animal that is able to use its night vision to capture everything other creatures are unable to see. In the same way, the tool constructed by the company sheds light on the undiscovered aspects of ourselves. He’s coming to talk to us about this kind of light, and about how being different is actually the only path towards each one’s Iris.

Tonia Sotiropoulou

Tonia Sotiropoulou is a Greek actress. Born and raised in Athens, she studied in Athens and lived in London for 7 years, where she graduated from the Giles Foreman Center for Acting. A cinema enthusiast, she has worked with many directors such as Sam Mendes, Peter Strickland, Nikos Perakis and Vasilis Kekatos. Tonia is also active on social media with long-term collaborations as an ambassador for major brands in Greece such as Intimissimi, Oriflame, Audemars Piguet & Campari. She is a spokesperson for Adidas Hellas and has in many occasions collaborated with charitable organisations. An avid animal lover, she has co-founded the NGO “A Little Shelter” for the care and protection of stray animals.