With the aim of exchanging knowledge, strengthening the interconnection of different scientific fields, and exploring new possibilities for innovation, the Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming” and Pfizer’s Center for Digital Innovation (Center for Digital Innovation – CDI) in Thessaloniki co-organized “Innovation Day” at the facilities of BSRC “Alexander Fleming,” bringing together researchers, scientists, and technology professionals.
The initiative served as a meeting point for two complementary ecosystems of knowledge and innovation: the advanced biomedical research and technological development carried out at BSRC “Alexander Fleming” and the expertise of Pfizer’s Center for Digital Innovation in digital technologies, data science, and artificial intelligence. The common goal was the exchange of know-how and best practices, as well as the creation of the conditions for new collaborations that can accelerate the transition from scientific discovery to innovative applications with an impact on health and society.
For BSRC “Alexander Fleming,” “Innovation Day” is part of its strategy to strengthen innovation, interdisciplinarity, and the connection of research excellence with technological development and industry. The Center systematically invests in creating an environment in which basic and applied biomedical research, emerging technologies, and the entrepreneurial exploitation of knowledge can operate complementarily, accelerating the transfer of research results toward new health applications.
Accordingly, “Innovation Day” reflects the ongoing commitment of Pfizer’s Center for Digital Innovation to connect with the Greek research and innovation ecosystem, with the aim of transferring know-how, exchanging best practices, and creating new collaborations that can contribute to the advancement of science and health.
During “Innovation Day,” executives and researchers from the two organizations presented their work, research activities, and innovative initiatives in the fields of biomedical research, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the possibilities created when scientific excellence meets technological innovation.
A special place in the program was given to the presentation of the research and innovation work of BSRC “Alexander Fleming.” Dr. Antigoni Dima, Dr. Eleni Ntouni, Dr. Dimitris Kontogiannis, Dr. Argyris Politis, Dr. Katerina Papanikolopoulou, Dr. Martina Samiotaki, Dr. Marietta Armaka, Dr. Maria Fousteri, and Dr. Georgios Skretas presented representative aspects of the research being developed at the Center, highlighting the breadth of its scientific activity and its potential in connecting basic biomedical research with advanced technologies and innovative applications.
Through the presentations, research approaches and technological platforms were highlighted that cover different but complementary fields of modern biomedical science, as well as the possibilities of leveraging digital tools, data, and artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery. At the same time, the role of Fleming as a dynamic hub of biomedical research and innovation was highlighted, with a strong orientation toward interdisciplinarity, know-how transfer, and the transformation of research knowledge into new technologies and health applications.
Dr. Ioannis Pandis, Head of Pfizer in Thessaloniki and of the Center for Digital Innovation, presented flagship projects of the Center that leverage advanced digital technologies, data, and artificial intelligence to support the discovery and development of new therapies, while Anastasia Matonaki, Director Embedded Innovation, presented projects of the Center for Digital Innovation that accelerate the transformation of new ideas into practical high-value solutions for research and healthcare.
At the same time, Aspa Dimou, Site Care Partner – R&D Regional Site Operations, representing Pfizer’s global Research & Development organization, presented the company’s expertise in the design and implementation of clinical studies internationally and their pivotal role in the development of new therapeutic approaches.
An important part of the day was dedicated to direct dialogue between Fleming’s researchers and Pfizer executives, with the aim of exchanging experiences, identifying common scientific and technological interests, and exploring fields in which biomedical research, data science, and artificial intelligence can create new synergies.
In the context of “Innovation Day,” the Learning & Development team of the Center for Digital Innovation conducted an interactive skills development workshop for the researchers of BSRC “Alexander Fleming,” focusing on modern innovation methodologies such as Design Thinking, Agile Methodologies, and Creative Problem Solving. The workshop highlighted practical ways of leveraging research knowledge and transforming it into innovative solutions with broader social and economic impact.
Dr. Ioannis Pandis, Head of Pfizer in Thessaloniki and of the Center for Digital Innovation, stated: “Innovation accelerates when we bring together people with different knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Strengthening the Greek innovation ecosystem is a strategic priority for Pfizer’s Center for Digital Innovation. Through initiatives such as ‘Innovation Day,’ we create bridges for the exchange of know-how between the research and technology communities, highlighting new possibilities that can contribute to the advancement of science and the improvement of patients’ lives.”
Dr. Georgios Skretas, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BSRC “Alexander Fleming” stated: “At Fleming, we systematically invest in a research model in which scientific excellence is connected with technological innovation, knowledge transfer, and the development of new health applications. ‘Innovation Day’ with Pfizer’s Center for Digital Innovation meaningfully highlighted the possibilities created when modern biomedical research is combined with artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technologies. At the same time, it gave us the opportunity to present Fleming’s research and technological potential and to explore fields in which the complementary expertise of the two organizations can lead to new collaborations. Such initiatives contribute substantially to connecting the Greek research community with the international biomedical and technological industry and to creating a stronger research and innovation ecosystem in the country.”