Nikos Roukounakis

National Observatory of Athens

The National Observatory of Athens (NOA) was founded in 1842 and is the oldest research foundation in Greece. It currently includes three research institutes: the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing, the Institute of Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, and the Institute of Geodynamics. Each one of its institutes focuses on well defined and complementary research areas operating a number of facilities, such as telescopes and various sensing stations, located both in the Athens metro area as well as in various places all over Greece. NOA collaborates with universities both in Greece and abroad, offering training to advanced undergraduates, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It hosts the UNESCO Chair for Natural Disasters, operates the National Seismological Network and participates in numerous international research networks. Its museum and historic telescopes are open to the public and they are being used for numerous outreach activities throughout the year.