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As a member of the Scientific and Conservation Council of Tour du Valat, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri was pleased to participate in the Council’s Annual Meeting. The gathering offered a valuable opportunity for her to engage with esteemed colleagues and contribute to the scientific and conservation strategy of this leading research institute.
Tour du Valat is a renowned research centre dedicated to the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands. Guided by the principle “Better understand wetlands to better manage them,” the institution integrates ecological research, applied management, and policy engagement to safeguard these unique and increasingly threatened ecosystems.
Prof. Koundouri continues to contribute actively to Tour du Valat’s mission and its ongoing efforts to strengthen Mediterranean biodiversity and resilience.
Prof. Phoebe Koundouri participated in a highly insightful panel discussion on “Digital Technology as a Driver of the Climate and Sustainability Transition”, held during COP30 in Brazil within the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub COP30 Dialogues, co-organized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the SDSN Global Climate Hub.
The session was moderated by Prof. Yannis Ioannidis, President of ACM, and featured distinguished panelists Virginia Dignum (Umeå University), Andrew A. Chien (University of Chicago), and Jayant Haritsa (Indian Institute of Science). Together, they examined how artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, data platforms, and digital public goods are reshaping climate modelling, clean energy systems, resilient cities, agriculture, smart buildings, and nature-based solutions. The discussion also addressed essential issues related to openness, data rights, Indigenous data sovereignty, sustainable computing, and the importance of strong cross-sectoral collaboration.
In her remarks, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri presented the work of the SDSN Global Climate Hub in advancing the integration of computing and AI into climate modelling and sustainability pathways. She underscored the indispensable role of high-performance computing in climate and integrated assessment models, and highlighted how AI is improving model resolution, accelerating computation, enhancing extreme-event prediction, and supporting emissions monitoring. She further emphasized the importance of sustainable computing, open data, robust governance frameworks, and interdisciplinary scientific approaches linking climate science, economics, engineering, and digital technologies.
On Sunday, November 2, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri had the honour of serving as the keynote speaker for the 2nd “Prothalamos D’ – Environment” event, held in the Event Hall of the historic Schiller Building at the National Theatre of Greece.
In November, the National Theatre of Greece dedicated its artistic program to the theme of Environment, continuing the innovative series “Prothalamos D2: Interdisciplinary and Interartistic Dialogues.” Curated by Natasha Triantafylli, this initiative examines how scientists and artists can converge in a shared space of expression — a space where diverse forms of language and creativity intersect to illuminate contemporary challenges.
Prof. Koundouri’s keynote address emphasized that sustainability can only be realized through a holistic, systems-based approach. She underscored that achieving meaningful transformation requires acknowledging the profound interconnections between nature, society, and the economy, and designing solutions that integrate these dimensions. She highlighted the critical role of integrated decision-making, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative governance as foundational elements for shaping resilient and sustainable futures.
Concurrently, the audience was immersed in a captivating live, site-specific art installation by visual artist Vassilis Gerodimos, created in collaboration with Freddy Gizas. Their work transformed the space into a dynamic dialogue between art and science, reinforcing the message of interconnectedness.
The event at the National Theatre of Greece demonstrated how the synergy between artistic creativity and scientific insight can foster deeper public engagement and inspire collective action toward sustainability.
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