The academic community of the Department recognizes that its mission is to provide high-quality education in the field of Mechanical Engineering, to generate groundbreaking new knowledge and expertise through fundamental and applied research, and to transfer this knowledge to benefit society on a local, national, and international level.
The primary goal—or, more accurately, the vision—of the Department is to become a Department of Mechanical Engineering with international recognition and reputation. This is envisioned through the excellent and modern education it provides, the high scientific standards, cultivation, academic and professional ethics of its graduates, combined with the cutting-edge knowledge and expertise it generates, the distinct scientific contribution of its teaching and research staff, and ultimately, the successful and exemplary transfer of the produced knowledge to society, contributing to its development and progress.
We believe that, to a large extent, the aforementioned goals are being achieved—despite the dramatic reduction in funding and the shortage of human resources and facilities—thanks to the commendable efforts of the faculty and support staff. Admittedly, there is always room for improvement. More specifically, we believe that:
The goal of providing excellent and modern education is achieved through the continuous evaluation and restructuring of the curriculum, ensuring alignment with contemporary educational and scientific advancements. This includes actions such as: strengthening the laboratory-based nature of studies, integrating case studies into courses, training in the use of specialized software, supporting courses through the development of functional websites with educational material, utilizing multiple textbooks, providing access to international literature and teaching resources, developing quality control and self-evaluation structures, encouraging the completion of diploma and postgraduate theses in collaboration with industry, and conducting industrial internships. Factors that hinder the achievement of this goal include deficiencies in logistics and infrastructure (lecture halls, experimental setups, and educational laboratories) as well as a shortage of technical laboratory support staff.
The goal of fostering high scientific standards, cultivation, and academic/professional ethics among graduates is achieved through the dedication of the Faculty and Research Staff to core values, such as: democratic principles and academic freedom, meritocracy and academic integrity, academic excellence and creativity, the diligence of the staff, student participation in research activities, the promotion of a positive public image for both the Department and the University of Thessaly, and active contribution to the economic and cultural development of the region.
The goal of a successful and exemplary transfer of the generated expertise to society is primary achieved through the participation of Faculty members and research associates in competitive research projects, as well as the provision of technical services. According to data from the University of Thessaly Research Committee, over the past decade, the Department’s Faculty members have participated in more than 100 competitive projects, with a total budget exceeding €7 million.
