For the next academic year, seven more young scientists will begin their postgraduate studies at leading universities in maritime and environmental sectors, with the support of HELMEPA. Since 1998, the Association has awarded a total of 75 scholarships to 44 women and 31 men. Behind every number is a young person who earned their place through effort and results, and found an ally for the next step in HELMEPA.
This year’s Scholarship Awarding Ceremony for the Academic Year 2026–2027 was hosted by HELMEPA member company OIL ONE S.A., in a symbolic connection between academic progress and the working environment. The ceremony was held in a close circle, giving scholars, families and Members of the Board of Directors the opportunity for meaningful introductions and open dialogue.
The ceremony was attended by Members of the Board of Directors: Semiramis Paliou, Chairperson of HELMEPA; George Karageorgiou, 1st Vice Chairperson; Maria Hajioannou, 2nd Vice Chairperson; John Xylas, General Secretary; Kalli Livanou, Treasurer; Harris Antoniou, Deputy Treasurer; Members Spiros-Nikolaos Apostolopoulos, Andreas Giakoumelos, Michalis Dalacouras, Ioanna Martinou (online), Athanasios Beis, Irene Daifas, Christos Ntegiannis, Eirini Pitta and Eleni Polychronopoulou; Alternate Members Konstantinos Antoniadis and Leandros Kontogouris, Director General Olga Stavropoulou; Scientific Advisor Professor Michael Scoullos, and Legal Advisor Nikos Gerassimou.
HELMEPA Chairperson Semiramis Paliou mentioned that supporting the new generation is, and will remain, a strategic priority for the Association. She congratulated the new scholars and thanked the donors who open the way for these young people, underlining how important it is when effort and excellence are recognised. “Each scholarship reflects our belief in the power of knowledge and the potential of the new generation. We will stand by your side during your studies and in the years ahead. Our relationship does not end with the award. From today, you belong to HELMEPA’s family.”
The scholarships for the Academic Year 2026–2027 were awarded to the following recipients:
John Xylas, General Secretary of HELMEPA and Chair of the Scholarships’ Evaluation Committee, awarded the scholarship in memory of George P. Livanos, Founder of HELMEPA, amounting €15,000, to Kalliopi Dikou for postgraduate studies in “Marine Technology” at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, focusing on the design of innovative, sustainable vessels adapted to the green energy transition, as well as offshore structures.
George Karageorgiou, 1st Vice Chairperson of HELMEPA, and Athanasios Beis, Member of the Board of Directors of HELMEPA, awarded the scholarship in memory of Captain Vassilis C. Constantakopoulos, Honorary Chairperson of HELMEPA, amounting €15,000, to Vasileios Sitaras for postgraduate studies in “Sustainable Energy Technology” at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, focusing on the full sustainable energy system, from energy production to conversion, transmission, storage and consumption.
Irene Daifas, Member of the Board of Directors of HELMEPA, awarded the scholarship in memory of Stavros Daifas, amounting €15,000, to Foivi Vasileia Parisouli and Danai Nikoleta Parisouli, €7,500 each, for postgraduate studies in “Sustainable Energy Technology” at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, focusing on sustainable energy, renewable energy sources and the reduction of environmental impact through the energy transition.
Maria Hajioannou, 2nd Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of HELMEPA, awarded the scholarship in memory of Vassos Hajioannou, amounting €15,000, kindly donated by member company Alassia Newships Management, to Maria Morou for postgraduate studies in “Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Infrastructure” at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, focusing on environmental engineering, sustainable development, water technology, waste management, environmental systems analysis and sustainable infrastructure.
Marina-Matthildi Martinos, Member of the Executive Committee of the Athina I. Martinou Foundation, awarded the scholarship in memory of Athina I. Martinou, amounting €15,000, kindly donated by the Foundation, to Emmanouil Gialiadakis for postgraduate studies in “Magister Juris” at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, specialising in Maritime Law and the contemporary challenges of international shipping, with emphasis on autonomous ships (MASS) and the regulation of artificial intelligence in shipping.
Spiros-Nikolaos Apostolopoulos, Member of the Board of Directors of HELMEPA, and his sister, Electra Apostolopoulou, awarded the scholarship in memory of Nikolaos S. Apostolopoulos, amounting €15,000, to Georgios Lyras for postgraduate studies in “LLM Master of Laws” at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, focusing on Maritime Law and the international trade of goods and services.
Following the ceremony, the President of OIL ONE S.A., Dimitris Melissanidis, guided the scholars and their families through the company’s model environmental facility.
