Welcome to the Master Program in Molecular and Applied Plant Biology – Green Biotechnology (GreeN). This program of study is aimed at educating and training applicants in the latest advances in molecular biology and applied plant science, with a specific focus on Green Biotechnology. The curriculum is designed to develop the technical and analytical skills required for a successful career in the biotechnology industry or in academic research.
This innovative one-year program offers the opportunity to develop highly specialized and comprehensive knowledge in the relevant fields of Green Biotechnology and related disciplines. The teaching methodology emphasizes problem-based learning, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory training.
Career opportunities after completing the GreeN include companies, entrepreneurs and universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.
We congratulate you on your interest in our program and wish you the best of luck in your application process.
Biology is the study of the complex things in the Universe. Physics is the study of the simple ones. RICHARD DAWKINS, 1941 – PRESENT 
Almost everybody is enthusiastic about the promise of biotechnology to cure disease and to relieve suffering. -Leon Kass 
Domesticated biotechnology, once it gets into the hands of housewives and children, will give us an explosion of diversity of new living creatures … New lineages will proliferate to replace those that monoculture farming and deforestation have destroyed. Designing genomes will be a personal thing, a new art form as creative as painting or sculpture. Few of the new creations will be masterpieces, but a great many will bring joy to their creators and variety to our fauna and flora. — Freeman Dyson 
Yeast is a machine. — Max Delbrück 
“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing”.-Albert Einstein 
The need for GreeN and prospects
Strive for excellence in sustainability
Ensuring food security is a significant challenge that must be addressed to ensure that the growing population has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. The United Nations estimates that the global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, which means that food production must increase by at least 70% to meet the growing demand.
To achieve food security by 2050, several strategies can be implemented, including:
- Sustainable agriculture: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation tillage can help to increase crop yield and reduce soil erosion, while also preserving natural resources.
- Investing in research and development: Increased investment in research and development can help to develop new crop varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, while also increasing crop yield and improving nutritional value.
- Improving infrastructure: Developing efficient transportation systems, storage facilities, and markets can help to reduce food waste and improve access to food in areas that are food insecure.
- Addressing climate change: Climate change is a significant threat to food security, as it can lead to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events that can negatively impact crop yields. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing climate-smart agricultural practices can help to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production.
- Reducing food waste: An estimated one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. Reducing food waste can help to increase food availability, reduce environmental impact, and improve food security.
Overall, achieving food security by 2050 will require a multifaceted approach that addresses the challenges facing the food system, including population growth, climate change, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
The Master’s program in Molecular and Applied Plant Biology – Green Biotechnology is a graduate-level program that focuses on understanding the molecular processes involved in plant growth, development, and response to environmental stimuli. As such, it is perfectly aligned with the above goals to ensure food security. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in industry, agricultural research, or academia.
The curriculum of this program typically includes courses in plant genetics, genomics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, as well as topics specific to green biotechnology, such as plant tissue culture, genetic engineering, plant-microbe interactions, and bioremediation. Students may also have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects, either in collaboration with faculty members or as part of an internship in a biotech or agricultural company.
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in (biotech) industry, working on projects related to plant-based bioproducts, biofuels, and plant-based pharmaceuticals. They may also pursue careers in agricultural research, working on improving crop yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and tolerance to environmental stressors. Additionally, graduates may choose to pursue further academic study in a PhD program.
Notable Alumni of the Program
For those aiming BIG
Panagiotis Moschou (Director of the Program)
Panagiotis Sarris
Pavlos Pavlidis
Eleni Pliakoni
Athanasios Dalakouras
Our commitment to an internationalization character
Internationalization character refers to the ability of an organization or an individual to effectively interact, communicate, and collaborate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. In today’s globalized world, internationalization has become a crucial factor for success in various fields, including business, education, politics, and social engagement.
Some of the key characteristics of internationalization include:
- Cultural awareness: Understanding and appreciating cultural differences, norms, and values is essential for effective communication and collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Language proficiency: Being able to communicate effectively in multiple languages can help individuals and organizations to break down language barriers and facilitate effective communication with people from different linguistic backgrounds.
- Adaptability: Being adaptable and flexible in different cultural settings is essential for successful cross-cultural interactions. This includes being open to new ideas, approaches, and ways of thinking.
- Global mindset: Having a global mindset involves understanding the interconnectedness of the world and recognizing the potential opportunities and challenges that come with it. This includes being aware of global trends, issues, and events.
- Empathy: Having empathy and understanding the perspectives of people from different cultural backgrounds can help individuals and organizations to build trust and establish strong relationships with others.
Overall, internationalization is a valuable skill set that can help individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of the globalized world and achieve success in various fields.
How to apply
Crete- a culture trip
Courses
MOSCHOU LAB 