Partnership
About the Collaborative
The Vertical Gas Corridor Research Collaborative is a joint initiative between the University of Connecticut and Democritus University of Thrace, treating Alexandroupolis and the Eastern Mediterranean as a living laboratory for applied research, education, and evidence-based planning.
Official Agreement
Agreement of Cooperation
University of Connecticut & Democritus University of Thrace · October 23, 2026
Effective
Oct 23, 2026
Term
5 Years
Status
OGC Approved
A formal five-year agreement establishing an institutional framework for joint research, faculty exchange, student mobility, and community engagement. Neither party assumes financial obligations under the agreement itself — specific projects and programs are negotiated separately.
UConn Signatories
Lindsay DiStefano, Ph.D.
Interim VP for Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Ji-Cheng Zhao, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Engineering
DUTh Signatory
Maria Michalopoulou, Ph.D.
Rector
Five Research Pillars
International Energy Resilience Forum
October 23, 2026 · Former Bank of Greece Building, Alexandroupolis
Opening Session
- ·Rector, Democritus University of Thrace
- ·Vice President for Research, UConn
Session A: Energy Investments & Regional Resilience
- ·Christodoulos Topsidis, Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
- ·Ioannis Zamboukis, Mayor of Alexandroupolis
- ·Prof. Maria Michalopoulou, Rector, DUTh
- ·Prof. Lindsay DiStefano, UConn
- ·Ministry of Energy · Ministry of Development · DG Regio · DG ENER
- ·US Embassy · Alexandroupolis Port Authority
Session B: Energy & Environmental Resilience, Human Resource Development
- ·Dimitrios Fourlaris, Energy Regulatory Authority
- ·Ministry of Energy – Directorate of Energy Policy
- ·DUTh Academic Personnel
- ·UConn Academic Personnel
- ·Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)
Closing: Conclusions & Next Steps
Designated Representatives
UConn – IoEE Director
Emmanouil N. Anagnostou, Ph.D.
UConn – CESE Director
Michael Hren, Ph.D.
DUTh – Associate Professor
Vasilios Plakandaras, Ph.D.
Department of Economics
Administrative Contacts
UConn: Allison Casaly, Ph.D. — Global Partnerships Manager, Office of Global Affairs
DUTh: Eleni Mavridou — Head, International Relations Department
Pillar 04
Coastal & Extreme Weather Resilience