The opening ceremony of the UniversAI Symposium was held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the main building of Harokopio University of Athens, marking the commencement of a week dedicated to the intersection of astrophysics and artificial intelligence.
The event opened with a welcome address by the Rector, Professor Georgios Dedousis, who emphasized the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing research and establishing innovative scientific approaches.
UniversAI is the first attempt to bridge astrophysics with computer science, with the aim of utilizing artificial intelligence in the study of the universe. The symposium is co-organized by Dr. Ioannis Liodakis, Researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of FORTH, and Dr. Vasilis Efthymiou, Assistant Professor at the Department of Informatics and Telematics of Harokopio University.
The choice of Athens to host this symposium is particularly symbolic, as the first known analog computer for astronomical applications – the Antikythera Mechanism – was built in Greece.
The UniversAI program includes presentations by leading scientists from around the world, while special importance is also given to bringing science into contact with the general public, with a series of open actions, carried out with the support of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach in Greece, in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens.
The UniversAI Symposium will run through Friday, June 6, 2025.
For further information, please visit: https://universai2025.hua.gr/
