On Monday, December 2, 2024, the National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos" hosted the third workshop of the National Network of GEADCs, dedicated to the prevention and combatting of gender-based violence. Participants engaged in a seminar from the European UniSAFE project, delivered by Ms. Vasia Madesi, which explored strategies to address gender-based violence in research organizations. The seminar featured presentations on best practices, guidelines, and tools, and facilitated discussions on developing targeted policies and effective protocols for reporting and managing incidents of gender-based violence and harassment within research institutions.

For the second consecutive year, the National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos" hosted the interactive “Speed Mentoring” workshop as part of its 59th Summer School, organized by the Center’s Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committee. On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, fifty Summer School students had the opportunity to engage with distinguished women researchers from Demokritos, drawing inspiration from their work and contributions across various fields. Dr. Anastasia Krithara discussed “Artificial Intelligence,” Dr. Efi Markoulaki focused on “Environment and Safety,” Dr. Konstantina Mergia on “Energy,” Dr. Katerina Jamarioudaki on “Astroparticle & Particle Physics,” and Dr. Angeliki Chroni on “Molecular Basis of Human Diseases.” Each researcher shared insights into life in research and valuable experiences from their professional journeys.

In June 2024, the GEADC, in collaboration with the Employee Association of NCSR “Demokritos,” conducted a brief survey to explore staff opinions and needs regarding facilities, benefits, and services that could facilitate the balance between professional and family life for working parents at the Center. Based on the responses from 205 completed questionnaires—both electronic and physical—the results highlighted a clear need for the development of such support structures and childcare services at “Demokritos.” The top three priorities identified were: - Establishing a preschool education facility (ranked as the most preferred option). - Developing a “summer camp” program to support working parents during school holidays. - Leveraging local infrastructures and services through partnerships with external organizations, such as summer sports activity programs. The survey findings will contribute to the formulation of targeted proposals aimed at improving work-family balance at the Center.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, NCSR “Demokritos” hosted a workshop titled “Psychological Safety, Team Dynamics and Workplace Relationships: Discussing the Common and the Diverse,” led by occupational psychologist Dr. Konstantinos Papachristopoulos. The workshop aimed to explore, through collaborative activities, how workplace issues related to diversity, conflict, and professional ethics affect everyone, impact all areas of life and contribute to effective team functioning. Participants reflected on aspects of their daily work, considering how their attitudes and behaviors support the team and discussed ways to foster psychological safety that enhances well-being, creativity and organizational success. This workshop was organized by the GEADC of NCSR “Demokritos” as part of the “Equality and Inclusion Café” open discussion series.

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications at the National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos" held an open discussion on disability, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. The Institute’s equality working group hosted Dr. Maria Skoularidou, scientific collaborator at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and founding member of {Dis}Ability in AI and Women in Data Science and Statistics, Royal Statistical Society. The discussion addressed accessibility challenges in modern work environments and common barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, exploring best practices to overcome these obstacles. The event also highlighted the importance of ethical codes that support inclusion in today's workplaces and research settings. Participants further examined biases related to gender, race, disability, and other factors in Artificial Intelligence, discussing strategies to combat discrimination and foster equality and justice.

As part of the Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2024, the GEADC, in collaboration with the working groups responsible for the plan's implementation and the relevant departments handling internal documents, launched a series of initiatives to promote and integrate gender equality into the Center's administrative documents and other written materials. In alignment with the "Guide for Using Non-Sexist Language in Administrative Documents" from the General Secretariat for Gender Equality, as well as other inclusive language guidelines, revisions were made in January 2024 to frequently used administrative documents, communication materials and the Center’s websites. Additionally, NCSR "Demokritos" staff have access to various training seminars, lectures and workshops aimed at raising awareness and promoting best practices for overcoming linguistic sexism and using inclusive language.

On Thursday, December 21, 2023, NCSR “Demokritos” hosted its inaugural Equality & Inclusion Café. Organized by the Gender Equality Action Plan Working Groups and the GEADC of the Center, this event marked the beginning of a series of open discussions on equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Staff and management engaged in a lively and constructive exchange of ideas, addressing issues such as stereotypes, biases and discrimination at work. Several actionable suggestions were proposed to foster genuine equality and inclusion within the workplace.

Since September 2023, the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics at NCSR "Demokritos" has introduced the Center's first "Quiet Space." This room is available to all staff members as a peaceful retreat for rest, relaxation, and reflection, with an emphasis on inclusivity and addressing the needs of employees. The space offers a tranquil environment that helps improve concentration, reduce stress, and enhance overall work quality and productivity. The GEADC aims to create similar quiet spaces in all of the Center's buildings in the near future.

As part of the 58th Summer School at NCSR "Demokritos," the GEADC held the first interactive "Speed Mentoring" workshop featuring accomplished women researchers from the Center. On Friday, July 14, 2023, Summer School students had a unique opportunity to connect with Demokritos researchers and gain inspiration from their work. Dr. Evangelia Diapouli presented on "Air Pollution & Climate Change," Dr. Anastasia Krithara on "Artificial Intelligence," Dr. Eleni Makarona on "Silicon Sensors & Nanosystems," Dr. Marina Sagnou on "New Drugs: Challenges and Solutions," and Dr. Katerina Tzamarioudaki on "Astroparticle & Particle Physics." Each researcher shared valuable insights and experiences from their research careers, offering participants a deeper understanding of the field.

On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, NCSR "Demokritos" welcomed the G-All – Gender Alliance Initiative to conduct an interactive workshop titled “The Violence Within: Subtle Representations and Performances of Gender Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence in Our Lives,” hosted by the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications’ equality working group. This workshop featured a rich discussion on gender stereotypes and violence, shared reflections, concerns and future directions, with a particular emphasis on workplace dynamics. Participants were introduced to a variety of educational tools, exercises and best practices aimed at equipping the working group with strategies to promote equality and inclusion effectively within the professional environment.