The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE was established in 2009 and first operated within the Arsakeio Schools of Patras as a Centre for Education and Science. It was built and equipped via the generous donation of Mr. Konstantinos Dimitriadis.

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE operated under the scientific supervision of Professor Spyros Pnevmatikos until 2023 and in 2024 the Centre was officialy given the name Konstantinos Dimitriadis by the Commission of Filekpaideftiki Etaireia to honour the donor of the institution.

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE appeals to students, educators, and scholars, offering new opportunities for the observation reveal and understanding of scientific principles and natural phenomena. Students in primary, secondary, and post-secondary education can investigate specific subjects in Mathematics, Physics, Informatics, and Robotics through interactive learning activities that formal instruction.

The Centre provides innovative teaching methods for educators, enabling the effective and engaging introduction of scientific concepts in the classroom..

Reflections on the Inauguration

During the 2009 inauguration of the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE, Mr. Konstantinos Dimitriadis remarked, “The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE functions as an adjunct to public education, illustrating that learning can be both pleasurable and captivating. “We envision that these contemporary and efficient learning methodologies—once acknowledged by students and, crucially, their educators—will progressively be included into the wider secondary education framework. This will foster a more profound and significant educational experience, promoting young individuals to become autonomous learners. Presently, a great number of students regard science and technology with apprehension, and often consider them as merely inflexible and obligatory disciplines. thus leaving their innate talents and capabilities unexploited. Our objective is to alter this mindset and help students realise their potential.”

During the same event, Professor Georgios Babiniotis, President of Filekpaideftiki Etaireia, underscored the importance of active participation in the acquisition of knowledge. “This facility exemplifies this goal, as you will soon observe. According to Mr. Dimitriadis, this is an environment where pupils are not only exposed to information and theories. They commence with data, employ critical thinking, conduct investigations, and participate in what is termed an “invention-discovery” methodology. Through discourse, contemplation, and structured investigation, they reveal the scientific principles underlying basic experiments. This method can stimulate students’ curiosity and aims to convert them into proactive learners.

We must set a superior level of quality in Greek education. The objective is to rekindle students’ intellectual and emotional engagement with education. This can solely be accomplished by igniting their curiosity and helping them develop their creativity.

Since 2024, the administrative and operational responsibility, as well as the supervision of the Patras Science Centre “Konstantinos Dimitriadis”, has been entrusted to the Board of Directors of the Society for the Promotion of Education and Learning (Filekpaideftiki Etaireia). By decision of the Board, the operational supervision of the Centre has been assigned to a four-member Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Evangelos Gazis of the School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences (SAMPS) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).

The Committee also includes the following members:

  • Sotirios Glavas, Member of the Board of Directors of the Society and former President of the Pedagogical Institute and the Institute of Educational Policy,
  • Professor Dimitrios Mourtzis of the University of Patras,
  • Dr. Emmanouil Petrakis, Director of the Arsakeio Lyceum of Patras.

The Committee is supported in its work by:

Mr. Alexios Matthaiou, Ms. Nikoletta Kokkinou, and Ms. Evangelia Zavvou.