(As approved by the Board of Directors of Filekpaideftiki Etaireia)

Article 1

Purpose – Object

 

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE, officially designated as “PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE: KONSTANTINOS DIMITRIADIS,” serves as a centre for education, culture, open knowledge, exploration, and critical analysis. It advocates for unrestricted access to knowledge and participatory learning, utilising innovative educational frameworks that involve students in experiential activities.

The centre aims to persist and develop as a cornerstone for knowledge and education, especially in the domains of Science and Technology. It emphasises Mathematics, Physics, Informatics, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics, employing the “invention-discovery” methodology alongside contemporary experimental and interactive pedagogical techniques.

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE functions as an adjunct to formal education, striving to enhance the learning experience and accessibility in all scientific disciplines.

Article 2

Supervision and administration

 

  1. Administration and Responsibilities

The administrative and operational responsibility, as well as the supervision of the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE, falls under the jurisdiction of the Board of Directors of Filekpaideftiki Etaireia. The Board appoints a four-member honorary Committee for its Management and Operation. The committee consists of university professors and distinguished educators, who are appointed and dismissed by the Board of Directors.

The Committee is responsible for:

  • Formulating the content of applied educational programmes, overseeing their implementation, and managing the overall educational and scientific activities of the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE.
  • Defining the terms and conditions for student and teacher participation in educational programmes.
  • Providing guidance for the work of all scientific personnel involved in the activities of the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE.
  1. Approval and Participation in Educational Programmes
    • All educational programmes developed at the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE must be evaluated and approved by the Committee.
    • Distinguished scientists and professors from various educational levels may voluntarily contribute to the programmes, subject to evaluation and approval by the Committee.
    • In its work, the Committee is supported in its work by teachers from Filekpaideftiki Etaireia schools, as well as by specialized scientists and administrative staff. The employment of those working for remuneration is charged to the financial budget of Filekpaideftiki Etaireia.
  1. Collaborations and Research Programmes
    • The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE collaborates with educational institutions and universities both in Greece and abroad.

It may develop joint programmes and activities and participate in Greek and international research training programmes. These initiatives are subject to the Committee’s approval.

  1. Decision-Making and Regulations
    • The Commission takes all necessary measures to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE.
    • Any issues that arise and are not covered by these regulations shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis by decisions of the Committee.

Article 3

Building facilities

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE, officially branded as “PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE: KONSTANTINOS DIMITRIADIS”, is housed in its own dedicated building and facilities within the Arsakeia Schools of Patras complex.

For the implementation of its programmes, the centre may also utilize the Natural Sciences Laboratories and other specialized laboratories of the schools of Filekpaideftiki Etaireia.

Article 4

Programmes, Lectures and Seminars

To fulfill its mission, the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE develops educational programmes and organizes presentations, lectures, speeches, training sessions, summer schools, and specialized conferences. These activities are carried out following relevant decisions by the Committee.

Article 5

Operation

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE operates daily throughout the entire academic year, on working days, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Article 6

Secretarial and Administrative operations

The Head of the Centre’s Management and Operation Committee oversees and makes recommendations on various administrative and operational matters, which are subject to the approval of the Committee. These include:

  • Communication with schools and the general public.
  • Website updates and upgrades.
  • Organization of the annual school visit programme and events.
  • Preparation of informational brochures and other outreach activities.
  • Modernization of exhibits, laboratory equipment, and other necessary resources.

The Committee is supported by three qualified scientists from Filekpaideftiki Etaireia and secretarial staff from the Arsakeio Lyceum of Patras.

Additionally, the Commission defines and specifies the duties and responsibilities of all employees at the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE through its decisions.

Article 7

Financial Resources

The PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE is administratively and financially supported by Filekpaideftiki Etaireia. Additional funding may be obtained through grants and participation in co-financed national and European programmes.

Article 8

Annual Report

At the end of each academic year, the Commission submits a report on the activities of the PATRAS SCIENCE CENTRE, along with an indicative programme for the upcoming school year.