Dear audience,

I welcome you to the official website of the Department of Regional and Economic Development (REGED) of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), operating in Amfissa, Phocis, Greece. Our Department is a recently established one, as it is welcoming first-time students in the academic year 2019-2020.

As the Steering Committee of the REGED Department and the administrative staff of the AUA in Amfissa and Athens are working hard for the organization, setting, and functionality of our Department, I wish to inform young people, who are interested in Economics and are concerned about choosing a proper school and department according to their needs, that the REGED Department of AUA was founded and becomes strengthening based on vision and ambition.

We aim to offer comprehensive and high-level studies in economics, with an additional specialization in the role of space and land in economic activity and development. The undergraduate course is demanding and its successful completion requires dedication, diligence, consistency, and hard work. Only those who are willing and able to cope with the demands of the program deserve and should become graduates.

Our aim is for our graduates to develop the skills and efforts allowing them to pursue a successful professional career as economists, along with the efforts allowing them to successfully continue their studies at the next levels of master and doctoral degrees. Our department does not just seek to become a peer of economics departments and those specializing in areas such as regional development, international economic relations, etc. It seeks to be distinguished, and we know that this aim requires qualified teachers, modern teaching and courses, equipment, and severe criteria for graduating and holding the degree.

Marina-Selini Katsaiti

Associate Professor

Chair of the Department of Regional and Economic Development, AUA

The Department of Regional and Economic Development (REGED) is embodied in the School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA).

The administrative bodies of the Department are the Assembly, in which all members of the Teaching and Research Staff of the REGED Department participate, with the potential of representing all members of the academic community of the Department, including students, as well as the President and the Deputy President of the Department. The responsibilities and tasks of the administrative bodies of University Departments are defined in Law 4485/2018 (ΦΕΚ 114/4.08.2017/ΤΒ) titled “Organization and operation of Higher Education, regulations for research and other provisions”.

Chair: Associate Professor, Marina-Selini Katsaiti

Phone: 22650 72268

Email: mkatsaiti@aua.gr

Deputy Chair: Associate Professor Angeliki Menegaki

Phone: 22650072268

Email: amenegaki@aua.gr

Head of Secretariat Department: Argyroula Lytra – Administrative Staff

Phone: 2265072268

Email: rlytra@aua.gr

Student Affairs Officer: Argyroula Lytra – Administrative Staff

Phone: 2265072268

Email: rlytra@aua.gr

Library Officer: Valentini Zotou – Librarian

Phone: 2265072268

Email: vzotou@aua.gr

The Department of Regional and Economic Development (REGED) belongs to of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) by Law 4589 (ΦΕΚ 13/A/29.01.2019) and embodied in the Faculty of Applied Economic and Social Sciences of the University. The city of Amfissa, Phocis, Greece is the headquarters of the Department.

The REGED Department was included for the first time as an option for higher education studies in the school year 2019-2020. The REGED Department is the first amongst its counterparts of Agricultural University of Athens which does specialize in agricultural sciences and its course duration is four instead of five years of all other departments of AUA.

The REGED Department in Amfissa is one of the three departments of the AUA which is housed in regional facilities, outside the main University Campus located in Botanikos, Athens, Greece, thus contributing to the decentralization and decongestion of central university facilities, along with the establishment of the AUA in the Central Greece.

The REGED Department is distant 2.5 hours from Athens by car and 3.15 hours by public transport. The REGED department is located in the Municipality of Delphi, an area of distinctive historical, cultural, and heritage importance, and is 20 minutes far from the city of Delphi and its archaeological site, the Parnassos mount and near the famous olive grove of Amfissa.

The Department of Regional and Economic Development (REGED) is Economics Department, emphasizing on the economic dimensions of regional science and Regional and Economic Development, in general. The scientific area of the Department is clearly interdisciplinary, as is evident by its name, composed of the disciplines and scientific fields of economic sciences and regional science, which contribute over time to the regional and economic development, such as:

• Economics, as well as its sectorial and spatial specializations (Regional and Urban Economics, Rural Economics and Energy Economics, Environmental and Natural Resources Economics),
• Regional Science,
• Tourism and Tourism Development,
• Geography and Economic Geography,
• Spatial planning and spatial sciences,
• Sociology and related sciences,
• Administrative Science,
• Mathematics and Statistics,
• Information and Computer Science, etc.

Within this context, the scientific object of the Department of P.O.A. builds on the conjunction of Economics and Regional Science, described by the scientific field code 0311 according to UNESCO (ISCED, 2013).

The object of the REGED Department it is original and unique. The REGED Department has a full and extensive coverage of economic core courses and quantitative methods, without detracting from the necessary number of courses related to Regional Science. However, it also offers the possibility of attending specialization courses in Tourism Economics and Development.

The REGED department is located in Amfissa, Phocis, Greece, in the Municipality of Delphi, in  an area of ​​great historical, cultural, and heritage importance, 20 minutes far from Delphi city and its archeological site, the Parnassos mountain and near to the famous olive grove of Amfissa. The REGED Department is distant 2.5 hours far from Athens by car and 3.15 hours by public transport. The REGED is located on the east side of Amfissa city.

Amfissa is the capital of the Phocis Regional Unit and is located in the northern part of the Krisaios Pedi (Area), at the foot of Mount Elatos of Giona, while to the east lies the mount Parnassos.

The neighboring cities of Amfissa are to the north: Lamia, to the southeast: Livadia and Delphi, to the southwest: Nafpaktos, to the south: Itea, and to the west: Lidoriki.

According to Aristotle, who states that “Άμφισσα ονομάσθη δια το όρεσιν περιέχεσθαι” (the name of Amfissa is due to inclusion in mountains) the name of Amfissa comes from the verb “αμφιέννυμι”, which means surround, as the city is surrounded by mountains (Giona and Parnassos). According to mythology, the city owes its name to Amfissa, daughter of Makaros, granddaughter of Aeolos. Amfissa has a rich history, which begins in ancient times (as evidenced by its Acropolis Walls and Pausanias’ reference to two memorable tombs existing in the city), continues in the Byzantine period (where information is available mainly from the “Chronicles of Galaxidi”, written by the Hieromonk Euthymios and found by Konstantinos Sathas, who edited and published it), the period of the Turkish state (with its liberation on March 27, 1821, by Panourgias) and more recently (where the city ​​was liberated from the German state on October 15, 1944).

In the city of Amfissa, there are an Archaeological Museum, a Folklore Museum, a Municipal Library, a Municipal Conservatory, an Art Workshop, a Children's Library, Cultural Associations, and a Municipal Philharmonic and Choir. There is also a Unified Lyceum (high school), two Gymnasiums (secondary education, music, and vesper), Primary Schools, Kindergartens, Nurseries, a Nursing School, a Vocational Lyceum, an occupational training institute, the Laboratory Center of Amfissa, and the Department of Regional and Economic Development of the Agricultural University of Athens. Amfissa hosts the Public Services of the Municipality, has a modern State Hospital, Court of First Instance, Booking Office, and the public transport station of the Phocis Prefecture.

Amfissa has a rich cultural heritage and tradition and every year hosts various cultural events, celebrations, and sporting events.

Access to the campus is possible via the Amfissa-Bralos National Road:

The REGED department is housed in brand new building infrastructures of 1000m², consisting of two twin buildings and a third one operating as the central amphitheater. The campus consists of an  area of ​​5 acres (0.5 ha), including a basketball court and organized parking. There is also a small library and reading room inside the main building and a student club outside the building, almost 300 meters from the main entrance.

In particular, the layout of the campus infrastructure of the REGED Department consists of:

• seven (7) classrooms
• five (5) laboratory rooms
• Internet room
• Reading room
• Library
• Canteen
• Multi-purpose hall
• Secretariat and administrative staff offices
• Teaching staff offices
• Outdoor basketball court

The development of the Department of Regional and Economic Development (REGED) in Amfissa, Phocis, Greece, is coordinated by the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), which by decision of the Senate, during the first year of operation of the Faculty of Education, approved six new faculty member positions, while approving on an annual basis assignments of teaching work to new PhDs, as well as the movement of teaching staff and faculty members when required, to adequately cover the teaching needs of the Department. In addition, the AUA sets, as a development axis of the REGED Department, the introduction in the undergraduate courses of a Tourism direction, and the cooperation with local bodies, such as the Municipality of Delphi, with the aim of creating synergies for the promotion of academic research for the benefit of the local society and the Region. The important existing infrastructures, combined with future additions and their necessary maintenance, guarantee the developmental conditions for the REGED Department.

The REGED Department is one of the 3 departments of the AUA located in the Region of Central Greece and particularly close to primary production sector’s resources which is a definitive framework of the subject of the Agricultural University. In particular, the REGED Department is established within the olive grove of Amfissa, as well as close to other natural places and environments rich in natural resources (such as mineral holdings) and resources essential for blue and green growth. The Department faces many research stimuli from the region’s special natural, geographical, social and economic environment and its interrelationship with the local.

The REGED Department is already research active, and particularly participates in a major regional research program with the AUA on smart agriculture and its impact on regional development. Due to its location and its unique acadmic object, the REGED Department meets a wide range of opportunities of excellence, both for its faculty members and other teaching and educational staff, as well as for its future graduates, who can be absorbed into positions with growth prospects for the Central Greece region.

Also, the REGED Department is located near the Archaeological Site of Delphi, which is of special symbolism, as a University is a place of activity and cultivation of the spirit and production of knowledge. The Department’s faculty members are particularly active in innovative cutting-edge subjects such as tourism economics, cultural economics, energy economics, health economics, welfare and quality of life economics, and various regional economic and development subjects. The Department maintains a scientific and research relationship with various Universities of international prestige in Greece and abroad, as well as with administrative bodies and social partners.

In this context, the REGED Department has set high strategic goals for providing high quality educational and research work, based on extroversion, continuous strengthening of the professional prospects of its graduates, and the improvement of the skills of its administrative staff. For this aim, a major concern of the REGED Department is the timely renewal of its courses and educational material and methods based on new technologies, seeking to promote research, have an active presence in scientific impact publications, in national and international conferences and collaboration networks, and dissemination of its research results to society and policy makers.

Once the REGED Department welcomes its first graduates, it aims to support an initiative to establish an alumni association and follow the careers of its graduates, while creating a basis for continuous communication of its graduates with businesses. The Department’s goals also include the continuous training and improvement of skills of its Administrative Staff, the compliance with quality assurance protocols and the establishment of institutional “memory”, cultivating the experience for dealing with all administrative issues.

The REGED department, Amfissa, Phocis, Greece is one of the three departments of the Agricultural University of Athens that is housed in facilities outside the main University Campus located in Botanikos, Athens, thus contributing to the decentralization and decongestion of central university facilities, along with the establishment of the AUA in the Central Greece.

The REGED Department is distant 2.5 hours from Athens by car and 3.15 hours by public transport. The REGED Department is located in the Municipality of Delphi, an area of distinctive historical, cultural, and heritage importance, and is 20 minutes far from the city of Delphi and its archaeological site, the Parnassos mount and near the famous olive grove of Amfissa

The REGED Department it is housed in brand new building infrastructures of 1000m², consisting of two twin buildings and a third one operating as the central amphitheater. The campus consists of an  area of ​​5 acres (0.5 ha), including a basketball court and organized parking. There is also a small library and reading room inside the main building and a student club outside the building, almost 300 meters from the main entrance.

In particular, the campus of the REGED Department consists of:

• seven (7) classrooms
• five (5) laboratory rooms
• Internet room
• Reading room
• Library
• Canteen
• Multipurpose hall
• Secretariat and administrative staff offices
• Teaching staff offices
• Outdoor basketball court
• Amphitheater

The Amphitheater has a 150-seat capacity and is sufficiently equipped to support the upcoming ceremonies and all related events, as well as to host conferences, seminars, and other events.

Graduates of the Department of Regional and Economic Development (REGED) can become members of the Economic Chamber of Greek and enjoy the full professional rights of an Economist.

Also, they have the right to participate in public tenders for Financial and Administrative Services, as well as in Regional and Local Government tenders. Furthermore, they can join the Hellenic Association of Regional Scientists (SEP).

In the private sector, graduates of the REGED Department can be employed (among others) as:

• economists in private companies, financial executives, etc.
• independent scholars,
• executives of research offices in regional, local, and sectoral development,
• self-employed professionals, providing advice on financial matters, investment matters, accounting, tourism, etc.,

In the public sector, the REGED Department’s graduates can be employed as:

• specialized officers,
• the staff of the Local Self-Government (Primary and Prefectural),
• the staff of the Regional Administration,
• the staff of the Central Administration,
• executives of Public Enterprises and Organizations,
• officers on subjects related to the development, planning, and policy of the European Union.

They also have the potential (after obtaining teaching certification) to be employed as political economy teachers in (Hellenic) secondary education and to teach courses related to Economic and Regional Science in Secondary and Technical Education.

7. The city of Amfissa, belongs to the municipality of Delphi, Phocis, Greece and is a medium-sized, picturesque, and interesting town. Amfissa 2.5 hours is distant from Athens by car and 3.15 hours by public transport, and  near other major urban centers, such as the cities of Patras (1.5 hours distant) and Lamia and Livadia (1 hour distant from both). The city has many public services, a hospital, and various shops. The natural and cultural environment of Amfissa is unique as it is located at the foot of the mount Parnassos, while being only 10 minutes distant from the beaches of Itea and 20 minutes from the beaches of Galaxidi. The famous olive grove of Amfissa begins at the shores of Itea. Also, the worldwide famous archaeological site of Delphi is only 20 minutes distant from Amfissa.

   The Amfissa public transport station is located in a building block next to the REGED Department. Our students can enjoy a good social life and quality free time. Especially those love nature and sports may enjoy a variety of options in mountain, sea, and land sports. The city of Arachova and its ski center is just 30 minutes far from Amfissa. The city has also a stadium, an indoor gym, and a tennis court. A mountaineering club and a traditional dance club are also active in the city. At the Halloween, celebrations take place in Amfissa (see e.g. “Element of Harmaina”, “Flour-smudges”, etc.). Despite its small size, the city offers several options for evening entertainment, both within and nearby. In the REGED Department, the students all familiar each other and form groups and lifelong friendships. During mealtimes in the Dining Club, happy groups of our Department students are formed. Also, many of our students voluntarily participate in various sporting and recreational activities of the Municipality of Delphi (see night running competitions 2022 (https://amfissanightrun.gr/).

   In Amfissa, a student can combine a life in a natural environment to concentrate on the studies while having an active social life as he/she desires. The cost of living in a regional city, as Amfissa, is relatively lower than the big urban centers and the pace of life is gentler and healthier.

   Useful (indicatively) links of Amfissa’s attractions

   1. Traditional district of Amfissa, Harmaina
   2. Amfissa Castle
   3. Old town of Amfissa
   4. The olive grove of Fokida 
   5. The Great Café 
   6. Archaeological Museum of Amfissa 

   Useful (indicatively) links of attractions near Amfissa

   7. Archaeological Site of Delphi, Phocis 
   8. Arachova, Phocis 
   9. Vagoneto - Wagon 
   10. Itea, Phocis 
   11. Galaxidi, Phocis 
       12. The Gravia’s Chani