Despina Papadaki is a Senior Project Manager at the Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs (I.R.T.E.A.) in Athens, Greece. She is specialised in EU funded projects, with more than 10 years of experience in Youth Work and civil society. From her position at I.R.T.E.A., she has participated as a trainer for more than 3,000 young people in Greece and abroad, aiming to raise awareness and inform them about EU policies, the EU Institutions and contribute to strengthen the European identity of young Europeans.
Moreover, she is a PhD Researcher at the University of Piraeus, Department of International and European Studies on EU’s Security & Defence Policy with many years of professional experience in this field. She has cooperated with Military Institutions and is a Member of the Executive Academic Board of the European Security & Defence College. Lastly, she has worked at the Erasmus+ Office of the University of Piraeus, the European Parliament Information Office in Athens, the Scientific Council of the Hellenic Parliament and has participated in trainings and conferences on youth policies by the Council of Europe and others, in EU and Middle East.
Despina speaks English, German and Arabic.
The Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs (I.R.T.E.A.) is a leading think tank in Greece created by specialised young scientists aiming to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the business world, politics and society, while fostering knowledge, structured dialogue, innovation and civic participation with youth as a key driver.