Renovation of the Benakio Institute: spearheading phytopathological research in Greece

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The implementation of the project is of utmost importance for the institute, to provide updated and high-quality services to regional, national and international partners in the field of plant protection. The project is of high importance not only for the scientific community, but also for the municipality of Kifissia, as these buildings are recognised for their historical value.Kyriakoula Mahaira, Legal Representative, Benakio Phytopathological InstituteThe institute’s premises cover 4 300 m2, of which over 3 600 m2 were renovated in two phases, A and B covering programming periods 2007-2013 and 2014-2020, respectively. The facility’s infrastructure was improved and new, modern equipment acquired. This allowed its researchers to be more productive and boosted its development capacity.The project set out to improve the institute’s stake in applied research in the field of agriculture and environment and promote links between research institutes and the agricultural sector. It enables the latter to improve its production processes.Restoration and expansionThe central building of the institute and its four of its adjacent laboratories – including the primary phytopathology, pesticides control, phytopharmacy and virology and bacteriology labs – underwent significant restoration and renovation works. The main guardhouse and storage facility were upgraded and renovated.Two new underground floors were added to support the pesticides control and phytopharmacy, and virology and bacteriology laboratories, respectively. Both basements house the newly acquired equipment and all the electromechanical material required for research.The area surrounding the institute’s main buildings was renovated as well. Power supply and network lines that interconnect the laboratories with the basements were installed and secured.The project helped create 13 new research positions and 23 upgraded research positions at the institute.Protecting Greece’s agriculture since 1929The institute focuses on the scientific field of plant protection and agricultural health in Greece. It works closely with the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food to ensure the safety and quality of Greece’s agriculture and assess the risks of agricultural chemicals and their impact on human health and the environment.It was established in 1929 and was the first of its kind in Greece to focus primarily on pythopathology, or the study of plant diseases caused by environmental conditions, pathogens or other infections.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Benakio Phytopathological Institute / Addition of two underground floors and repair, restoration, renovation of existing buildings 1, 2, 3A, 4B & 5 and reconstruction of surrounding area at Benakio Phytopathological Institute in Kifisia” is EUR 5 600 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 4 480 000 through the “Attica” Operational Programme for the programming periods 2007-2013 2014-2020. The investment falls under the priority “Research and innovation”.