The contribution of research to the development of science and the prosperity of society has been recognized since the time of Hippocrates. Research provides empirical evidence on the basis of which scientific theories are tested and questions are answered, while contributing to the fulfilment of the objectives of science, including the conquest of knowledge, the search for scientific truth, the limitation of errors’ margins, and the production of technology aimed at facilitating everyday life.

Biological research, in particular, since it focuses on life itself, has a direct impact on key aspects of human life such as health and the environment. In addition, due to the important achievements of the last decades and the high expectations for innovative and realistic solutions relating to human well-being, biological research is highly appreciated globally. It is widely accepted that during the last decades, Biology has made an immense contribution in improving human health, conserving and protecting the environment. In addition, it is well established that among the various scientific areas, biological research is one of the most dynamic in absorbing significant amounts of research funds and scientific resources, and thus is leading the way in the creation of new avenues of research and entrepreneurship.

Therefore, in addition to education, one of the main goals of the Biology Department is the generation of new knowledge through the promotion of a high level of basic and applied research. Towards this goal, the research activity of the Biology Department is supported by its highly qualified faculty members and research personnel, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers,. At the same time appropriate research infrastructure (fully equipped laboratories, new generation laboratory instruments, core facilities etc.) is maintained and frequently upgraded. The advancement of biological research through the generation of new knowledge, is also the means to upgrading the level of teaching and education offered in a wide range of areas of biological sciences within the Department.

Among the targets of the Department’s research strategy is to ensure that all research and administrative personnel is actively involved in innovative and groundbreaking research activities covering a wide range of basic and applied research within the European research area. The Department is emphatically supporting the collaboration of all the Department’s sections in interdisciplinary research activities, that will enable them to jointly contribute to the: a) advancement of scientific knowledge and technology, b) consolidation of the society of knowledge, c) improvement of human well-being, and d) preservation of the environment.

It is well known, that the impact of scientific research on society is complex and multidimensional. Some impacts are directly measurable - such as the number of doctoral degrees awarded in an academic year, the number and quality of publications in prestigious journals, the participation in international conferences and the efficiency in securing funding and generating innovation - while other impacts are very abstract, such as the resonance of the results of basic research. In most research areas, the border line  between basic and applied research is very thin. The complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the issues approached, turn this distinction into almost impossible. Therefore, the need for an immediate and direct link between basic and applied research has internationally been recognized. Towards this aim, the development of knowledge at the basic level is later on channeled to solve real issues concerning the society.

Consequently, besides research and education, the Department of Biology is highly engaged in providing services to the society. Within the context of social contribution, the research staff of the Department collaborates with various bodies of the private and public sector in research projects and programs, which are intended, to a large extent, to meet the resolution of their needs.

The Department maintains several transnational or inter-university agreements, with many academic, scientific and research institutions abroad aiming both at the promotion of scientific research, cooperation and exchange of information, as well as at the development, organization and maintenance of partnerships and good international relationships.

The international collaborations of the Department include: (a) the “Bologna Process”, (b) bilateral collaboration agreements with universities and organizations, (c) participation in ERASMUS and ERASMUS CIVIS exchange programs, (d) adoption of the European Credit Transfer and Evaluation System (ECTS), (e) participation in the Mediterranean cooperation, (f) participation in several university networks, etc.