Professor Dimitris Koutsogiannis, a respected figure in the field of educational linguistics, shared his expertise from his position as a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.  With a background as a philologist in secondary education, including experience in diaspora schools, Professor Koutsogiannis brings a practical understanding to his academic work.  His research interests and publications focus on teaching Greek as a first and second language, classroom discourse analysis, teacher education, and digital literacies. He is also actively involved in the Center for the Greek Language, contributing to the development of digital resources for language education.

Professor Koutsogiannis' conference presentation explored the challenges and innovations shaping the future of education, with a particular focus on the implications of artificial intelligence and digital communication. He stressed the importance of critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and inclusion in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.  He also actively engaged in roundtable discussions, addressing questions and concerns raised by the audience and offering valuable insights into the future of education in Cyprus.

Professor Koutsogiannis dedicated time to interacting with the school's Greek Language teachers, engaging in discussions about effective methodologies for teaching language and literature. These focused on enhancing students' writing skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for the Greek language.  He also met with the headmaster and the school's managing team to discuss further actions and potential workshops that the school could pursue to enhance teaching and learning, particularly in the areas of digital literacy and critical thinking, aligning with the insights he shared during the conference.

Professor Maria Hassapidou, a leading nutritionist and dietician, brought a wealth of experience from her role as a Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the International University of Greece.  She also serves as the Director of the Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics and is actively involved in numerous international scientific societies and committees, including the European Childhood Obesity Task Force and the European Specialised Dietetic Network (ESDN) on Obesity.  Her research focuses on nutritional assessment, dietary management of cardiometabolic diseases, and childhood obesity.

During the conference, Professor Hassapidou emphasized the crucial link between nutrition and education, highlighting the impact of food choices on students' health and learning outcomes.  She provided practical guidance on healthy meal planning and strategies for addressing issues such as childhood obesity and eating disorders.  In addition to her keynote speech, she led a workshop on planning healthy meals for teenagers, sharing practical tips and recipes with parents.  Professor Hassapidou also actively participated in roundtable discussions, offering expert perspectives and answering questions from teachers, parents, and students.

Beyond the conference, Professor Hassapidou engaged in discussions with school leadership, advocating for the integration of activities that support both student and teacher well-being. She offered valuable suggestions on incorporating nutrition education into the curriculum and improving the nutritional quality of food offered at school.

Dr. Irene-Renika Papakammenou, with a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Cyprus, shared her expertise on differentiated instruction and assessment.  Her background in English Literature and Linguistics from the University of Bangor and TESOL from the University of Stirling, coupled with her experience as a director of foreign language centers, provides her with a comprehensive understanding of language teaching and assessment.

During the conference, Dr. Papakammenou emphasized the importance of recognizing diverse learning needs and tailoring teaching strategies accordingly. She advocated for alternative assessment methods that move beyond traditional testing, such as portfolios, checklists, and conferencing, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of student learning.  Dr. Papakammenou facilitated a workshop on implementing alternative assessment methods in the classroom, providing teachers with practical strategies and tools.  She also fielded questions from teachers and parents during the roundtable discussions, clarifying doubts and offering guidance on specific assessment challenges.

Dr. Papakammenou also conducted a dedicated session with language teachers, exploring the practical application of alternative assessment methods and project-based learning in the classroom. This consultation aimed to equip teachers with effective tools for enhancing student engagement and promoting deeper learning.