Now in its seventh edition, this year’s TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talk in Thessaloniki will explore the various aspects of our world’s constant mobility. Entitled “A World on the Move,” the 7th TEDxThessaloniki takes place on April 2 at Aimilios Riadis Hall (building M2) of Thessaloniki Concert Hall.

Once again, TED remains true to its “ideas worth spreading” tagline by presenting the stories and ideas of prominent individuals who, through their work and life stance, have left an indelible mark on their society, country and the world, or who, in some way, appear to be spearheading change for the future.

Esteemed speakers

Taking center stage at the 7th TEDxThessaloniki are key figures at the forefront of their fields in robotics, architecture, journalism, education and entrepreneurship. Their creativity and inquisitive mind have been groundbreaking in their respective fields, thus influencing in their own way “a world on the move.”

The distinguished list of speakers from the world of science includes Stylianos Antonarakis, a professor of genetic medicine; Andrew Bastawrous, an ophthalmologist who has developed a smartphone-based tool to detect eye diseases; Michalis Agathos, a theoretical physicist whose analyses have contributed to the recent discovery of gravitational waves; Minas Liarokapis, whose research focuses on providing robotic solutions to everyday life problems; and Konstantinos Emmanouilidis, a self-taught astronomer from Thessaloniki who has created a team of researchers to detect supernovae explosions in distant galaxies.

Apart from scientists, various entrepreneurs will take the stage to explore financial and business topics. Speakers include Alex Loizou, the chief technology officer and cofounder of Trouva, an online emporium showcasing the UK’s finest independent retailers; George Eleftheriou, co-founder of Sentio Solutions, which is working on the development of Feel, the first wristband that recognizes and tracks human emotions; Dimitri Zenghelis, of the LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment; and Michael Green, an economist and co-author of Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World and The Road from Ruin: A New Capitalism for a Big Society.

Then there’s the world of design. London-based architects Natasa Lianou and Ermis Chalvatzis will outline their vision of “smart design elegance,” as they label their philosophy and design process.

The event will also feature a range of eclectic speakers from the realm of social justice. Among them are Zrinka Bralo, chief executive of Migrants Organize, a community platform where refugees and migrants organize for power, dignity and justice; Ione Wells, the founder of the international #NotGuilty campaign against sexual violence and victim blaming; lawyer Vassilis Sotiropoulos, the first elected ombudsman of Athens municipality; and Stergios Parizas, a teacher who uses music as a means to positively affect the psychology of his special-needs students.

Then there’s entertainment

Entertainment will be provided by innovative performers Yannis Momtsios, Sofia Kalpenidou, Ioannis Vagionas, Stathis Mitsios, Loukas Agrotis and the band Gang.

Presented by Anna Bousdoukou, who hosts Skai TV’s morning news program “Now,” the event kicks off at 10:00 on Saturday 2 April.

Background

A global community, TED was founded in 1984 as a one-off event that proved extremely popular. It organizes conferences featuring speakers from diverse scientific, cultural and academic backgrounds in the search for a deeper understanding of the world. Speakers share their stories and ideas through brief, 18-minute talks. The program is designed to spark conversation between communities, organizations and individuals and connect them through experiences at the local level.