Libra Philanthropies announced recently the establishment of the “Philippe A. Embiricos (1968) Fellowship in Ocean Engineering” at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The fellowship, which represents a dazzling $500,000 (€458,000) gift, aims to ”inspire and empower talent from Greece to become trailblazers in maritime innovation”.
This fascinating decision by Libra Philanthropies aims to honor the remarkable life path and legacy of Philippe Alexander Embiricos.
Embiricos has been a pioneer in improving the environmental footprint of global shipping for decades. The fellowship was initiated by his daughter, Nitzia Logothetis, who is also the Founder and Clinical Director of the Seleni Institute, and her husband George Logothetis, the Executive Chairman at Libra Group and Chairman of the Libra Philanthropies’ Board.
Throughout his career, Embiricos was a true pioneer and a prominent figure in international shipping, promoting the Greek tradition of excellence in the seas. He spent his life serving on several industry committees and boards. These included the Advisory Board of the Panama Canal Authority and the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO).
His career did not end there. He also authored seminal books and earned degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Durham and Shipping and Ship-building management from MIT.
The newly-announced fellowship, which will be established in MIT’s Center for Ocean Engineering, will ”nurture talent, promote innovation, and cultivate leadership in the pursuit of a more sustainable maritime future” a press release stated.
The entire scheme falls under Libra Philanthropies‘ Rising Global Leaders social impact program. This initiative is dedicated to nurturing emerging leaders through higher education fellowships, access to transformative experiences, and career development opportunities.
The press release also stated that Professor Themis Sapsis, Director of the Center for Ocean Engineering at MIT, believes the fellowship will be an important marker of Embiricos‘ legacy and a valuable bridge between people at MIT and in Greece as they work together to develop the next generation of ocean engineering leaders.
”I loved my father dearly, and dearly love that his legacy will endure through this scholarship. He would be so very proud, and that makes me proud” Nitzia Logothetis stated in a warm message about her father.
The MIT, where the Embiricos Fellowship is established
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, known by many as MIT, is a world-renowned private research university. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the US.
The institution was founded in 1861, and it is known for its world-leading cutting-edge research and education. It focuses on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The campus of the university spans 168 acres along the Charles River, which is just across from Boston, in the vibrant innovation district of Kendall Square.
