EETN Honorary Member Distinction Policy

Purpose

The distinction of Honorary Member is EETN’s highest recognition for individuals whose research work and broader activity have advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and have substantially strengthened the research community and the greek AI ecosystem.

This policy supports EETN’s mission to bring together Greek research capacity worldwide in the field of Artificial Intelligence and the local AI ecosystem (the academic community, research centers, industry, start-ups, the public sector, and civil society).

What is an Honorary Member?

An Honorary Member of EETN is an individual recognized for:

• Exceptional and sustained contributions to AI, and
• documented, positive impact on the greek community and/or the greek AI ecosystem.

Honorary status is a recognition status. It does not imply an employment relationship, or automatic approval/support of EETN services/tools or positions.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible nominations concern:

• Researchers based in Greece
• Researchers residing outside Greece who are connected to the greek AI ecosystem
• Leading figures in AI with substantial contributions to the AI ecosystem connected to Greece

Ineligible nominations:

• Members of the EETN Board of Directors (during their term)
• Individuals under formal investigation for serious research or professional misconduct (until the completion of the process)

Frequency and Limits

• Conferred once every two years, usually announced at the EETN Conference
• Up to 2 Honorary Members may be designated per two-year period

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations are evaluated overall based on the following criteria:

A. Scientific Excellence (required)

• Research that shapes the field or widely adopted methods
• Influence through systems, datasets, benchmarks, or open-source tools
• Major awards, invited talks, high-impact results

B. Contribution to the Greek AI Community (required)

• Establishment or substantial strengthening of laboratories, programs, networks, institutions in Greece and/or organization of international conferences in Greece
• Mentoring and development of talent connected to Greece, and/or capacity-building actions or access to shared infrastructures for the benefit of Greek AI
• Facilitation of collaborations among universities, research centers, industry, start-ups and/or the public sector in Greece, and/or international collaborations that meaningfully include and benefit Greek AI

C. Integrity, Values and Conduct (required)

• Strong track record of research integrity and ethical conduct
• Professional conduct consistent with EETN’s code of ethics and values

D. Ambassadorship (desirable)

• Strengthening the visibility and international standing of AI connected to Greece
• Attracting collaborations, opportunities, or resources for the greek AI community

Nomination Dossier

1. Nomination letter (500–800 words) mapping achievements to criteria A–D with specific examples
2. Short CV (up to 4 pages) (or link to the full CV + a 1-page summary)
3. Up to 5 key contributions with 1–2 sentences for each explaining the impact
4. Two letters of support, one from each nominator (two nominators are needed)
5. Conflict of interest declaration by the nominators

Who Can Nominate & How

• Any regular member of EETN (with active standing) may nominate
• Self-nominations are not permitted
• The deadline is set via a message from the Board to the members during the year of the EETN conference organization and at least 4 months before the conference
• Nominations are submitted here. 

Evaluation Committee

The EETN Board of Directors appoints an Honorary Member Nomination Selection Committee, seeking balance between academia/research centers and industry/start-ups (and, where feasible, the public sector), institutions/regions, AI subfields, and career stages.

Conflict of Interest

A committee member must refrain from discussion and voting if:

• They come from the same institution as the nominated person (or belonged to that institution within the last 3 years)
• There was a supervisory relationship, close collaboration, or there is a close personal relationship
• There is a direct financial interest related to the nomination

Evaluation Process

1. Eligibility and completeness check
2. Scoring of nominations with a standardized framework (0–5 for criteria A, B, D with a minimum threshold of 4/5 and pass/no pass for C)
3. Discussion of the leading nominations and verification of key claims where required
4. Preparation of a written recommendation and a short public justification (60–120 words)

Final Approval

Final approval is granted by vote of the Board of Directors (2/3 majority of members present).

Announcement & Recognition

The honored persons are announced at the General Assembly and at the EETN conference and are published on EETN channels.

• Official certificate and public justification
• Invitation for an honorary talk

Rights & Responsibilities

Honorary Members:

• Are exempt from membership fees
• May participate in EETN activities and events
• Are publicly listed as Honorary Members

Honorary status does not automatically confer voting rights or eligibility for elected bodies.

Honorary Members must adhere to EETN’s code of ethics in EETN activities and avoid implying that EETN endorses products or political positions.

Revocation or Suspension

EETN may revoke honorary status by decision of the Board of Directors (2/3 majority) if serious misconduct is documented or if actions materially conflict with EETN’s mission and code of ethics. The process includes written notification, the opportunity for a written response, and a documented decision.

Records & Data Protection

EETN maintains internal records of nominations, recusals due to conflicts of interest, and votes. Publicly, only the final decision and the justification are announced.