We started the day by attending a fascinating lecture at the Athens campus of University of Nicosia, where Professor Yiannis Sarigiannis introduced us to the future potential of peptides. We learned how venom-derived peptides can be modified and transformed into useful medications by altering their structure, allowing scientists to turn naturally toxic compounds into targeted treatments for diseases such as chronic pain, infections, and neurological disorders. The lecture also explored how peptides can be applied in material science, including the development and restructuring of advanced materials like engineered glass, which could improve durability, flexibility, and even self-repair capabilities. Overall, the lecture demonstrated how peptides may play a major role in the future of medicine, biotechnology, and advanced technology, with many exciting applications still waiting to be discovered and developed.

Following the lecture, our group embarked on a visit to the Benaki Museum, which proved to be very insightful and fascinating. The museum possesses an extensive private collection which features various aspects of the history of Greece, going all the way back to ancient times up to modern times. As we toured the collections in the museum, we came across various items ranging from antiquities to costumes to art and jewelry as well as household artifacts which depicted the life of the people during those respective eras. It was particularly interesting how Greek culture has developed through time but maintained strong ties to its roots at the same time.

Then, we went to Mount Lycabettus, where we had an extensive view of Athens from up above. We saw the Acropolis in the distance, the urban sprawl stretching out in all directions, and the water containing the Ellinikon. The view was amazing, presenting both the old and new Athens simultaneously.