Within the framework of the Quality Policy of the Internal Quality Assurance System of the University of Piraeus, it is recognized that the academic staff constitutes the cornerstone of its pursuit for continuous improvement of the provided educational and research services and its further development. Consequently, supporting the advancement and continuous development of staff across all levels of study and all academic and administrative services is a constant institutional commitment.

Given the aforementioned commitment, each Academic Unit and each Graduate Program, by implementing the prescribed processes and specific procedures of the Internal Quality Assurance System, sets specific goals, the achievement of which leads to the acknowledgment of its responsibility to encourage and support the development of its academic staff.

More specifically, the Department of Statistics and Insurance Science, recognizing the undeniable contribution of its personnel to its broader advancement, declares that the Graduate Program in Applied Statistics is committed to:

• Establishing appropriate quality conditions concerning the three pillars, namely teaching – research – learning.
• Providing opportunities through the design and implementation of initiatives aimed at the academic/professional development of its teaching staff.
• Focusing, within the learning process, on the dual aspect of teaching – research, with the prerequisite of proper preparation to enhance academic activity.
• Encouraging and improving, both quantitatively and qualitatively, research output by providing substantial incentives.
• Monitoring compliance with the prescribed procedures related to the framework of responsibilities and obligations/rights, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of the academic staff through various methods (e.g., self-assessment, targeted training activities, etc.).

To fulfill these commitments, the Graduate Program in Applied Statistics has adopted a series of objectives, including:

1. Integrating research methodology into the curriculum.
2. Promoting and linking academic research with the teaching material of all courses in the Program.
3. Attracting and incorporating into the Program’s academic staff, lecturers with extensive and recognized research work.
4. Strengthening collaborations with lecturers/researchers from domestic and international institutions of recognized prestige.

At this point, it is also essential to emphasize the following commitments:

• Emphasizing the laboratory equipment with the most modern and advanced tools to ensure the smooth conduct of innovative research.
• Emphasizing on hiring Special Technical Personnel possessing the necessary skills to support the research work of faculty members.
• Adopting practices oriented towards group research activities within the framework of collaboration between lecturers and students.

Specifically, regarding the support and development of the teaching staff, the Graduate Program in Applied Statistics recognizes the importance of setting objectives framed by corresponding actions such as:

• Training in innovative teaching techniques and pedagogical methods.
• Training in the effective utilization of Information and Communication Technologies in teaching and learning.
• Development through targeted seminars in acquiring skills that ensure effective communication between lecturers and students and the efficient support of the latter.
• Dissemination of innovative research practices and encouragement to utilize opportunities for higher-quality research and academic activities that ensure the distinction of teaching staff at national and international level.

The success of the aforementioned initiatives necessitates the constant collaboration of the Department of Statistics and Insurance Science and the Graduate Program in Applied Statistics with the Teaching and Learning Support Center, which enhances participation in knowledge networks, encourages interdisciplinary collaborations, focuses on and transmits best practices in teaching and learning experiences, continuously monitors developments in the European Higher Education Area, while simultaneously deepening the essence and framework of Lifelong Learning.

Finally, the Department of Statistics and Insurance Science and the Graduate Program in Applied Statistics, in collaboration with the Institution, put forward the conditions for providing the necessary technical resources regarding the availability of equipment essential for conducting teaching and research activities, as well as the allocation of financial resources necessary for access to software and databases, which are essential components for both quality learning and high-quality academic/research operations.