The University of the Aegean (UAegean) was founded in 1984 aiming to introduce new approaches in higher education in Greece and worldwide and to promote regional development. Situated in 6 picturesque islands in the Aegean Archipelago, the UAegean offers a unique natural, cultural and human environment for modern studies in the ancient cradle of knowledge. From its earliest days, the UAegean challenged the prevailing limitations of the academic endeavor in Greece, both in terms of educational approach and in terms of organizational structure. These challenges were soon transformed into advantages which have culminated in academic achievements and the rapid development of the institution. In less than thirty years, the UAegean has evolved into an international research –oriented University offering 18 undergraduate (BA or BSc) and 40 postgraduate (MA or MSc) programmes in modern interdisciplinary thematic areas such as environment, communication systems, cultural informatics, product design, food and nutritional sciences, education design and Mediterranean studies. In addition, the UAegean has established joined international postgraduate programs (i.e. in Biodiversity, Environmental Policy and Management, European Integration) as well as joined PhD degree programmes in a wide range of thematic areas. The early and full incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies in all aspects of academic and administrative operations and the important research outputs in specific fields of excellence and innovation have transformed this unique network of “academic ports of studies and research” into a dynamic and competitive institution at national and international level and a strong social and economic stakeholder in the region. The UAegean has created a strong international academic and research profile, having been an active member of the European Universities Association (EUA), a founding partner of the Cremo network, member of the EMUNI Senate, partner in many academic and research networks and participant in more than 210 bilateral and LLP Erasmus academic agreements. The UAegean has received consistently excellent feedback in evaluations that have taken place at national, European and international level, as a result of the study programmes offered by the institution and its competitive research programs.