The Metaverse: Ethical, Economic, and Legal Challenges

The School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics of the University Center of International Programmes of Studies of International Hellenic University (I.H.U.) in collaboration with the European Law and Governance School (ELGS) of the European Public Law Organization (E.P.L.O.) are exceptionally pleased to announce the organization of the Summer Academy 2023 on “The Metaverse: Ethical, Economic, and Legal Challenges”.

International Hellenic University is a centre of academic excellence, and this tradition underpins our summer classes, while ELGS is a modern International University School offering excellence in tertiary levels of education in the fields of european law and governance, aiming to shape socially responsible leaders of the future.

Our Summer Academy gives participants from around the world the opportunity to explore, in a small-class setting, a subject of high interest: the Metaverse.

Despite the growing popularity of the Metaverse, the concept is still unclear to many and we are still in the metaverse’s early days. Many are forecasting what the metaverse means for the future, despite not everybody being quite on board yet. In fact, in 2022 Facebook renamed itself “Meta” and CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions that a billion people will one day be in the metaverse spending lots of money and it will generate revenue from selling virtual services and products.

But what is the metaverse, how does it work and which are its crucial ethical, economic and legal aspects? The metaverse brings with it a variety of controversies and concerns, real-world problems, safety and privacy concerns. Among others, all these issues relating to Metaverse are going to be analyzed in depth, while light will be spread on “Metaverse” in a holistic way.

The program includes lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions on the following topics:

What is the Metaverse (3.7.2023)
a. Metaverse – Challenges for the Computer Science (4.7.2023)
b. The Gaming Industry and the Metaverse (4.7.2023)
Legal Issues in the Metaverse. Individual Rights and Protection of Personal Data (5.7.2023)
Ethical dimensions and Individual Rights (6.7.2023)
Intellectual Property and the Metaverse (6.7.2023)
Metaverse in Practice (7.7.2023)

Course leader

Scientific Directors:
Professor Spyridon Flogaitis, EPLO
Asc. Professor Theodore Panagos, IHU
Asc. Professor Komninos Komnios, IHU

Target group

Please note that places are awarded on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so we suggest candidates to apply as early as possible to ensure a quick response and place availability.

Late applications will be considered, but places are limited, thus there might not be availability by that stage.

In any case, the Directors of the Academy remain the right to decide upon the admission or the rejection of the applications, taking into account, inter alia, the applicants’ level of English language knowledge.

Entry Requirements/ Required Documents

In order to apply and participate in the Summer Academy 2023, applicants should submit an updated CV and letter of interest in English to summerschools@elgs.eu or contact us at +30 211 311 0 671 by the end of May 2023.

Course aim

The aim of this 1-week intensive Academy is to make the participants more acquainted with the new and promising subject of the Metaverse by providing up-to-date knowledge presented and discussed by experts of the relevant fields.

You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other participants from different backgrounds and gain valuable insights from their perspectives.

Thessaloniki is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, perfect for a summer academy. You’ll be provided with the opportunity to explore the city and enjoy the Mediterranean sea, while also gaining valuable knowledge about the Metaverse.

Credits info

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded at the end of the program to all attendees who have fulfilled all requirements.
Participants will be provided with electronic material, presentations of the lectures, court decisions, material for workshops and case studies.

Fee info

EUR 150: The tuition fees are 150 € (non-refundable). The fees will cover:

- Participation in the Summer Academy
- Welcome Social Event on the Induction Day (2nd of July)
- Transportation from the International Hellenic University to a Company (educational visit)
- Goodbye Social Event (Dinner) (8th of July)