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Cyprus and Japan sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Science and Technology

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 8, 2024

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Toshiko Abe, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening relations between Cyprus and Japan in the fields of science and technology, both at the transnational and the European level, during an official visit Damianou paid to Kyoto.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry, the expansion of Cyprus-Japan relations in the fields of science and technology was the focus of Damianos’ official visit to Kyoto.

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In the framework of bilateral contacts with the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to strengthen relations between Cyprus and Japan in the fields of science and technology, both at the transnational and the European level, it is stated.

Specifically, the press relese added, the memorandum promotes, among other things, the joint implementation of research and innovation (R&I) projects on issues of common interest, the mobility of scientists and the exchange of know-how and expertise between the academic and research communities of the two countries.

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister, after congratulating the Japanese Minister on her recent appointment, referred to the importance of the Memorandum as a tool for transferring know-how from a mature ecosystem – such as that of Japan – to the emerging – but highly dynamic – ecosystem of Cyprus.

He also touched on the cooperation prospects within the European Framework Programme Horizon Europe, with Japan being already at an advanced stage of consultations with the European Union (EU) for joining the programme as an associate member.

The Deputy Minister, the statement added, also participated in a ministerial roundtable on Transformative science, technology and innovation policy to strengthen innovation ecosystems, which was attended by Ministers and senior officials from various countries around the world, including Japan, Canada, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Germany, Finland, Lithuania and the United Kingdom, with the participation of an EU representative.

As stated, the Summit was held in the context of the 21st Annual Meeting of the STS Forum, which brings together prominent political, business and academic figures to exchange views on strengthening the science and technology sectors and their impact on the global economy and society.

In his intervention, the Deputy Minister referred to Cyprus’ ascending performance in European and international R&D indicators, which puts the country for the third consecutive year in the top 10 strong innovators in Europe and 27th globally in terms of innovation (Global Innovation Index 2024), it is added.

Subsequently, the Deputy Minister stressed the need to create a favourable environment that encourages and facilitates innovation, underlining the importance of access to financial tools and skilled human resources, as well as providing incentives for investment in R&D.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.