Competitive gaming can help children build skills, find community and pursue achievement. However, as esports grows, young players face health, psychological and online safety risks, often without consistent safeguards, according to a new report from Save the Children.

The report, Protecting Child Rights in Esports, estimates that up to 300 million children worldwide participate in esports. It calls on the industry to prioritise the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child over competitive ambitions.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Potential risks include disrupted sleep, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, depression, sexism and online harassment. Intensive training can also leave less time for education, family and friends.

“Esports offers exciting opportunities for children, but participation should never come at the expense of their rights, wellbeing or development,” said Theo Toresson, a psychologist and gaming expert at Save the Children.

Children must be treated “as children first and competitors second”, he added, calling for their involvement in decisions that affect them.

Training Standards Remain Uneven

The report highlights the lack of widely established standards for training hours and methods. Extended periods of sitting, insufficient breaks and schedules that interfere with sleep, exercise and schoolwork can affect young players’ health and development.

Poor posture and long sessions may also cause neck, shoulder and wrist pain, while late-night gaming can undermine sleep, concentration and mood.

Although some organisations provide guidance on breaks, nutrition, sleep and hydration, a representative of a national esports federation told the report that this advice often draws on separate studies rather than a centralised set of guidelines.

The report also notes positive findings: many professional esports players report satisfactory levels of physical activity, and higher-ranking players often place greater emphasis on fitness.

Online Harassment Adds To Mental Health Risks

Gaming communities and livestreaming platforms can help young players build connections and public profiles, but they may also expose them to cyberbullying, discrimination and privacy violations.

An analysis cited in the report examined chatrooms across 302 gameplay segments involving the 20 most popular Twitch streamers. It found sexist language in 62% of streams, racist language in 37%, ableist language in 84% and violent language in 97%.

Some esports federations and teams require staff to receive mental health first-aid training, but the practice remains uncommon. Young competitors may also face public scrutiny through livestreams, interviews and social media before they have the support to manage it.

Safeguards Must Extend Beyond Gameplay

The report raises further concerns about unequal participation linked to gender, race, LGBTQIA+ identity and disability. It also highlights children’s limited involvement in decisions affecting them and the risk of economic exploitation by teams, agents or parents, particularly where contracts lack transparency.

Inadequate supervision at live events presents additional risks.

Save the Children argues that protecting young competitors requires more than advice on posture and screen breaks. Clear standards, responsible oversight and age-appropriate safeguards are needed to ensure esports supports children’s development rather than putting it at risk.

As competitive gaming expands, the industry faces growing pressure to make children’s rights and wellbeing part of its operating standards.

Cyprus is preparing a renewed effort to attract international companies and skilled professionals, with the government targeting Cabinet approval by December 2026 and implementation beginning in 2027.

The proposed Business and Talent Attraction Strategy for 2027–2030 is designed to draw new investment, support the expansion of companies already operating on the island and increase the contribution of international businesses to the Cypriot economy. Its specific measures have yet to be finalised.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

A Strategy Shaped With Business Input

Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michalis Damianos outlined the government’s plans at the first consultation workshop, which brought together businesses, universities, banks and public authorities.

According to the ministry, Damianos emphasised that the strategy should be developed in close consultation with investors and other stakeholders. The goal is to shape measures around the practical needs of the businesses expected to use them, rather than designing support without their input.

At Monday’s workshop, ministry Permanent Secretary Marios Panayides reviewed progress under the existing strategy, explained the role of the Business Support Centre and presented the proposed framework for 2027–2030. Participants included companies operating in Cyprus, universities, banking institutions, government ministries and Invest Cyprus, whose representatives sit on the technical committee reviewing the strategy.

Building On Existing Business Support

A central element of the government’s approach is the Business Support Centre, which assists local and international investors seeking to establish or expand operations in Cyprus.

The centre began operating in May 2025 and incorporates the Business Facilitation Unit. Established in 2022, the unit is intended to simplify administrative processes and help companies navigate requirements related to registration, licensing and employment.

The new strategy builds on the framework introduced in 2022, which aimed to strengthen Cyprus’s competitiveness through investment incentives, more accessible recruitment of skilled professionals from outside the European Union and more efficient business registration procedures.

Investor Interest Meets Practical Challenges

The initiative comes as Cyprus seeks to convert investor interest into sustained economic activity. In the EY Cyprus Attractiveness Survey 2026, 83% of international investors surveyed described the island as an attractive investment destination. Meanwhile, 62% of businesses already operating in Cyprus said they planned to expand over the following 12 months.

That optimism exists alongside persistent obstacles. High energy costs, bureaucracy and access to finance remain concerns for investors. How effectively the government addresses these issues will influence whether companies choose to establish or grow their presence on the island.

Consultations Continue Through October

A second workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, bringing together chambers of commerce, professional associations, organised business groups and professional services companies. Feedback from both sessions will inform the government’s final proposal, which is scheduled to go before the Council of Ministers in December 2026.

The consultations form part of the government’s ongoing dialogue with the business and investment community, launched at the initiative of President Nikos Christodoulides. The process is intended to identify measures that reflect business needs while supporting employment, investment and broader economic growth.

For now, the government has not published the proposed measures. Their scope and detail will depend on the consultation process—and on how successfully the final strategy translates investor interest into long-term business activity in Cyprus.

Cyprus is generating more tourism revenue despite shorter stays, but declining arrivals and accommodation nights point to growing pressure on the island’s traditional tourism model. As the industry looks towards 2027, attracting visitors may increasingly depend on offering experiences beyond sun and beaches.

Tourism revenue rose 4.6% year on year to €536.5 million in July, despite a 1.1% drop in arrivals. Visitors spent more per day, but the average stay shortened from nine nights to 8.6.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Across the first seven months of 2026, tourism revenue fell 7% to €1.76 billion, while arrivals in the first nine months declined 5.6%.

Cyprus Lags The European Market

According to Eurostat, nights spent in tourist accommodation in Cyprus fell 7.7% in the first half of 2026, the steepest decline in the EU. By comparison, Malta recorded a 9.9% increase, while accommodation nights across the bloc rose 1.7%.

Foreign visitors accounted for 92.6% of all nights spent in Cyprus’s tourist accommodation, leaving the island highly exposed to changes in international demand.

Travellers Want More Than A Beach Holiday

Research from Booking.com suggests that personal experiences will play a growing role in travel decisions. Based on responses from 28,230 people across 32 countries and territories, the study found that 81% would choose a destination based on how they want to feel, rather than simply where they want to go.

Culinary tourism and traditional crafts also attracted interest, with 74% of respondents interested in food experiences and 68% drawn to activities such as pottery, textiles and wood carving.

For Cyprus, this creates an opportunity to promote village tourism, wineries, local cuisine and traditional crafts alongside established resort holidays. The island already has seven wine routes connecting visitors with vineyards and communities, including in the Commandaria region and the Troodos mountains.

Making these experiences easier to discover and book could help hotels and tour operators direct more spending towards local businesses and destinations beyond the main resorts.

Flexibility And Wellbeing Shape Travel Choices

Price remains another consideration. Booking.com found that 66% of respondents preferred holiday packages that allow them to remove services they do not expect to use, suggesting that some travellers want greater control over costs.

Wellbeing is also influencing decisions: 79% considered healthier hotel food important, while 85% said they had returned from a holiday feeling more tired than when they left.

These preferences could create opportunities for wellness retreats, walking holidays and countryside accommodation, particularly outside the peak summer season.

Longer Stays Can Matter More Than Daily Spending

Tourists’ economic contribution also depends on how long they stay. Cyprus Statistical Service figures show that visitors from Israel spent an average of €158.19 per day in July, compared with €110.46 for British visitors and €92.27 for Polish visitors.

However, British tourists stayed an average of 10.3 nights, compared with 4.7 nights for Israeli visitors. Total spending per trip reached €1,137.69 for British visitors and €743.49 for Israeli visitors.

The figures highlight a strategic choice for the industry: whether to prioritise higher daily spending, longer stays or a combination of both.

Early Bookings Raise Questions For 2027

Cyprus welcomed a record 580,889 tourists in September, up 1.8% year on year. Nevertheless, arrivals from January to September totalled 3.4 million, down 5.6% from the same period in 2025.

The UK remained the largest source market in September, accounting for 31.7% of arrivals, followed by Israel at 18.1%.

Looking ahead, Paphos hoteliers association president Evripides Loizides said advance bookings for 2027 through Britain’s three largest tour operators were 20% to 30% below the levels recorded a year earlier. Although early bookings do not determine the full season’s outcome, they highlight the uncertainty facing an industry affected by household budget pressures and intensifying competition.

Connecting Cyprus To A Changing European Market

An October survey by the European Travel Commission found that 34% of respondents across seven major overseas markets planned to visit Europe between September and December, down from 38% a year earlier.

Among those planning to travel, 66% intended to visit at least two European countries, with an average itinerary covering 2.7 countries.

For Cyprus, attracting these travellers may be more challenging than for destinations connected by Europe’s road and rail networks. Air connectivity, travel costs and the ease of combining the island with other destinations will remain important considerations.

Measuring Tourism By Its Economic Impact

The World Travel & Tourism Council expects international arrivals in Europe to reach 1.14 billion by 2036, up from 757.3 million in 2025. It has also called on destinations to focus more on tourism’s economic contribution, connectivity, visitor management and environmental pressures.

Cyprus is continuing to invest in its tourism offer. Deputy Minister for Tourism Kostas Koumis presented a €59.4 million budget for 2027 to parliament on October 23, with around 62% allocated to promoting the island and improving its tourism product. He also noted that the decline in arrivals had narrowed from 17.9% at the end of April to 5.6% by September.

The improvement offers some encouragement, but sustaining growth may require a broader approach. Promoting rural communities, supporting local businesses and attracting visitors outside the summer peak could help Cyprus generate more value from tourism without relying solely on increasing arrival numbers.

To compete internationally, businesses must invest in innovation, raise productivity and turn research into commercially viable products. At the same time, companies that adapt fastest to new technologies may have an advantage over larger competitors.

That was the central message at the 19th Cyprus Innovation Awards and the Cyprus Research Awards 2025, held at Nicosia Municipal Theatre. Despite leading the EU in innovation activity among smaller businesses, Cyprus continues to face challenges in attracting private investment and turning research into economic growth.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Strong Innovation Activity, But A Funding Gap

Giorgos Pantelides, chairman of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev), said artificial intelligence, robotics and digital technologies were making innovation essential to business competitiveness. For Cyprus, where the domestic market is limited, success depends on flexibility, quality and the effective use of technology.

According to the European Commission’s 2026 European Innovation Scoreboard, Cyprus rose from 15th to first place in the EU for innovation activity among small and medium-sized businesses. It also climbed from tenth to second in research and business cooperation.

However, Cyprus remains a moderate innovator, performing at 92.1% of the EU average, with weaknesses in venture capital and business spending on research and development. Bridging this gap is essential to help promising ideas reach the market.

Turning Research Into Commercial Success

Demetris Skourides, Cyprus’ chief scientist and chairman of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), said the priority was to translate scientific knowledge into innovation and economic and social benefits.

Cyprus has made progress in securing European research funding, winning 17 European Research Council (ERC) grants in the current programming period, compared with 12 in the previous one. Successful applications by early-career researchers increased from two to five. With 5.1 ERC grants per million inhabitants, the country exceeds the European average of 4.2.

University of Cyprus researchers Maria Kalli and Myrofora Panayi secured a combined €3 million in European funding after previously receiving €100,000 each through RIF’s VISION ERC programme. The initiative illustrates how domestic support can help researchers compete for larger international grants.

Skourides also highlighted efforts to attract scientists working abroad through the Minds in Cyprus initiative. He said 8.3% of active researchers at Cypriot universities rank among the world’s top 2% of scientists, underlining the country’s research potential.

Public Funding Aims To Attract Private Investment

President Nikos Christodoulides said technology contributes approximately 15% of Cyprus’ GDP, while stressing that economic growth must translate into higher productivity, better jobs and greater competitiveness.

Between 2023 and 2026, RIF launched 95 funding calls worth €165 million, resulting in 575 contracts worth a combined €105 million. These programmes contributed to more than 700 new jobs and 187 cooperation networks linking businesses with research organisations.

RIF programmes also attracted more than €47.2 million in private capital between 2021 and 2025. Its Disrupt and Boost schemes provided €12 million in public support to 14 businesses, which secured an additional €16.5 million from private investors.

A new BOOST programme round is expected to open in early December, with an initial budget of €1.2 million. Eligible businesses could receive grants of up to €300,000, provided they have a binding agreement for at least €200,000 in private equity investment. The first deadline is expected to be April 9, 2027.

RIF is also consulting researchers and businesses on its 2028–2034 funding programmes, with proposed priorities including research commercialisation, private investment, infrastructure and skills development.

International Partnerships And Future Priorities

Cyprus is also seeking international partnerships to expand opportunities for its technology sector. Christodoulides highlighted cooperation with NVIDIA on advanced computing infrastructure, the country’s participation in the European AI Factories network through Pharos-CY, and the establishment of the Plug and Play innovation centre.

The government is preparing a national research and innovation strategy through 2033, focusing on areas including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced digital technologies and clean technology.

Turning Innovation Into Economic Growth

Since their introduction in 2006, Oev’s innovation awards have recognised businesses applying new ideas across manufacturing, services, the primary sector and social innovation. The awards are now part of European SME Week.

Cyprus has demonstrated that its smaller businesses can innovate and its researchers can compete internationally. The next challenge is to turn these strengths into sustained private investment, commercially successful products and higher productivity.

The European Union is offering up to €4.5 billion in guarantees to attract private investment in renewable energy and clean technology across the Mediterranean.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica launched the T-MED Investment Platform at an event in Brussels, bringing together financial institutions, investors and project developers.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Operating under the Pact for the Mediterranean, the platform uses guarantees through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) to reduce investment risks and mobilise private capital.

Connecting Projects With Investment

T-MED covers renewable electricity, green hydrogen, energy storage, electricity grids, cross-border interconnections and clean-tech manufacturing. It also aims to address barriers such as permitting, grid access and regulatory frameworks, while supporting workforce training and local supply chains.

Projects Across Egypt And Tunisia

In Egypt, a €1.6 billion programme will modernise the national electricity grid, connecting solar and wind generation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez regions.

Other projects include a €575 million green-ammonia facility at Ain Sokhna, intended to supply the EU market, and a hybrid solar photovoltaic development valued at approximately €430 million. The Niat and Rasgha wind projects are expected to add 500 MW of onshore capacity in the Gulf of Suez, potentially supporting future hydrogen production.

In Tunisia, two 100 MW solar plants are receiving support alongside transmission infrastructure. EU contributions total approximately €92 million for one project and €80 million for the other.

€25 Billion Investment Target By 2035

T-MED aims to mobilise up to €25 billion by 2035 for renewable energy, electricity grids, interconnections and clean technologies. It also plans to train and upskill up to 10,000 workers.

The initiative seeks to strengthen energy security, attract private investment and create economic opportunities across the Mediterranean.

A Shared Mediterranean Framework

Developed by the European Commission and the European External Action Service, the Pact for the Mediterranean was adopted by the College of Commissioners in October 2025 and officially launched with Southern Mediterranean partners on 28 November 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration.

The Pact brings the EU, its member states and Southern Mediterranean partners together to promote a more integrated and resilient region.

Governments and defence forces invest in encrypted communications, satellite systems and camouflage, yet smartphones can still expose personnel locations and operational details. Cyprus-based privacy company Malloc is developing mobile security technology to address these risks.

Five years after its founding, the company, led by co-founder and CEO Maria Terzi, is expanding beyond consumer privacy into enterprise, government and defence. The move reflects a growing challenge: smartphones can expose sensitive communications, location data and operational information, even in highly secured environments.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

From Consumer Privacy To High-Risk Environments

“To be honest, nothing changed. In fact, Malloc is not even near to what it can become,” Terzi said.

Malloc initially focused on protecting people from spyware, hacking and online privacy threats. Its users included privacy-conscious individuals, people living in censored environments, investigative journalists, politicians and government personnel.

As the company began serving users in more sensitive environments, it expanded from a consumer app to enterprise- and government-level security technology. This required adapting to different operational needs and technology restrictions while keeping protection seamless.

Applying AI Without Compromising Privacy

AI security systems often rely on large amounts of data, creating potential privacy risks when information is sent to remote servers. Malloc instead performs much of its AI processing directly on users’ devices.

“There is always a trade-off between privacy, usability, and speed, but Malloc balances them to maintain high precision and a seamless experience without compromising security,” Terzi said.

The company trains general-purpose models in the cloud before adapting them on individual devices using local data. It also applies federated learning to improve its core models without transmitting personal user data from devices.

Developing AI To Detect Unusual Behaviour

Malloc is working with The Cyprus Institute on DAEMON-AI, a project supported by the Research and Innovation Foundation and co-funded by the EU under the Thalia 2021–2027 programme. It aims to develop lightweight AI systems that run directly on devices and strengthen mobile protection.

One component detects unusual behaviour by learning typical user patterns and identifying anomalies, such as unexpected bursts of outgoing data. Another classifies encrypted network traffic using metadata, including packet size and frequency, without decrypting message content.

These systems aim to identify patterns that could indicate sensitive activities, such as location sharing or screen recording. Their findings feed into Malloc’s broader security infrastructure to improve spyware detection and help prevent data leaks.

Why Defence Raises The Stakes

Malloc says it is the only company from Cyprus selected for the EU’s EUDIS defence accelerator, joining 20 companies chosen from 499 applicants across Europe.

The defence sector demands particularly high reliability, Terzi said. “As my co-founder and CTO Liza Charalambous says, we have zero room for error. To lead globally, Malloc must perform flawlessly in mission-critical environments.”

She describes mobile devices as “defence’s weakest link”, arguing that smartphones can reveal locations and operational plans despite investment in encrypted communications, satellite systems and other protective measures.

The accelerator will allow Malloc to test its dual-use technology against military requirements. It also provides a €120,000 non-dilutive voucher and access to European networks. Terzi said she aims to establish long-term partnerships with EU ministries of defence.

Measuring Success By Preventing Data Leaks

Cybersecurity threats are not always easy to identify. Sophisticated spyware and zero-day exploits may be blocked before their precise identity is known, leaving users unaware that an attack was attempted.

“Success often looks like complete silence,” Terzi said.

Malloc uses behavioural detection to intervene when unauthorised data is being transmitted, even if a threat has no recognised signature. In the short term, the company monitors indicators such as blocked data flows and real-time risk mitigation.

Ultimately, Terzi said, the goal is to protect devices and communications by preventing data leaks before they cause damage.

Cyprus is making progress in business innovation and research funding, but attracting private investment and turning scientific discoveries into commercial products remain key challenges. Business and government leaders discussed these priorities at the 19th Cyprus Innovation Awards and Cyprus Research Awards 2025 in Nicosia.

Giorgos Pantelides, chairman of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), said companies best positioned to compete internationally would be those able to adapt quickly to artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging technologies. For Cyprus, a small domestic market makes flexibility, quality and effective use of technology particularly important.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Innovation Progress And Investment Gaps

The European Commission’s 2026 European Innovation Scoreboard ranked Cyprus first in the EU for innovation activity among SMEs, up from 15th place. The country also rose from 10th to second in research and business cooperation.

However, Cyprus remains a “moderate innovator”, scoring 92.1% of the EU average, with weaknesses in venture-capital investment and business spending on research and development.

Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides, chairman of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), said closer cooperation between universities, research centres and businesses is essential to turn scientific knowledge into economic and social benefits.

Cyprus secured 17 European Research Council (ERC) grants in the current programming period, compared with 12 in the previous one. Successful applications from early-career researchers increased from two to five. The country now records 5.1 ERC grants per million residents, above the European average of 4.2.

University of Cyprus researchers Maria Kalli and Myrofora Panayi secured a combined €3 million in European funding after receiving €100,000 each through RIF’s VISION ERC programme. Other achievements include successful ERC applications by Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos and Stavroula Constantinou, as well as an ERC Synergy-funded cancer research project led by University of Pennsylvania professor Costas Koumenis, based in Cyprus.

The government is also seeking to attract scientists from abroad through initiatives such as Minds in Cyprus. Skourides said around 8.3% of active researchers at Cypriot universities rank among the world’s top 2% of scientists.

Public Funding Aims To Unlock Private Capital

President Nikos Christodoulides said technology contributes around 15% of Cyprus’s GDP, but stressed that economic growth must translate into higher productivity and stronger competitiveness.

Between 2023 and 2026, RIF launched 95 funding calls worth €165 million, resulting in 575 contracts totalling €105 million. The programmes contributed to more than 700 jobs and 187 cooperation networks connecting businesses with research organisations.

RIF initiatives attracted more than €47.2 million in private investment between 2021 and 2025. Its Disrupt and Boost schemes provided €12 million in public funding to 14 businesses, which subsequently secured another €16.5 million from private investors.

A new BOOST funding round is expected in early December, with an initial budget of €1.2 million. Eligible companies could receive grants of up to €300,000 if they secure a binding agreement for at least €200,000 in private equity investment. The first deadline is expected to be April 9, 2027.

RIF is also consulting businesses and researchers on its 2028–2034 funding programmes until November 2, focusing on research commercialisation, infrastructure, private investment and skills.

International Partnerships And Future Priorities

Cyprus is strengthening international technology links through cooperation with NVIDIA on advanced computing infrastructure, participation in the European AI Factories network through Pharos-CY, and the Plug and Play innovation centre.

The Future Founders Academy, developed with Columbia University, aims to connect young entrepreneurs with international expertise. Meanwhile, the government is preparing a national research and innovation strategy through 2033, prioritising artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced digital technologies and clean technologies.

Commercialisation Remains The Key Challenge

Since 2006, OEB’s innovation awards have recognised practical applications of innovation across manufacturing, services, the primary sector and social innovation. They are now part of European SME Week.

Cyprus has improved its performance in SME innovation and European research funding. The next step is to turn those gains into commercially successful products, attract more private capital and increase productivity. As Pantelides argued, the country’s competitiveness will depend not on business size alone, but on how effectively companies turn knowledge and technology into value.

Distinctive proteins in men’s blood may offer clues to prostate cancer risk more than 15 years before a diagnosis, according to research from the University of Oxford. The findings could help scientists better understand why some prostate cancers become aggressive while others grow slowly and never cause serious harm.

Researchers analyzed blood samples from 2,555 men collected between 1992 and 2000. Of those participants, 982 were later diagnosed with prostate cancer; the remaining 1,573 served as a comparison group. The team measured more than 6,000 proteins in the samples, which had been collected years—and, in some cases, more than 15 years—before diagnosis.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Protein Patterns Were Linked To Different Risks

The analysis identified proteins associated with prostate cancer risk overall, as well as proteins linked specifically to more aggressive or fast-growing forms of the disease. Higher levels of certain immune-system proteins, including GZMK and ANXA2, were associated with a lower long-term risk.

“Finding proteins linked to known prostate cancer driver genes in blood collected years before diagnosis gives us new insights into the earliest stages of the disease,” said Karl Smith-Byrne, the study’s corresponding author at Oxford.

The results, published in European Urology, are significant because prostate cancer is not a single, uniform disease. Many tumors grow slowly and may never threaten a patient’s health, while others progress rapidly and can be life-threatening. A clearer way to distinguish between these outcomes could eventually help improve how clinicians assess risk.

Promising Findings, Not A Screening Test

The researchers stressed that the protein patterns are not ready to be used as a screening test. The associations need further validation before they can inform clinical decisions, and the study does not establish that the proteins cause cancer or that measuring them can predict an individual’s outcome.

“Ultimately, we hope this will help us understand the biology of aggressive prostate cancer and identify markers that could improve how we assess risk in the future,” said first author Zhe Huang, a postdoctoral epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health.

Research Could Point To New Prevention Strategies

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the European Union and the second most common worldwide, after lung cancer. In the EU, approximately 330,000 cases are diagnosed and 75,000 men die from the disease each year.

By identifying biological signals that appear long before diagnosis, the research may help scientists investigate the pathways involved in aggressive disease. Smith-Byrne said that, alongside existing and future genetic evidence, the findings could help reveal pathways that might ultimately be targeted to prevent aggressive prostate cancer.

Dictionary.com has named “maxxing” its Word of the Year for 2026, reflecting a growing online trend of optimising almost every aspect of life, from health and appearance to work and leisure.

The choice follows last year’s selection of “6-7”, a phrase popularised by younger internet users. Unlike that expression, “maxxing” has spread beyond niche online communities into everyday social media language.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

From “Looksmaxxing” To Mainstream Usage

Derived from “maximising”, “maxxing” describes doing something to the fullest or optimising it as much as possible. According to Dictionary.com, its roots lie in phrases such as “maxing out” a credit card and gaming terminology.

During the 2010s, the term gained traction in manosphere and incel communities through “looksmaxxing”, referring to efforts to improve physical attractiveness through fitness, grooming and, in some cases, more extreme measures.

The word later became associated with controversial manosphere influencers, including livestreamer Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, who promotes an intense focus on male appearance.

A Broader Meaning

Younger social media users have since expanded “maxxing” beyond its original associations. Searches for the term surged in August as it became a label for everything from wellness routines to workplace habits. It is also used ironically to poke fun at the pressure to constantly improve.

“Maxxing is the linguistic manifestation of a culture increasingly preoccupied with getting the most out of everything,” said Steve Johnson, director of lexicography for Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning.

Johnson noted that the term can signal enthusiasm for self-improvement, exaggerate it for humour or reject the idea of constant optimisation altogether. Examples include “proteinmaxxing” at breakfast, “tokenmaxxing” with AI tools at work and “cozymaxxing” on a Friday night.

The Many Forms Of “Maxxing”

The term has generated numerous variations. “Softmaxxing” refers to relatively modest appearance improvements, such as a new haircut, while “hardmaxxing” describes more extreme approaches, including severe dieting or cosmetic procedures. “Jestermaxxing” involves using humour to gain social acceptance or online attention, while “sleepmaxxing” focuses on improving sleep quality or duration.

These variations show how the language of optimisation has spread across personal identity, health, social status and leisure.

The Pressure To Do More

The popularity of “maxxing” also reflects a wider tension between self-improvement and the expectation to make every activity more productive. In the workplace, “tokenmaxxing” describes employees being encouraged to use AI tools as much as possible, turning technological adoption into another measure of performance.

The term captures a culture in which ordinary activities can become opportunities for measurable gains, even as some people use the language to question that pressure.

Other Words On The Shortlist

Other candidates for Dictionary.com’s 2026 Word of the Year included “affordability”, “data center”, “odyssey” and “unc”.

Interest in “odyssey” may have been boosted by Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey, while “unc”, short for “uncle”, is used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha to describe someone older who is perceived as out of touch or uncool.

“Maxxing” ultimately stands out for capturing a defining online impulse: to optimise everyday life, share the process and keep striving for more.

Cyprus plans to add 94 fast-charging points for electric vehicles by 2028, in an investment estimated at €10 million. The Transport Ministry’s programme includes 76 chargers for light vehicles and 18 for heavy vehicles, with sites selected to extend coverage across the island’s road network.

A Phased Rollout Across The Island

The plan identifies 10 charging locations for light vehicles and three for heavy vehicles. Alongside urban centres in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, the selected areas include Alambra, Kofinou, Evrychou, Saittas, Mandria in Paphos district, Polis Chrysochous and Paralimni.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

The schedule calls for 16 fast-charging points for light vehicles in 2026. In 2027, a further 48 points for light vehicles and 12 for heavy vehicles are planned. The remaining 18 chargers are expected to be installed in 2028.

Transport, Communications and Works Minister Evanthia Tsolaki outlined the programme in a response dated October 7, 2026, to Larnaca MP Prodromos Alambritis. She said the necessary funding for the 2026 and 2027 infrastructure has been included in the budget of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services.

Charger Capacity And Existing Network

Each of the 76 chargers for light vehicles will have a capacity of 150 kW. Of the 18 chargers for heavy vehicles, 12 will deliver 350 kW and the remaining six will provide 200 kW.

Cyprus currently has 384 publicly accessible charging points across 221 stations, according to the department. Nicosia has 76 stations, Limassol 57, Paphos 32, Larnaca 29 and Famagusta 27.

Infrastructure Already Installed

Ten fast-charging stations have already been installed at publicly accessible sites through the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The locations include the general hospitals in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Kyperounta and Famagusta; Troodos Square; the Choirokoitia archaeological site; Trimiklini; the Tombs of the Kings bus station in Paphos; and the Polis Chrysochous bus station.

The cost of these installations was €840,660, including VAT and five years of maintenance.

A separate 100 kW fast charger was installed at the Kato Pyrgos fishing shelter as part of efforts to revitalise Tylliria and position Kato Pyrgos as a green community. The station can charge two vehicles simultaneously. The project cost €77,000, including VAT and five years of maintenance.

From 2022 to 2026, a further 212 charging points were installed at publicly accessible sites, businesses and local authorities through the Electric Mobility With 1,000 grant scheme.

Public And Private Investment

Tsolaki said the expansion of electric mobility depends not only on the public charging network but also on private chargers at homes and businesses. These installations can also draw on electricity generated by solar photovoltaic systems.

The minister left open the possibility of further infrastructure investment as demand and market conditions evolve, signalling that the current programme may be only one stage in Cyprus’s broader transition to electric transport.