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Chief Scientist’s Roadmap To Make Cyprus A Regional Research And Innovation Hub by 2035

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 24, 2024

In a bold vision for Cyprus, Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides presented a comprehensive roadmap to establish Cyprus as a regional hub for research, innovation, and technology by 2035. The strategy, developed through extensive consultation with over 650 stakeholders, aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve the overall research and innovation ecosystem.

Key initiatives include the introduction of a new grants management system by 2025 to reduce administrative burdens and promote scientific work and commercialization. The roadmap also emphasises the importance of public-private partnerships, with recent programs increasing collaboration between research organisations and industry.

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Cyprus has maintained its 10th position in the European Innovation Scoreboard for three consecutive years, reflecting the country’s growing innovation capacity. This is supported by significant funding increases, with €177.25 million allocated for competitive funding between 2021-2027, a 34% rise from the previous period.

Public universities and research institutes have been pivotal in securing prestigious European Research Council grants, showcasing Cyprus’ research excellence. Notably, improvements in the operations of the Research and Innovation Foundation have significantly reduced the average time to pay and contract processing times.

Furthermore, the strategy includes targeted funding for research excellence, collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure. Specific focus areas include ICT, green transition, energy, shipping, agrifood, health, advanced materials, and environment.

Skourides also highlighted the importance of international collaborations, citing recent engagements with Japanese and international organisations to foster global partnerships. The roadmap sets a clear path for Cyprus to enhance its research and innovation landscape, positioning the country as a leader in the region by 2035.

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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.