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Dr. Marilena Hadjidemetriou Receives €1.5M ERC Starting Grant to Advance Nanomedicine Research

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 10, 2024

Dr. Marilena Hadjidemetriou, a leading Cypriot researcher, has been awarded a prestigious €1.5 million European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant to advance her groundbreaking work in nanomedicine. This significant funding will enable Dr. Hadjidemetriou and her team to explore innovative approaches in the field, with a focus on developing new nanotechnologies that could revolutionise the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

The ERC Starting Grant, one of Europe’s most competitive and highly sought-after research funding schemes, is awarded to early-career researchers who show exceptional promise and potential to contribute to frontier research. Dr. Hadjidemetriou’s project stood out for its ambition, scientific merit, and potential societal impact, particularly in how it could transform current medical treatments by leveraging the power of nanotechnology.

Nanomedicine, a cutting-edge field that uses nanoscale materials for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, has long been viewed as the future of healthcare. Dr. Hadjidemetriou’s research aims to push the boundaries of this field by developing novel nanoparticles that can target and treat specific cells within the human body. Her work focuses on improving the delivery of drugs to tumour cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues—an ongoing challenge in cancer therapies.

Speaking about her ERC award, Dr. Hadjidemetriou expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue her research with the support of such a significant grant. “This funding will allow us to make important strides in understanding how we can utilise nanotechnology to target diseases more effectively,” she said. “Our goal is to develop treatments that are not only more efficient but also have fewer side effects for patients.”

This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Dr. Hadjidemetriou but also a significant boost for Cyprus’ scientific community. Her success in securing the ERC Starting Grant highlights the growing international recognition of the country’s research capabilities. It also emphasises the importance of investing in science and innovation to position Cyprus as a competitive player in the global research arena.

Dr. Hadjidemetriou’s project has the potential to open new doors in personalised medicine, where treatments can be tailored to individual patients based on the specific characteristics of their disease. This would mark a paradigm shift in how diseases like cancer are treated, moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches towards more precise, targeted therapies.

The ERC Starting Grant will provide Dr. Hadjidemetriou’s team with five years of funding, allowing them to focus on pushing the boundaries of nanomedicine and exploring its applications in real-world clinical settings. With this support, Dr. Hadjidemetriou’s research could yield significant advancements in healthcare, potentially transforming how we approach some of the most challenging medical conditions of our time.

Cyprus Showcases Its Business Advantages At 2024 London Event

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 5, 2024

Cyprus seized the opportunity to present itself as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) at the ‘Non-Doms: The Cyprus Private Client Offering Gathering 2024,’ held at the iconic London Stock Exchange. The event attracted over 150 participants, including professionals from the UK and experts from Cyprus, all gathering to explore Cyprus’ business advantages.

The gathering aimed to strengthen ties between the international investment community and Cyprus, highlighting the island’s competitive tax regime and wealth management opportunities. The central focus was Cyprus’ strategic appeal for non-domiciled residents, particularly as changes to the UK’s tax framework prompted many HNWIs to reconsider their tax and residency options.

A Shift in Global Tax Dynamics

With the UK government’s decision to abolish its long-standing non-dom tax regime, Cyprus stands poised to become an attractive alternative. The UK’s new residence-based system, set to take effect in April 2025, could direct more wealthy individuals and businesses toward jurisdictions like Cyprus, known for its fiscal benefits and strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, and George Pantelis, former Director General of the Finance Ministry, addressed how Cyprus is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this shift. Their presentations underscored the island’s stability, tax benefits, and favorable environment for both personal wealth and corporate operations.

Key Highlights from the Conference

One of the highlights of the event was the panel discussion titled “Cyprus: A Destination of Choice for HNWIs, Their Families, Companies, and Employees.” Experts like Christos Neokleous, Consultant at Tsirides Law, outlined the simplicity of doing business in Cyprus, emphasizing the ease of setting up companies and understanding the regulatory environment.

Andreas Andronicou, Partner at PwC Cyprus, discussed the significant tax advantages for both individuals and corporations looking to operate from Cyprus, especially within the European and global markets. The country’s legal framework, based on the English Common Law system, was another focus, with Melina Dionysiou, Director/Head of Corporate at Totalserve, explaining its business-friendly aspects.

A Strategic Business Environment

Cyprus’ status as an international business hub is further reinforced by its competitive tax rates, skilled workforce, and advantageous legal system. These factors, combined with its prime location, make it an ideal choice for companies seeking to expand into new markets. Moreover, the conference highlighted the island’s growing appeal to foreign investors and companies, with opportunities ranging from tax-efficient corporate structures to residency-by-investment programs.

As the world moves toward greater tax competitiveness, Cyprus is keen to attract international clients seeking efficiency and flexibility. This year’s event comes at a crucial moment, as the UK’s changes to its non-dom tax regime create new openings for Cyprus to solidify its position as a leading destination for wealthy individuals and businesses.

Global Appeal for High Net-Worth Individuals

Cyprus’ tax benefits, wealth protection solutions, and modern legal structures were the focal points of the final panel, which also explored investment opportunities on the island. Experts such as Sara Eojourian, Head of Wealth Management at Athlos Capital, discussed the array of investment solutions that Cyprus offers, particularly for HNWIs. These services not only provide personalized wealth management but also come at competitive costs, making them an attractive option for international investors.

Conclusion: Cyprus, an Attractive Option for International Clients

In conclusion, Cyprus is increasingly recognized as a top destination for both high-net-worth individuals and international businesses. Thanks to its competitive tax system, business-friendly legal environment, and strategic location, Cyprus is solidifying its status as a prime hub for foreign investment. As global tax policies continue to evolve, Cyprus remains well-positioned to provide attractive opportunities for clients and businesses seeking stability, efficiency, and significant fiscal benefits.