The Cyprus Institute

New ground-breaking research, led by the CLOUD team at CERN, which includes researchers from the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) of The Cyprus Institute, has discovered that isoprene, a compound released by trees, is found in surprisingly high levels in the tropical upper troposphere. Notably, researchers have found that isoprene significantly contributes to new particle formation, which in turn leads to cloud formation, and can act as mitigator against climate change. The research findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature, suggest that natural sources, like forests, might have contributed significantly to cloud formations in the past and could change how we understand climate sensitivity and future warming.  This means that as we reduce air pollution, the natural environment might help offset some of the warming effects brought about by climate change, underlining the importance of the natural environment in addressing the climate crisis.

Over the past 20 years, aircraft observations have detected extensive new particle formation in the tropical upper troposphere above the Amazon, as well as over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, the origin of these particles has so far remained unknown. Recent satellite observations over this area, though, have revealed that the levels of isoprene in the tropical upper troposphere are significantly higher than previously thought.

Isoprene, which is released by trees, is the most abundant non-methane hydrocarbon emitted into the atmosphere (0.5 billion tonnes per year) but is currently believed to be unable to form new particles. In the new experiments conducted by the CLOUD team, new particle formation from the oxidation of isoprene at upper tropospheric temperatures of −30 °C and −50 °C was explored. The results revealed that isoprene is triggering extensive new particle formation over vast regions of the tropical upper troposphere. When the particles descent to lower altitudes, they provide an important source of cloud formation world-wide, which strongly influences the Earth’s radiative balance.

Therefore, isoprene released by forests, through their contribution to producing cloud condensation nuclei in the pre-industrial atmosphere, might have contributed significantly to cloud formation in the past, which could reduce estimates of Earth’s climate sensitivity and, in turn, projections of warming later this century. It also implies that as air pollution is reduced through emission control measures, the natural environment might be able to act as a buffer and help offset some of the warming effects later this century.

Associate Professor Theodoros Christoudias of The Cyprus Institute, noted: “This discovery reshapes our understanding of natural climate processes. By revealing that isoprene released from forests is capable of forming cloud-seeding particles, we see a pathway through which nature itself has historically influenced the Earth’s climate. At a time when reducing emissions is critical in tackling the climate crisis, understanding the profound role of forests and the natural environment helps us refine model predictions, by illuminating a natural mechanism that wasn’t fully understood until now.”

The CLOUD Experiment at CERN allows for measuring aerosol nucleation and growth under cosmic rays. Atmospheric aerosols and their effect on clouds are recognised by the IPCC as the main uncertainty in climate models. The Cyprus Institute participates in the CLOUD experiment via its Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) by performing atmospheric, climate, and air quality modelling with global and regional models, and comparing CLOUD data with those obtained in field campaigns over land, e.g. the tropics, marine and urban regions.

Original publication: Shen, J., Russell, D.M., DeVivo, J. et al. New particle formation from isoprene under upper-tropospheric conditions. Nature 636, 115–123 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08196-0

Press Release on CERN website

CERN Animation of new particle formation from isoprene in the upper troposphere from CLOUD experiments

Interview with Dr Theodoros Christoudias on The Cyprus Institute YouTube channel

For queries contact: Dr Theodoros Christoudias, Associate Professor at the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) of The Cyprus Institute: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

During the Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on the "Climate Crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East" (emmeclimate2024.cyi.ac.cy), President Nikos Christodoulides announced the revival and strengthening of the Initiative undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus in 2019 to address the impacts of Climate Change in the region.

 

The Conference is co-organized by The Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, and The Cyprus Institute from September 26 to 28, 2024, in Larnaca. Eminent scientists and policymakers from twenty-two countries have convened to examine scientific evidence and to debate adaptation and mitigation strategies for the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region.

 

President Christodoulides stated that the Cypriot Government has decided to revive the Initiative, with emphasis on the implementation of the Regional Action Plan, as agreed at the COP27 Summit in November 2022. He committed his government to intensifying efforts at both the political and scientific levels to strengthen regional synergies aimed at ameliorating the dire consequences of Climate Change in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.  "We must act immediately, decisively, and collectively. We must act as neighbours and allies against Climate Change" the President emphasized.

 

Referring to Cyprus as an example of a country experiencing the effects of Climate Change, President Christodoulides noted that in the past five years, the temperature has increased by 1.5 degrees compared to the average of previous decades, with all months breaking temperature records of the past 40 years. This, he said, affects the environment and ecosystem and causes serious health problems, endangering human lives.

 

In his message, Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan, a prominent international figure widely known for his initiatives in addressing climate and environmental threats, sounded the alarm, reminding of the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that "Global warming is over; the planet is entering the phase of global boiling".  Prince Hassan highlighted that prolonged heatwaves and sandstorms could make the regions of West Asia and North Africa uninhabitable. Due to extreme disasters, more than 20 million people are displaced each year over the last decade, with 80% of displaced individuals coming from Asia, where over a third of the world's poorest people live. The phenomenon of "climate refugees" is a global problem that requires a global solution, he noted.

 

Also speaking at the Conference's Opening Ceremony were Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Mrs. Maria Panayiotou, President of the International Program Committee, Professor Costas N. Papanicolas, President of the Cyprus Institute, Professor Stavros Malas, and President of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, Academician Achilles C. Emilianides.

 

During the Conference, measurements and model predictions for climate change and its impacts will be presented and debated, particularly in the sectors of energy, water, food and agriculture, oceans, health, and cultural heritage. Mitigation strategies, and adaptation strategies at a regional level with emphasis on transboundary cooperation will be presented, and economic, legal, and ethical aspects, as well as artistic expressions of concern for the critical issue of the climate crisis will be debated.

 

The Climate Crisis represents the greatest challenge of the 21st century, with its impacts expected to be even more intense in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East regions, areas identified as highly sensitive. For this reason, the design and implementation of immediate actions to address the crisis, with the cooperation of states, is an urgent necessity.

 

The International Conference on the "Climate Crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East" is endorsed and supported by the European Commission Representation in Cyprus.

 

View highlights of the conference our YouTube channel.

Dr Efthymia Nikita, Assoc. Professor in Bioarchaeology at the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC) of The Cyprus Institute, has been named a Top Scholar by ScholarGPS. This prestigious recognition places her at No. 19 globally in archaeology, signifying her as one of the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide. The ScholarGPS accolade highlights her productivity, impactful research, and high-quality publications.

 

Dr Nikita earned her BA in Archaeology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and went on to complete her PhD in Biological Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. Her post-doctoral work included positions at the Fitch Laboratory of the British School at Athens and the Malcolm Wiener Laboratory of Archaeological Sciences of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Additionally, she held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship at the University of Sheffield.

 

With a publication record that includes over 110 articles and book chapters, Dr Nikita has significantly advanced our understanding of past populations. Her research employs biocultural approaches to explore activity, mobility, demography, health, and diet. Her textbook, ‘Osteoarchaeology: A Guide to the Macroscopic Study of Human Skeletal Remains,’ published by Elsevier, received an honorable mention at the American Publishers Awards, highlighting its impact in the field.

 

Since joining The Cyprus Institute in 2016, Dr Nikita has been at the forefront of bioarchaeological research in the Eastern Mediterranean. She has led two Research and Innovation Foundation funded Excellence Hubs projects, supervised two Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows, two other post-doctoral fellows, and five PhD students. Her team’s research outputs have been prolific, systematically publishing on various aspects of past life in the region.

 

In addition to her research, Dr Nikita has made significant contributions to scholarly resources and outreach. She has been co-Editor in Chief for the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Archaeology as well as for the Journal of Archaeological Science (both published by Elsevier). Her commitment to open access resources and public engagement further amplifies the impact of her work.

 

Dr Nikita’s scholarship has earned her numerous accolades, the most recent being the Dan David Prize in 2022. This prestigious award, the largest history prize in the world, recognizes researchers whose work illuminates the past and fosters a deeper understanding of history.

 

Dr Nikita’s recognition as a Top Scholar by ScholarGPS is another testament to her outstanding contributions to bioarchaeology and the broader field of archaeology.

CyI’s Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center (CaSToRC), in its capacity as Cyprus’ National Competence Center for High Performance Computing (HPC), hosted its second “Industry Day” event on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024. Organized under the EuroCC2 project, the event aimed to strengthen the collaboration between Cypriot businesses and leading CaSToRC researchers. The initiative highlights CaSToRC’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), HPC, Computational Modelling, and Data Analytics, into the operational workflows of Cypriot enterprises.

 

Building on the success of the inaugural “Industry Day” held in January 2024, this follow-up event showcased the potential of technological collaboration. The event featured insightful presentations from prominent Cypriot companies at the forefront of technological innovation. Participants included the German Oncology Center, RetailZoom, Suite5, Hello Radius, Moving Doors, Electi, Malloc, Efevre Tech, Vet ex machina, Novatex Solutions Ltd, ECECT, Intellar AI and Vettaky. These companies specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, laboratory automation, in-house technology solutions, software development, and more.

 

The companies are vital to the national economy, significantly supporting local businesses and generating a positive impact throughout the country. Their commitment to embracing new technologies, driving innovation and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is demonstrated by their efforts to enhance operational efficiency and future-proof their operations.

 

The event also underscores CyI’s dedication to promoting sustainable economic growth in Cyprus during the era of AI and advanced computing. With the Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities and expertise now more accessible to the private sector, the gap between fundamental and industrial research is effectively bridged.

 

In his welcome address, CaSToRC Director and PI of EuroCC2 in Cyprus, Prof. Constantine Dovrolis, gave a brief introduction on CaSToRC and the EuroCC2 project. “EuroCC2 is a pan-European project, involving over 30 countries, with the main objective of advancing the competencies of European communities in High-Performance Computing and High-Performance Data Analytics. EuroCC2 aims to promote advanced technologies in Cyprus, with a focus on HPC, HPDA, machine learning, artificial intelligence and computational modeling/simulation. The main aims for EuroCC2 in Cyprus include strengthening these technical competencies of the island, advancing competitiveness in research and innovation, improving the effectiveness of government services and promoting innovation by engaging with industry”, he highlighted.

 

CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas noted that part of the mission of CyI is not only to perform research and educate researchers, but also to help the ecosystem and private sector innovate. “Innovation is a two-way process: developing ideas and taking them to the market and providing tools and expertise to the industry to help it improve. The facilities we have here are national assets. However, we haven’t developed a national High-Performance Computing strategy in Cyprus, despite the work done at CyI and European initiatives”, he stated.

 

Chief Scientist and Chairman of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Dr. Demetris Skourides, noted that the event bridges the gap between research organizations and industry, and comes at the right time, highlighting the work done on emerging technologies among businesses. “The tools, skills, capabilities, and infrastructure provided are actually here, at The Cyprus Institute. This is a valuable opportunity for the Cypriot industry to engage with CaSToRC researchers, extend capabilities beyond just research, and bring them to practical applications. The EuroCC2 project is a strategic initiative that importantly contributes to this culture by providing access to training and support resources, industry knowledge, and leveraging technology. The Cyprus Institute is a game-changer and key partner, showcasing how technologies and AI supercomputing capabilities build solutions that pave the way between the Middle East and Europe, enabling us to play an important role in these fields”, he added.

 

Industrial participants were introduced to CaSToRC’s expertise and industrial engagement activities by Managing Coordinator for Industrial and Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations, Dr Panayiota Katsamba.

 

The event featured an inspirational success story underscoring the strong potential of cross-disciplinary partnerships. Dr. Constantinos Zampoglou and Dr. Yiannis Roussakis from the German Oncology Center presented a success story of leveraging collaboration with CaSToRC’s expertise in machine learning and conventional statistics for healthcare projects. One project focused on using non-invasive methods for cancer detection and characterization, while the other used AI to gather important medical data.

 

Bespoke presentations on advanced computing technologies and their industrial potential, highlighting the applications of their work in HPC, AI/ML, and High-Performance Data Analytics, were delivered by CaSToRC faculty, research staff, and technology experts. These sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the center’s technical expertise and demonstrated the practical impact of their research. Additionally, the event featured case studies of successful past collaborations between CaSToRC and various Cypriot companies, showcasing tangible benefits and innovative outcomes. The presentations included:

• Constantinos Dovrolis, who discussed “Generative AI in Business – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
• Mihalis Nicolaou, who addressed “AI in the Era of Deployment”
• Giannis Koutsou, who covered “Trends in High Performance Computing”
• Leonidas Christodoulou, who explored “Transformative Applications of Data Science in Modern Industry”
• Charalambos Chrysostomou, who delved into “Data Analysis and Machine Learning in Health Data”

The event concluded with presentations given by the representatives from the participating companies, expected to pave the way for future partnerships, driving technological advancement and fostering economic growth within the local industry.

 

The Cyprus Institute is dedicated to supporting Cyprus’s economic development through innovative research and collaboration, and such events continue similar engagements strategically designed to forge closer ties between companies across various sectors, and strengthening CyI’s position as a leader in digital and green transition.

About the EuroCC2

The EuroCC2 project is co-funded by the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus (received funding from the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (JU), Cyprus (co-funded by the EU within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027”) and the participating countries in the project under grant agreement No 101101903).

 

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The Cyprus Institute held its 2024 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Dr. Nikos Christodoulides, who addressed the event. Prof. Didier Roux, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Institute, and Prof. Stavros Malas, CyI President and Provost, also addressed the ceremony, which was attended by leading figures from the scientific, business, and political world.

 

The commencement address, titled “The Role of Sustainable Natural Resource Management for the Future We Want,” was delivered by Dr. Janez Potočnik, Former EU Commissioner for Environment and Member of the Board of Trustees.

 

The Hon. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr. Nicodemos Damianou conferred Postgraduate Degrees to thirty-three (33) Master’s students, while CyI President and Provost, Prof. Stavros Malas conferred Degrees to twenty-five (25) graduating PhD students.

 

In recognition of their significant contributions to research and education, particularly their roles in the successful operation of The Cyprus Institute, Mr. George Vassiliou, former President of the Republic of Cyprus and Trustee Emeritus, and Prof. Edouard Brezin, Member of the Board of Trustees, were awarded Honorary Doctorates. The degrees were bestowed by CREF CEO, Prof. Costas N. Papanicolas, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Didier Roux, and CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas.

 

In his opening remarks, Prof. Stavros Malas noted that the day was one of formal recognition and celebration of all the efforts and unwavering determination of the graduates in achieving a postgraduate degree at The Cyprus Institute. “Dear graduates you have reached a significant milestone in your life, and you should be immensely proud of yourselves. The world needs your creativity, your resilience, and your compassion. As you embark on this new chapter, I encourage you to remain curious and open-minded. Embrace lifelong learning, as education does not end with a degree. It is a continuous journey of growth and discovery. Seek out diverse perspectives, engage with different cultures, and be adaptable in the face of change. In doing so, you will not only enrich your own lives, but also contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world. Be bold in your aspirations, and do not be afraid to challenge the status quo. Nelson Mandela once said: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, he stated.

 

Prof. Roux stated that fundamental research is conducted to generate new knowledge, enhancing our understanding of the world we live in and contributing to the universal body of knowledge, always with a strong and focused expertise. In contrast, industrial research addresses our social needs by leveraging existing knowledge from various fields to achieve practical outcomes. “Whatever path you choose to follow, success will be based on two pillars: the technical capacity to deliver results, and active participation and contribution to the collective organization of the establishment. Congratulations, and I wish you an exciting career”, he added.

 

In his welcome address, the President of the Republic of Cyprus indicated that The Cyprus Institute has become a Center of Excellence in science and technology, in fields such as the environment, energy, and archaeology. At the same time, he pointed out that the Institute's research on climate change has greatly contributed to the international scientific community, while the Institute has also provided exceptionally important data for the formulation of national and regional environmental policies, such as the Cyprus Climate Initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

 

In his commencement address, Dr. Potočnik explored the main challenges facing the planet and stated that we can solve them only through collaboration. The key challenge is how to switch from an economic system based on the notion of unlimited growth to one that is both ecologically sustainable and socially just. “Economy championed by industrialised nations is wasteful and unjust. We must shift away from the prevailing resource wasteful economic approach based on maximising the output of sectors, simplistically defined by GDP, towards an economy that is efficiently meeting human needs and optimise human wellbeing. The current logic is both ethically and ecologically unsustainable”, he highlighted.

 

In his opening remarks, CyI President Prof. Malas also introduced, for the first time, the CyI Anthem and the newly introduced motto of The Cyprus Institute Graduate School, “καιρὸν γνῶθι και γνοὺς πρᾶττε”.

 

The Cyprus Institute Anthem was played for the first time at the ceremony and was composed by renowned Cypriot composer and Artistic Director Dr. Marios Ioannou Elia. Inspired by the newly introduced motto of The Cyprus Institute Graduate School, the Anthem represents the Institute’s values and aspirations, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and pride. It cultivates a sense of belonging within our community and promotes the Institute’s identity and culture. Through the Anthem, we celebrate the Institute’s achievements and future aspirations as a world-class research and educational institution.

 

The new motto of The Cyprus Institute is a combination of two Delphic oracles, καιρὸν γνῶθι (know your times) and γνοὺς πρᾶττε (act with knowledge), attributed to Pittacus of Mytilene. The first part of the motto, καιρόν γνῶθι, emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities and understanding the context of one's environment. The second part of the motto, γνούς πρᾶττε, advises to act only with knowledge, relying on learning and wisdom to make informed decisions. Unanimously adopted by the Institute’s Academic Committee, the motto underscores the importance of recognizing and exploiting the opportunities offered by our time, while urging a continuous search for knowledge and action.

 

The Cyprus Institute Motto encapsulates the Institute’s mission and core principles, and serves as the guiding philosophy reflecting the Institute’s commitment to education, research, and societal contribution. The motto aims to inspire and create a point of reference for the Institute’s community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

 

 

 

The Cyprus Institute (CyI) was among the winners of a Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Award, awarded in recognition of CyI’s research and educational activities in addressing the Climate Crisis and advancing mitigation actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region.

 

CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas accepted the award during the 2024 Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Award Ceremony, held on 15th of May 2024 in Braga, Portugal, during the 18th PAM Plenary Session.

 

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Malas thanked the President and Members of PAM and mentioned that this distinction is a result of the hard work of The Cyprus Institute’s researchers, who, in collaboration with other researchers worldwide and under the guidance of former CyI President, Prof. Costas Papanicolas, drafted the Regional Action Plan to address the impacts of Climate Change in the EMME countries.

 

Prof. Malas emphasized that the countries in the EMME region need to invest much more in research and innovation to address the impacts of the Climate Crisis, as these will continue to exist for hundreds of years, even if humanity achieves the goals set for climate neutrality.

 

The Regional Action Plan is an initiative of the Republic of Cyprus that started in 2019 and presented at the COP27 Summit, held on November 8, 2022, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. At the Summit, ten countries of the EMME region declared the official launch of the Climate Change Initiative. The Declaration was adopted by Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, and the State of Palestine.

 

The next steps will be discussed at the International Conference on the Climate Crisis in the EMME region, co-organized by The Cyprus Institute with the Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, on September 26-28, 2024, in Larnaca. The Conference, under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, will be attended by experts in research and policy on the Climate Crisis from around the world.

 

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) is an international organization, bringing together 34-member parliaments from the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions to discuss and face critical issues, such as regional conflicts, security and counter-terrorism, humanitarian crises, economic integration, climate change, mass migrations, education, human rights, and inter-faith dialogue.

 

The President of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Annita Demetriou, originally submitted CyI’s nomination in a letter to PAM in 2023, following a proposal by the Cypriot delegation to the Assembly consisting of MPs Mr. Andreas Pasiourtides, Mrs. Rita Theodorou-Superman, Mr. Christos Orphanidis and Mr. Charalambos Theopemptou.

 

In announcing the Award in March 2023, Mrs. Demetriou highlighted that the awards are given every year to personalities and organizations from the political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, sport, journalism, and artistic communities, who contribute through their actions to establish bridges among the peoples of the region so as to foster understanding, mutual respect, socio-economic cooperation, political dialogue, confidence building and conflict solution.

The archaeological site of Pafos Gate, one of the three medieval gates of Nicosia was inaugurated on Monday 22 April 2024, by Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou and Mayor of Nicosia Constantinos Yiorkadjis, in the presence of the Director of the Department of Antiquities Dr Giorgos Georgiou, Director of the Department of Public Works Eleftherios Eleftheriou, Director of CyI’s STARC Dr Michel Menu, and former Directors of the Department of Antiquities, Dr Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou and Dr. Sophocles Hadjisavvas.

 

Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou said that due to the importance of the findings unearthed in the area, the Department of Antiquities in collaboration with the Cyprus Institute team conducted a study with the aim of “highlighting the site as an experiential museum of Nicosia’s history”. Deputy Minister Kassianidou pointed out that this was “not an easy task”, but that the Department of Antiquities and The Cyprus Institute managed to “achieve a very successful result”. She added that the project’s success is “proof that cooperation between local authorities, the competent departments, and Cyprus’ research institutions can lead to the best possible result for the preservation and promotion of its monuments”.

 

The STARC team from the Virtual Environments Lab and APAC Labs, led by Assoc. Professor Georgios Artopoulos, have been collaborating on this innovative project with the Department of Antiquities, since excavation of the site started back in 2014. According to the most current approaches to the management of historic sites in urban environments, unhindered access for all to the excavation, its findings, and its history, can provide functional and social benefits to the neighbourhood.

 

Paphos Gate presents a very rich historical palimpsest of Nicosia's architectural fabric, with examples from almost all periods of the city's history. Respecting this unique character, a walk through the archaeological site was created by means of an innovative, interdisciplinary process of inclusive co-design. This process engaged experts from the fields of architecture, urban planning, history, and archaeology, as well as the competent officials of the relevant bodies (Nicosia Municipality and Department of Antiquities), as well as citizens of Nicosia, and invited them to offer their ideas and opinions on the management plan of the site by means of co-designing a walking platform in a virtual environment. Through this awarded innovative method, participants had the opportunity to virtually visit different historical periods of the Paphos Gate, as if they had a time machine that allowed them to explore this important area of Nicosia and its transformation in time.

 

Credits: Georgios Artopoulos, Nikolas Bakirtzis, Nicolas Loucas, Charalambos Ioannou, Panayiotis Charalambous, Harry Varnava and Marina Faka (STARC); Dr Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou and Polina Christofi (Cyprus Department of Antiquities); Agni Petridou and Athina Papadopoulou (Nicosia Municipality); Donna J Cox, Kenton Guadron McHenry, AJ Christensen, Colter Wehmeier, and Kajetan Haas (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, AVL).

This year’s “sCYence Fair” 2024 unfolded with a clear mission: To ignite curiosity and foster passion for science among Cyprus’ youth. Under the auspices of Dr. Athena Michailidou, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, the annual event, held for the 5^th time on April 17th, 2024, aimed to showcase the ingenuity of young scientists from across the island.

 

Supported by the European Commission in Cyprus and in collaboration with EU Member State Embassies, “sCYence Fair” offered a diverse range of captivating scientific activities and experiments, providing students with hands-on experiments and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

 

“sCYence Fair” aims to stimulate scientific interest and to encourage participation by young students and support the next generation of scientists from Cyprus. The event provided an opportunity for our young scientists to increase their awareness of the wonders of science, add to their knowledge and broaden their scientific horizons. Through hands-on exploration and creative expression, young minds are empowered to envision a future shaped by innovation and scientific inquiry.

 

This year’s Fair had an impressive turnout, with over 60 student teams representing more than 50 schools from both the public and private sectors. These young scientists impressed attendees with their innovative projects, demonstrating not only a strong grasp of scientific concepts, but also a remarkable flair for creativity and imagination.

 

Participants presented their innovative scientific activities, while the best and most imaginative entries and presentations from Primary, Secondary and High Schools were awarded prizes in their respective categories, on the basis of the underlying science, its impact, and overall presentation.

 

The winners in each category were:

Primary Schools:

Winner: Primary School Tseriou A’: «Ο Μπουκαλοφάγος»
2nd Place: Primary School Ayia Varvara: «Δημιουργία Σεισμολογικού Κέντρου»
3rd Place: Primary School Kampos and Robominds School of Spirit «Γιατροσόφια της Φύσης»

 

Gymnasiums:
Winner: The Grammar School: “Investigating motion of a solar car”
2nd Place: Gymnasium of Pallouriotissas: «Βρες το Ύψος σου Επιστημονικά»
3rd Place: The English School: “Rocket Fuels: How Does the Type of Fuel Affect the Performance of a Rocket’’

 

Winner: Lyceum of Ayios Georgios Lakatamias: “Water Smart School”
2nd Place: Lyceum of Ayios Spyridonas: «Οι καινούργιοι δρόμοι που ανοίγει η χρήση των επαγόμενων πολυδύναμων βλαστοκυττάρων (iOSCs) στην αποτελεσματικότερη διαχείριση και θεραπεία ανίατων σήμερα ασθενείων, αλλά και πιθανές εφαρμογές της τεχνολογίας που θα πρέπει να αποφευθούν»
3rd Place: Lyceum Ayios Neofytos Paphos: «Ανίχνευση Μικροπλαστικών σε Υδρόβιους Οργανισμούς της Κύπρου με Χρήση Φθορισμού»

 

The opening ceremony for “sCYence Fair” 2024 was addressed by the First Lady, Mrs. Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides, in the presence of CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas, the General Inspector of Physics, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Mr. Giannakis Hadjikostis, the Director General of the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Mr. Theodoros Loukaidis, the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Commission Office in Cyprus, Mr. Nicolas Isaris, the Director of the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus, Mrs. Elena Hadjikakou, and CyI Vice-President for Operations, Dr. Michalis Yiangou. “sCYence Fair” 2024 was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr. Nicodemos Damianou.

 

In his welcoming address, CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas, stated that “sCYence Fair” is the largest celebration of science in Cyprus. “Our country must invest in science, because only when you promote excellence and create knowledgeable citizens, you can move forward”, he added.

 

In his speech, the General Inspector of Physics, noted that sCYence Fair is of utmost importance, as it encourages active participation of young people in scientific fields, while simultaneously broadening their intellectual and scientific horizons.

 

The Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Commission Office in Cyprus, Mr. Nikolaos Isaris, congratulated the organizers, noting that the European Commission organizes its own Science Festival in Brussels on 25 and 26 March, titled "Science is Wonderful". He even suggested that this year's winners of the “sCYence Fair” 2024 at The Cyprus Institute participate in the European Commission's Science Festival next year.

 

Mr. Theodoros Loukaidis, pointed out that events like “sCYence Fair”, encourage children’s engagement with science, innovation, and technology, thus investing in the most valuable human capital: the creativity and research curiosity of the youth.

 

Dr. Elena Chatzikakou, Director of the Pedagogical Institute, mentioned that “sCYence Fair” is one of the largest scientific events in Cyprus, actively supported by the Pedagogical Institute, as it is directly linked to its work and mission.

 

Announcing the opening of “sCYence Fair” 2024, the First Lady, Mrs. Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides highlighted that innovation and development in education will lift us out of stagnation, improve our standard of living and daily life, and further promote Cyprus in the EMME region. Congratulating The Cyprus Institute for organizing the "sCYence Fair" 2024, she mentioned that CyI is an institution that evolves and grows over time, indicating that CyI is at the forefront of the effort made by the government towards green and digital transition, a key asset of President Christodoulides’ administration.

 

• Lecture on Science and its Evolution and Value on the “What the Fact” Show by the famous Greek YouTuber, Mikeius
• Lecture on “Antarctica as a Place to Search for Space Tracks” by Dr Ioannis Baziotis
• Presentation by Vision for Robotics Lab (V4RL) headed by Prof. Margarita Chli
• Virtual Reality Educational Applications by Dr Christos Roushias
• Presentation of STEM & Robotics Programs by Engino, ROBOTEX, STEAM Education and Artificial Intelligence Through HiAi and the Nutty Scientists
• Participation of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus and the Embassies of Sweden, France, Finland, Hungary, Greece, Poland and the Netherlands
• Presentation of innovative activities by researchers of The Cyprus Institute
• Physics Decathlon for experiential activity with ten interesting Physics experiments
• Presentation of the amazing world of barn owls by BirdLife Cyprus
• Presentation on “Fun on the Airwaves”by the Cyprus Amateur Radio Society
• 13th Pancyprian Conference SEMEP UNESCO (Environmental Programme of the Countries of the Southeast Mediterranean Region) on the topic "Research methods in ecology and Innovative approaches to STEM teaching which target ecosystem conservation and climate change mitigation”

Love FM Cyprus Radio Station also covered the fair with a live link connection featuring Sofia Proimou and Marilia Charidemou.

 

Major Sponsors: Research Innovation Foundation, ExxonMobil, XM, CYTA, PlaCe-ITN

Sponsors: Medochemie, MUSKITA Aluminium Industries Ltd

Supporters: Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, The Cyprus Planetarium, ROBOTEX, Engino, Nutty Scientists, BirdLife Cyprus

Media Sponsor: Love FM

As the world increasingly shifts towards Renewable Energy Sources (RES), a groundbreaking study reveals the immense potential of wind and solar energy in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region by 2050. The study, conducted by the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) of The Cyprus Institute, highlights that the region could meet most of its growing energy demand through utility-scale Renewable Energy Sources.

 

Key Highlights:

• The study projects that 89% of the projected energy demand in the EMME region by 2050 could be met through utility-scale renewable energy sources;
• Egypt emerges as a “powerhouse”, with the potential to achieve a surplus energy production of 76 GW per hour, and become a RES hub in the region;
• Solar resources in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey are highly predictable, though with substantial variability during winter; especially Cyprus will need storage capacity;
• The United Arab Emirates and Iran may face electricity deficits if solely relying on their utility-scale RES potential.

The transition from conventional fuels to renewable energy sources has opened up unprecedented opportunities for energy self-sufficiency. With utility-scale solar and wind energy shaping the transition, precise location is crucial, to ensure efficient integration into the grid, taking into consideration current and future climate variables.

 

The study, utilizing a meteorological and atmospheric chemical forecasting system, provides crucial insights into the technical potential of RES in all EMME countries. By mapping hourly generation profiles per source and country, simulated starting in 2015 up to 2050, the study identifies potential energy surpluses and deficits across the region.

 

PhD candidate Pantelis Kiriakidis, lead author of the study, commented, "Our findings indicate a transformative potential for the EMME region, with the possibility of seven countries becoming net energy exporters by 2050. However, it's imperative for policymakers to take into account the complementary and substitute relationships between solar and wind energy generation as well as seasonal variations, for effective energy planning."

 

The study identifies four dominant patterns of wind and solar energy generation, providing valuable insights for energy system operators. For example, with Greece showcasing near-constant wind energy potential, the country is well-positioned for seamless grid integration.

 

As the world looks towards a sustainable energy future, leveraging the abundant wind and solar resources in the EMME region could pave the way for significant socioeconomic and environmental benefits.

 

The study is published in the journal Science of the Total Environment

 

For further information, please contact:

- Dr Theodoros Christoudias (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
  Associate Professor, Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, The Cyprus Institute

- Prof Jos Lelieveld (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
  Director, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Professor, Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, The Cyprus Institute

 

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, two high-profile business and political delegations, led by the President of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, visited The Cyprus Institute’s premises in Athalassa, Nicosia.

 

This visit took place within the framework of the official visit of the President of Estonia to Cyprus. The Estonian delegations’ visits gained insight into the Institute’s educational activities and explored potential areas of collaboration with Estonian companies and research institutions.

 

CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas stated that Estonia is an excellent example of how research can help a country move forward and grow. “The Cyprus Institute is also a very good example in the field of research, since its reputation goes beyond the borders of Cyprus, increasing Cyprus’ influence”, he said.

 

Preceding the visit by the President of Estonia, a business delegation consisting of Estonian businesspeople had the opportunity to learn about CyI’s business activities including spin-offs and other collaborations through CyI’s Innovation Directorate. Technical Services and Support Office Coordinator, Dr. Anixi Antonakoudi, and Senior Innovation Officer, Mrs. Natalie Kafantari, delivered a presentation, followed by a visit to selected CyI facilities including the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL), the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) and the Linear Fresnel Collector (LFC).

 

The Estonian political delegation included H.E. President of the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, the First Lady, Mrs. Sirje Karis, the Ambassador of Estonia to Cyprus, H.E. Mrs Karin Rannu, the Member of the Parliament, Chairman of Estonia-Cyprus Friendship Group, Mr. Kristo-Enn Vaga, the Economic Adviser to the President, Mr. Kaspar Oja, the Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Office of the President, Mrs. Kristel Engman, the Head of Communication Department of the Office of the President, Mrs. Mariann Sudakov, the Director of Division for South-Eastern Europe and EU General Affairs, Department for Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Janne Jõesaar-Ruusalu, the Adviser of the Protocol Department of the Office of the President, Mrs. Sigrid Herodes, the Counsellor, Department for Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Helena-Maret Sepandi, and the Counsellor of the Embassy of Estonia in Athens, Mr. Ahti Raidal.

 

Present at the meeting on behalf of CyI were its President, Prof. Stavros Malas, along with Member of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, Vice President of Operations, Dr. Michalis Yiangou, Asst. Vice President of Policy and Internal Communications, Mrs. Eleni Sophocleous, STARC Director, Prof. Michel Menu, CARE-C Director, Prof. Jean Sciare, Director of Research and Technical Support, Dr Vassilis Tsakalos, and Head of Graduate School, Dr. Chrysanthia Leontiou.

 

CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas gave a brief presentation on CyI's activities and milestones, and the political delegation had the opportunity to visit CyI facilities including the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL) and the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs).

 

The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Cyprus to Finland, H.E. Mr. Demetris Samuel, the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Koula Sophianou, and the Diplomat, Protocol Division, Mr. Ioannis Theodosiou.