“The Cyprus Institute is a forerunner in the effort to develop technology in our country”, he noted. Mr. Demetriades highlighted the great work being carried out in CyI’s research laboratories, “which should be done throughout Cyprus, so that our country can become a Center of Innovation”, he mentioned.

 

Mr. Demetriades also shared a beautiful memory from his childhood after he recognized an anchor located on CyI’s campus, which he admired every time his mother, Mrs. Olga Demetriades, brought him to the campus of the former Higher Institute of Technology, where she was a Professor. “I hope this anchor keeps you firmly here, so you can fly and do all the things you plan to do”, he said to CyI’s Administration, stressing that “we need both roots and wings for our children’s future”.

 

Prof. Costas Papanicolas, President of The Cyprus Institute, thanked Mr. Demetriades for today's visit, stating that CyI’s goal is to address and provide solutions to many problems through science and technology, creating a better Cyprus.

 

Dr Petros Kareklas, President of The Friends of The Cyprus Institute Association, stated that Mr. Demetriades is a very good friend of CyI and a member of the Association until 2021. “The purpose of such visits is for the presidential candidates to capture a complete picture of the multidisciplinary work and mission of The Cyprus Institute”.

 

Mr. Demetriades was given a guided tour of the CyI campus, facilities and Institute’s laboratories, including the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs), and the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL).

 

Hosting the meeting was CyI President, Prof. Costas N. Papanicolas, in the presence of senior staff including CyI Vice President of Operations, Dr Michalis Yiangou, CyI Assistant Vice President of Policy and Internal Communications, Mrs. Eleni Sophocleous, CyI Director of Research and Technical Support, Dr Vassilios Tsakalos, and CyI Manager of the Graduate School and Head of the Office of Graduate Studies, Dr Chrysanthia Leontiou. Also present on behalf of the Friends of The Cyprus Institute Association was its President, Dr Petros Kareklas.

 

This visit was organized by the Friends of The Cyprus Institute Association’s as part of its mission to support and promote The Cyprus Institute. Within this framework, the Association has arranged for Presidential candidates in the ongoing presidential campaign to visit The Cyprus Institute, and have a dialogue with its staff on issues pertaining to education and research. A number of candidates have already visited and more will be visiting in the forthcoming months, on dates arranged in consultation with their corresponding campaign staff.