European Research Council President visits Cyprus

The President of the European Research Council (ERC), Professor Maria Leptin, has paid an official visit to Cyprus between 12 and 13 November.

As noted in an official press release, the ERC is the leading European funding organisation supporting pioneering frontier research, having supported more than 13,000 outstanding researchers across all career stages and scientific fields since 2007. It provides Europe’s most competitive funding within the framework of research and innovation programs, which serves as a global standard of scientific excellence for those who manage to secure it. Cyprus has so far received a total of 32 ERC Grants, 11 of which are under the new Horizon Europe research and innovation framework program.

Ways to strengthen Cyprus’s research and innovation ecosystem were discussed in a meeting with the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, attended also by the Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Dr. Athena Michaelidou, Deputy Minister to the President, Irini Piki, and the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology, Demetris Skourides.

The stakeholders also discussed how to enhance the capacity of Cypriot institutions to leverage the opportunities offered by the European Horizon Europe funding programs, with a focus on the ERC. In this direction, specific funding programs and a wide range of support services are already offered through the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) to encourage Cypriot institutions’ participation in European programs.

As part of her visit, Leptin participated in a lecture at the University of Cyprus, organised by the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, and held meetings with members of the academic and research community in the country.

The Deputy Ministry also hosted an official dinner in her honour, attended by academic and research authorities as well as researchers who have received ERC funding.

It is noted that promoting research excellence and enhancing human capital in the sector are top priorities of the national strategy for research and innovation. The State aims to provide all necessary resources to the Cypriot ecosystem for its further development and to maximize the impact of research and innovation on the country’s economy and society.

Damianou also issued a statement on Leptin's visit, having welcomed her on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides.

"This visit signifies the European Research Council’s commitment to strengthening ties and fostering collaboration across Europe’s research community," Damianou said, noting the European Research Council is the principal funding mechanism for ground-breaking, top-quality research in Europe, having -since its inception in 2007- supported over 13,000 exceptional researchers across all career stages and scientific disciplines.

"During Prof Leptin’s visit, we had a chance to exchange views, together with key stakeholders of the Cyprus scientific community, and engage into meaningful discussions and deliberations on fostering research excellence, overcoming challenges and leveraging on funding opportunities and tools," Damianou said.

He added that the Cyprus research and innovation ecosystem has grown steadily over the past few years, and is now included amongst Europe’s Strong Innovators. "Excellent research is on the rise, evidenced among others by the 32 ERC Grants secured so far -seven of which in the past three years-, while our overall engagement in Horizon Europe has been very promising, and on the right track to reach €500m by 2027. Our policies and efforts focus largely on strengthening our ecosystem’s capacity and its extrovert nature, and enabling them, through funding programs, tools and services, to be able to drive innovative projects and build international, impactful partnerships."

Damianou went on to say, "We are grateful for Prof Leptin’s insightful views and directions on how to grow and steer our ecosystem to achieve better results. The passion and dedication of our researchers, scientists and innovators, are key drivers of the important progress of our ecosystem. As, Government, we are committed to creating an environment that is conducive to research and innovation."