Cypriot scientist Dr. Xenia Loizidou celebrated for EU ocean and waters mission success

Dr. Xenia Loizidou, a Cypriot coastal engineer, is one of the four female scientists about whom the EU Mission 'Restore Our Ocean and Waters' makes special mention on its website on the occasion of this year's International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

"Xenia I. Loizidou, a civil/coastal engineer, is working on solutions for marine litter prevention within the framework of SeaClear2.0, a Mission Ocean and Waters project focused on marine litter reduction in the Mediterranean Sea basin" the website says. 

It adds that with 30 years of experience, Dr. Loizidou has worked as an international expert and researcher on coastal erosion management and sustainable development strategies and policies. 

‘Healthy biodiversity is a requirement for sustainable natural systems. In the same way, diversity is a requirement for sustainability in science. Women’s participation in sciences should be supported and secured. It is a sine qua non parameter for the healthy future of our communities’ Dr Loizidou said.

Meanwhile, in statements to CNA, she noted that women scientists are strong and achieve their goals in all types of  science. She gave as an example her recent participation in the innovative European project SeaClear2.0, which develops an Autonomous Robotic System with the support of artificial intelligence tools for the detection of marine debris and in which the Cypriot scientific team of Isotech participates with three female scientists and leads the policy actions and the implementation of interventions throughout the Mediterranean.

Dr. Loizidou told CNA that this recognition was an unexpected one but stressed that it gives her moral satisfaction. 

"The sea is my great love. And I am happy that this passion of mine is being recognised," she concluded. 

The report on the four female scientists is found at: https://tinyurl.com/bd5unpb

With a 2030 target, the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters" aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters through research and innovation, citizen engagement and blue investments. The Mission’s new approach will address the ocean and waters as one and play a key role in achieving climate neutrality and restoring nature.