The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) honoured Cyprus’s young researchers and aspiring scientists during a special award ceremony held at the State Fair Grounds in Nicosia, as part of the 19th European Researchers’ Night.

A total of five student competitions took place, with 14 students and 11 schools from across Cyprus being recognised for their innovative thinking, creativity, and commitment to science. Their projects stood out among dozens of entries, reflecting the country’s growing scientific talent and imagination.

This year’s event featured several competitions:

• Artistic Creation Activity: European Missions for Sustainability

• Design Thinking Challenge

• E-book Story Competition

• Science Unfold

• and the Best Exhibition Booth Award

Through these competitions, the RIF aims to nurture critical thinking and digital skills among students, while encouraging young people to explore careers in science and innovation.

Awards were presented by:

• Mr. Nikodimos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy

• Dr. Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology

• Mr. Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General of the RIF

• Mr. Andreas Georgiou, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defence, representing the European Commission Representation in Cyprus

Artistic Creation Activity: European Missions for Sustainability

High Schools / Technical Schools

• 1st Prize: The Grammar School Nicosia – Our Oceans Are Under Threat

• 2nd Prize: Livadia Lyceum – A Second Chance

• 3rd Prize: Avgorou Technical and Vocational School – Ware Ripper

Junior High Schools

• 1st Prize: Lefkara Regional Gymnasium and Lyceum – Reuse

• 2nd Prize: Archbishop Makarios III Gymnasium – Platy – Redesigning Our Future Together

• 3rd Prize: Agios Antonios Gymnasium (Limassol) – Living Smart in a Smart City

Primary Schools

• 1st Prize: Lakatamia Z’ Primary School – Colourful Seas, Happy Fish

• 2nd Prize: Aradippou A’ Primary School – Ocean

• 3rd Prize: Kornos Primary School – Caring for the Soil – Protecting Life on Land

• Commendations: Aglantzia St’ Primary School – The Cry of the Oceans; Kapedes Primary School – Sea Laundering in Action

E-book Short Story Competition

• 1st Prize: Konstantinos Nikolaou – B’ Geri Primary School

• 1st Honourable Mention: Theodora Stefanou – The G C School of Careers (Greek Primary)

• 2nd Honourable Mention: Florentia Konstantis – Dasos Achnas Primary School “Fotis Pittas”

• 3rd Honourable Mention: Emelina Kasoulidi – Engomi A’ Primary School

Science Unfold

Junior High Schools

• 1st Prize: Zoe Samartzi – Constantinoupoleos Gymnasium

• 2nd Prize: Evalena Papadopoulou – The G C School of Careers

• 3rd Prize: Anna Neophytou – Makedonitissa Gymnasium

• Commendation: Erietta Kasimeri – Makedonitissa Gymnasium

High Schools / Technical Schools

• 1st Prize: Kyprianos Iacovou – Pancyprian Gymnasium

• 2nd Prize: Christos Kontopoulos – The English School

• 3rd Prize: Avraam Olympiou – Pancyprian Gymnasium

• Commendations: Afroditi Christoforou – Kykkos B’ Lyceum; Olivia Neocleous – Pascal Private Secondary School

Design Thinking Challenge

• Winner: Maria Fysentzou, 2nd-year student at Latsia Lyceum

Best Exhibition Booth Award

• Booth No. 22: Mito Rangers: Heroes in Action – Centre of Excellence biobank.cy, University of Cyprus

The RIF warmly congratulated all winners and participants, reaffirming its commitment to promoting scientific curiosity among youth. The next European Researchers’ Night is set to take place in September 2026.

The event was funded by the European Commission under the project “MISSION POSSIBLE: Researchers on Board for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” (Grant Agreement No. 101160964).

The event was organised with financial support from the European Union. However, the views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.