President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated on Thursday evening the Government's dedication to creating an attractive environment for innovation, demonstrated through initiatives supported by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation. He indicated that the Cyprus Institute can be a driving force in this process.

President Christodoulides was addressing the Graduation Ceremony of The Cyprus Institute, held at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

In his address, the President, who is also Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Institute, emphasized that Cyprus has been identified as a strong innovator, with performance above the EU average. He recalled that only last week, the Cyprus startup ecosystem was identified as the fastest growing, according to the Blink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024, ranking among the 50 best worldwide.

“These are testaments to the fact that the innovation ecosystem in Cyprus is enhanced by a vibrant startup culture and supportive government policies that promote entrepreneurship and technological advancement,” he stressed.

Referring to the Cyprus Institute, President Christodoulides noted that although it has existed for less than 20 years, it has achieved unparalleled international distinction and recognition, establishing itself as a regional scientific center of excellence in research and postgraduate education.

“The Institute has become a center of excellence in science and technology in fields like the environment, energy, archaeology, and computational sciences,” he said. He added that the Institute's work in climate change research, for instance, the biggest challenge we face, has not only contributed valuable insights to the global scientific community but also provided critical data for shaping national and regional environmental policies and contributed to the Cyprus Eastern Med and Middle East Climate Initiative.

The President pointed out that over the past decades, Cyprus has transformed itself into a dynamic hub for research, innovation, and technological advancement, enhancing its global standing and contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future. He stressed that Cyprus' journey in research and innovation is a testament to the vision and determination of its people and institutions and also a dynamic sector contributing to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the diversification of its productive base.

The President said that the private sector in Cyprus has also been a key driver of research and innovation. Companies in sectors such as information and communications technology (ICT), renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals are investing heavily in Research and Development, leading to the creation of new products and services that are competitive on a global scale. “These investments not only spur economic growth but also create high-quality jobs and enhance the country’s technological capabilities,” he noted.

He added that education plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing research and innovation. He indicated that the integration of advanced laboratories, research centers, and industry partnerships within academic institutions ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to the innovation landscape. “Initiatives to promote STEAM education among younger students are also vital, as they cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. The digital transformation of schools and the successful integration of the STEAM approach throughout the curriculum, both in Primary and Secondary Education, is a priority of our Government,” he said.

In his address, the President of the Republic said that the Cyprus Institute has become a European hub of academic excellence. He congratulated the Institute’s management, faculty, all the researchers, and support staff for this achievement, which, as he stressed, is an achievement of Cyprus as well.

“Today's ceremony signifies the culmination of your hard work in challenging and rigorous postgraduate programs,” the President noted. Addressing the graduates, he told them that with their graduation, they now embark on the main stage of their professional lives for the coming decades.

“As you move forward in your lives and your careers, I encourage you to embrace a sense of social responsibility as you explore the new horizons that lie ahead,” he told them. He expressed hope that they, as the next generation of leading scientists, will contribute greatly to a better world.

In his address, President of The Cyprus Institute Professor Stavros Malas stressed that in its nearly 20 years of operation, the Institute has managed to become a leading international research and educational establishment. He added that the Institute remains fully committed to addressing key scientific, technological, and environmental challenges facing Cyprus and the wider region.

Professor Malas also noted that the Institute’s strong regional and international partnerships with global research centers underscore the determination to foster scientific collaborations across geographical boundaries.

He also recalled that the Institute provides support to Government departments and local authorities.

Addressing the President of the Republic, Stavros Malas said he is fully aware of his efforts to implement a program of enriching the economy and assured him that the scientific community is ready to assist the Government in this direction.

At the same time, Professor Malas indicated that, regrettably, Cyprus has one of the lowest national investments in research compared to most European countries. “For this, we cannot be proud of,” he said. He added, “However, we can be proud of the fact that Cypriot research establishments demonstrate the best performance in competitive funding in the EU,” and that the Institute is top on the list.

“This is a strong message to all of us involved in restructuring our economy. The way to progress is only one: by investing more in research, innovation, and quality education with open-mindedness and an out-of-the-box approach, we invest in economic diversity, societal maturity, and confidence to navigate through rapidly changing times,” he said.

To the graduates, the President of The Cyprus Institute said that today is a day of formal recognition and celebration of all their efforts and determination to achieve a postgraduate degree at The Cyprus Institute.

He urged them, as they step out into the world, to embrace lifelong learning, as education does not end with a degree but is a continuous journey of growth and discovery.

“The message to you graduates from the Cyprus Institute is to continue the journey of education so that you know your times and act with knowledge,” he told them, pointing out that quality education and lifelong learning are the most powerful weapons with which they can make a change in the world.

The ceremony was also addressed by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Professor Didier Roux, who, among other things, told the graduates that success in their professional life will be based on two pillars: first, their technical capacity to deliver the results their institution will demand from them, and second, just as important, their ability to participate and contribute to the collective organization of their establishment.

Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel and Former European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries Janez Potočnik spoke on the role of sustainable natural resource management for “The future we want.”

During the ceremony, The Cyprus Institute awarded an Honorary Doctorate to former President of the Republic George Vassiliou, which was received on his behalf by his daughter Sofia Vassiliou.