The Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, recently conducted a series of meetings in Japan aimed at expanding collaborations. During his visit, he showcased the significant progress of Cyprus' research and innovation ecosystem in recent years.

According to an official press release, Skourides participated in a discussion titled "Towards Transformative Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies," held as part of the EU-Japan Science Policy Forum 2024 in Kyoto, Japan. The event was co-organized by Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the European Commission in Japan, and Kazuhito Hashimoto, President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

The forum was attended by senior officials from both the EU and Japanese governments, including Ueyama Takahiro, Adviser to the Japanese Prime Minister on Science, Technology, and Innovation, as well as science ministers from several countries: Lithuania’s Dr. Justas Nugaras, Slovenia’s Igor Papic, Bulgaria’s Nikolay Vitanov, Finland’s Sari Multala, and South Korea’s Yoo Sang-im. Other notable attendees included Hiroaki Kitano, CEO of Sony Research, Munir Eldesouki, President of KCAST Saudi Arabia, and Maria Chiara Carozza, President of the Italian Research Council.

During the discussion, Skourides exchanged views on science and technology policymaking, emphasizing the need to increase the impact of these fields on society. He also met with Remi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec, Canada.

On the sidelines of the forum, Skourides accompanied the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, in meetings with senior Japanese government officials. He also participated in a roundtable discussion among ministers and held meetings with representatives from universities, research institutes, and innovative companies.