From September 2 to 5, 2025, Cyprus’s Chief Scientist, Dimitris Skourides, paid a working visit to Australia at the invitation of the organizers of the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne, where he was one of the keynote speakers.

According to the official announcement, the first stop of his visit was Canberra, where he met with his Australian counterpart, Professor Tony Haymet. Discussions focused on the scientific priorities of both countries, the link between research and industry, the challenges faced, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration between research institutions.

Mr. Skourides also met with Tina Hutchison, Deputy Director-General of the Federal Department of Agriculture, and visited the Ministry of Infrastructure, where he discussed new technologies with an emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles. His Canberra program concluded with visits to leading research organizations CSIRO and ATSE.

Strengthening Academic and Research Ties in Melbourne

During his stay in Melbourne, aside from his participation in the 14th World Chambers Congress, Mr. Skourides visited the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

In meetings with academics and university officials, discussions highlighted areas of excellence, major opportunities for research collaboration with Cypriot institutions, the vital issue of promoting research to market, and the significant prospects that will emerge from Australia’s upcoming participation in the EU’s Horizon program.

Mr. Skourides also delivered a keynote address at a community gathering attended by business leaders, scientists, and professionals from the Cypriot diaspora. He outlined Cyprus’s progress in research and innovation, the notable rise in start-ups and patents, and the government’s efforts to position Cyprus as a center of excellence in Europe and the Middle East.

He emphasized Cyprus’s focus on sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, medicine, agriculture, and shipping, while stressing the rapid development of partnerships with major countries leading in these fields.

Showcasing Cyprus’s Business and Investment Environment

On the final day of his Melbourne visit, Mr. Skourides held private meetings with numerous innovative companies interested in expanding their operations to Cyprus and, through Cyprus, to the European Union.

He presented the favorable business environment of Cyprus, highlighting significant tax incentives, commonalities with Australia such as the widespread use of English, the Anglo-Saxon legal and accounting system, the low employment costs, and the highly skilled scientific and administrative workforce available in the country.

Mr. Skourides also gave two media interviews—one to the state broadcaster SBS and another to George Donikian on behalf of the Donikian Media Group.

Throughout his visit, he was accompanied by Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, George Georgiou, President of the Cyprus–Australia Chamber of Commerce, and James Demetriou, representative of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum.