Promoting Cyprus as a hub for research and innovation is a top priority, President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized on Thursday during his visit to the Cyprus Institute (CyI). The President announced that the Government will increase its financial contribution to the Institute by €1.2 million in 2025, recognizing its significant contributions to research and development.

Additionally, the Government will allocate an extra €350,000 to support the infrastructure required for the Cyprus Climate Change Initiative, which the Institute coordinates.

Addressing the Board of Trustees of the Cyprus Institute, President Christodoulides highlighted the importance of leveraging institutions like CyI to meet the diverse challenges faced by the nation.

“As a small country, we must utilize Centers of Excellence like the Cyprus Institute, of which we are very proud,” he stated. He further noted that the Government collaborates extensively with CyI to address key national and global challenges.

The President acknowledged that Cyprus ranks first in Europe for competitive research programs, but he admitted there is room for improvement in national research spending as a percentage of GDP. “We clearly want to increase it,” he said, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that deliver tangible results.

The Cyprus Institute plays a pivotal role in addressing climate challenges through its coordination of the Cyprus Climate Change Initiative. The additional €350,000 in Government funding aims to strengthen the infrastructure required to achieve meaningful outcomes in this area.

President Christodoulides stressed that the Government’s support for research and innovation is not symbolic but strategic, as demonstrated by the increased financial backing.

Stavros Malas, President of the Cyprus Institute, welcomed the Government’s support and emphasized the Institute’s achievements since its establishment nearly two decades ago.

“Despite the challenges, the Cyprus Institute has become a Center of Excellence not only nationally but also regionally and within Europe,” Malas said. A recent evaluation by leading scientists highlighted CyI’s rapid development and outstanding performance in all areas.

Malas also pointed out the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 as an opportunity to influence European research frameworks. “As a small country, we must build on this opportunity to shape future research programs,” he stated.

This marks the first visit by a Cypriot President to the Institute, which Malas described as a gesture of strong support for its mission.