Nominations are now open for the Cyprus Research Awards 2025, a flagship annual initiative by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), which for the 18th consecutive year celebrates and highlights the work of both emerging and distinguished scientists in Cyprus. The awards aim to promote excellence and foster the expansion of research and innovation activities across the country.

According to a statement from the RIF, the awards to be presented this year include:

• Distinguished Researcher

• Young Researcher

• Commercialization of Research Results

Nominees must be proposed by another individual, and will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted to the RIF, which must demonstrate their research activities, achievements, and the impact of their work.

The deadline for submitting nominations is September 19, 2025, at 13:00. Full details regarding eligibility criteria and submission procedures are available through the IRIS Portal. There is no restriction on the number of nominees an individual or organization may propose.

Award Categories and Criteria

Cyprus Research Award – Distinguished Researcher 2025

This award recognizes outstanding scientists with over seven years of research experience since obtaining their PhD. Candidates must present recent, significant, and internationally recognized research achievements. For 2025, the award will focus on the Social and Human Sciences field. Winners will receive a €60,000 grant to support the continuation of their research.

Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher 2025

Targeting promising early-career researchers with less than seven years of experience since earning their doctorate, this award is granted across the following fields:

• Life Sciences

• Physical Sciences and Engineering

• Social and Human Sciences

Awardees in each category will receive a €60,000 grant to support the employment of a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.

Cyprus Award for the Commercialization of Research Results 2025

This award honors a scientist or team that has successfully commercialized their research outcomes in one of the following sectors:

• Life Sciences

• Physical Sciences and Engineering

• Social and Human Sciences

The recipient will receive a €60,000 grant to carry out research and development activities (TRL 4-8) aimed at improving the commercial readiness of the research.