The Cyprus research and innovation ecosystem has grown significantly in recent years and is now ranked among Europe’s Strong Innovators, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou said on Wednesday.

His statement followed a meeting at the Presidential Palace with Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council (ERC), along with Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology Demetris Skourides.

The group discussed strengthening Cyprus’ research and innovation landscape, enhancing local institutions' capacity to leverage Horizon Europe funding, with a particular focus on ERC programs. After the meeting, Damianou and Leptin spoke to the media.

Deputy Minister Damianou highlighted the steady growth of Cyprus' research and innovation ecosystem, stating, “The passion and dedication of our researchers, scientists, and innovators are the key drivers of this progress.” He affirmed the government’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to research and innovation. Cyprus' achievements include securing 32 ERC grants, with seven awarded over the last three years, underscoring a rising level of research excellence.

Professor Leptin expressed her enthusiasm for engaging with Cyprus' scientific community, stating, “I am here to work with the scientific community in Cyprus, to learn from them, and to offer support where possible.” During her visit, she met with researchers who have successfully transformed their ideas into impactful research and innovation projects.

Addressing a question on Cyprus' limited absorption of PhD and post-doctoral graduates into the labor market, Leptin suggested that employers should adopt greater flexibility, noting that young researchers have career paths beyond academia.

The Ministry of Innovation reported that Professor Leptin also participated in a lecture at the University of Cyprus, organized by the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, and held meetings with local academics and researchers. Additionally, the Deputy Ministry hosted a dinner in her honor, attended by representatives of Cyprus’ academic and research institutions, as well as ERC-funded researchers.

The Ministry underscored that Cyprus’ long-term objective is to equip the research and innovation ecosystem with tools for growth, aiming to maximize the impact of R&D on the country’s economy and society.