Summer Internships
Applications for the 2024 Summer Internship Program are now closed
Through the Summer Internship Program, The Cyprus Institute Graduate School aims to expose young talented students and scholars to an international research experience and to encourage and inspire them in the pursuit of a scientific career. Interns will have a unique opportunity to carry out research at the institute's state-of-the-art facilities supervised by a mentor and to be introduced to the use of the latest methods and techniques. Many of the projects will be offered remotely, if necessary. See each project below for details.
This year, the summer internship program will be open for administration positions as well.
During the application process, students will have the option to either:
(1) select one project from the table below or
(2) suggest a project of interest*
*students who propose their own suggested project must note that this will be considered, provided that the institute has the capacity in terms of supervision and facilities
Applications are welcome from candidates worldwide with a keen interest and a relevant scientific background.
Students who are accepted to the program will be assigned to one project.
All applicants will be asked to justify their selection in a 300-word statement on the online application form.
Summer Internship Projects
| Thematic Domain | Atmospheric Sciences |
| Project Title | Atmospheric boundary layer height from ceilometer during shipborne campaigns |
| Start Date | 13/05/2024 (The listed dates can be moved + or - one week) |
| End Date | 12/07/2024 |
| Project Objectives | - Become familiar with our programme of shipborne observations of the atmosphere. - Become familiar with ceilometers. - Gain expertise on the STRATFinder algorithm (for tracking boundary layer heights). - Compute boundary layer height using STRATFinder for the AQABA (2017) and/or AREAD (2022) shipborne campaigns. |
| Expected Results | The intern will gain understanding of our recent shipborne campaigns, the remote sensing instrumentation that we exploit at CyI, and will improve their programming skills. If successful, the boundary layer heights computed by the intern will be used for a scientific publication (in that case, the intern will be offered co-authorship) |
| Eligibility Requirements | - Undergraduate or graduate in a scientific discipline. - Experience in programming. Knowledge of MATLAB is encouraged. |
| Project Mentor | Prof. Franco Marenco |
| Other CyI people involved | Alkisitis Papetta (Graduate Research Fellow) |
| Remote Option | This project will be offered on-site |
| Financial Aid Availalbe | No |
| Thematic Domain | Bioarchaeology / Archaeological Science |
| Project Title | Eastern Mediterranean Bioarchaeology |
| Start Date | May 15 (note: the start and end dates can be flexible as long as the internship is completed by the end of July) |
| End Date | July 15 |
| Project Objectives | The intern will contribute to multiple activities focused on Eastern Mediterranean bioarchaeology. In particular, he/she will help update Bi(bli)oArch (https://www.biblioarch.com/), an open access bibliographic database for human bioarchaeological studies in the region, as well as help develop a similar database for zooarchaeological studies (ZooBi(bli)oArch). Finally, the intern will gain hands-on experience in human osteoarchaeology while contributing to the study of human skeletal remains currently analyzed at our facilities, as well as in digitization methods while assisting in the 3D documentation of selected remains, which will then form part of our in-house reference collections |
| Expected Results | The intern will gain a strong background regarding the state of the art in bioarchaeology (human osteoarchaeology and zooarchaeology) in the EMME. In addition, he/she will develop skills in data management and open data sharing best practices |
| Eligibility Requirements | Basic knowledge of archaeological sciences (osteology and/or archaeological materials) Ability to work in a team |
| Project Mentor | Assoc. Prof. Efi Nikita |
| Other CyI people involved | Antonio Caruso, Gkampriella Selempa, Anna Karligkioti |
| Remote Option | Combination of on-site and remote: the literature review and databases can be developed remotely; hands-on lab activities have to take place on site |
| Financial Aid Available | No |
| Thematic Domain | Conference Coordination |
| Project Title | Coordination of the International Conference on Climate Crisis in the EMME Region |
| Start Date | May 2 (the start date is flexible). Applicants should note their date preference on their application form. Programs can be of shorter duration. |
| End Date | September 30 (the end date is flexible). Applicants should note their date preference on their application form. Programs can be of shorter duration. |
| Project Objectives | The objective of the program is to support the Organizing Committee at the logistics of the International Conference on Climate Crisis in the EMME Region planned between 23rd and 28th September 2024 |
| Expected Results | Facilitation of the Efficient Organization of the International Conference mentioned above |
| Eligibility Requirements | - |
| Project Mentor | Eleni Sophocleous |
| Other CyI people involved | Stalo Gavrielidou, Avgi Stavrou, Pavlos Tsiartas, Charis Hephaestou |
| Remote Option | This project will be offered on-site |
| Financial Aid Available | No |
| Project Title | History of The Cyprus Institute- CREF |
| Start Date | May 2 (dates are flexible but the listed dates are preferred). Applicants should note their date preference on their application form. Programs can be of shorter duration. |
| End Date | September 30 (dates are flexible but the listed dates are preferred). Applicants should note their date preference on their application form. Programs can be of shorter duration. |
| Project Objectives | The objective of the program is to facilitate the data entry’s procedure and enter as much data as possible, strictly following the platform’s guidelines |
| Expected Results | Better management of the CyI and CREF’s historic data for all the important milestones |
| Eligibility Requirements | It is important for applicants to be computer savvy and be familiar with data uploading and entry of videos, photos, documents such as letters, press releases etc |
| Project Mentor | Stalo Gavrielidou |
| Other CyI people involved | Eleni Sophocleous, Prof. Costas Papanicolas, Dr. Michalis Yiangou |
| Remote Option | This project will be offered on-site |
| Financial Aid Available | No |
| Thematic Domain | International Relations |
| Project Title | International Relations archive in the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) |
| Start Date | May 1st (dates are flexible) |
| End Date | September 30th (dates are flexible) |
|
Project Objectives |
The objective of the program is to upload the contents of the International Relations Archive to the CRM system |
| Expected Results | Better management of International Relations data |
| Eligibility Requirements | -- |
| Project Mentor | Eleni Sophocleous |
| Other CyI people involved | Konstantinos Kleovoulou, Giorgos Georgiou, Avgi Stavrou |
| Remote Option | This project is offered on-site |
| Financial Aid Available | No |
| Thematic Domain | Computer vision / Deep learning |
| Project Title | A Marine Debris Monitoring Tool Based on Deep Learning |
| Start Date | May 1st (the dates may be flexible) |
| End Date | June 30th (the dates may be flexible) |
| Project Objectives | The objective of this program is to equip an intern with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize advanced deep learning tools for monitoring marine debris. Through this program, the intern will gain hands-on experience in analyzing images and videos to detect, count, and estimate the size of marine debris in the marine environment. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of existing deep learning models to understand the accumulation and types of marine debris. The program aims to foster an environment where the intern can enhance his/her analytical skills, develop a deeper understanding of marine environmental challenges, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for marine conservation using technology. |
| Expected Results | By the end of the internship, the intern is anticipated to have created a functional deep learning tool tailored for the detection and quantification of marine debris in the marine environment. This tool should be proficient in analyzing images and videos to accurately detect, count, and estimate the size of marine debris, enhancing the capability to monitor and understand the accumulation and types of marine debris. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Educational Background: Students or recent graduates in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field, with a keen interest in applying technology to environmental challenges.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python, and familiarity with machine learning libraries. Analytical Skills: Basic experience in data analysis and visualization. |
| Project Mentor | Dr. Kyriaki Kylili |
| Other CyI people involved | Prof. Constantine Dovrolis |
| Remote Option | This project will be offered as a combination of on-site and remote work |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | Machine Learning |
| Project Title | Sparse neural networks architectures for efficient training |
| Start Date | May 13 (the dates are flexible) |
| End Date | July 12 (the dates are flexible) |
| Project Objectives | This internship project aims to explore and develop sparse neural network architectures, focusing on pruning and sparsification methods to enhance training efficiency. By investigating various techniques to reduce the density of neural networks before training commences, the project seeks to significantly lower computational and memory requirements without compromising performance. |
| Expected Results | Interns will engage in designing, implementing, and evaluating different sparsification strategies, including structured and unstructured pruning, to identify optimal configurations for various applications. The project offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in making AI more accessible and sustainable, paving the way for next-generation neural network models. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Final year undergraduate students or postgraduate students in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics or related fields Proficient in python and with an interest and basic knowledge of machine learning algorithms |
| Project Mentor | Prof. Constantine Dovrolis |
| Other CyI people involved | Dr. Mihalis Nicolaou |
| Remote Option | This project will be offered on-site |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | Machine Learning |
| Project Title | Emergent properties of generative AI and large language models |
| Start Date | May 13 (the dates are flexible) |
| End Date | July 12 (the dates are flexible) |
| Project Objectives | This internship project is dedicated to investigating the emergent properties of generative AI and large language models (LLMs), focusing on understanding how complex behaviors and capabilities develop from these advanced AI systems. Interns will analyze and document unexpected phenomena, such as novel pattern recognition, creative content generation, and the ability to solve unforeseen problems, which arise as the models scale. |
| Expected Results | The project involves a comprehensive study of the mechanisms behind these emergent properties, evaluating their implications for AI ethics, safety, and utility. Through experimentation, literature review, and collaboration with experts, interns will contribute to pioneering research aimed at harnessing the potential and addressing the challenges of emergent behaviors in generative AI and LLMs. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Final year undergraduate students or postgraduate students in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics or related fields. Proficient in python and with an interest and basic knowledge of machine learning algorithms |
| Project Mentor | Prof. Constantine Dovrolis |
| Other CyI people involved | Evangelos Papaefthymiou |
| Remote Option | This project will be offered on-site |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | Machine Learning |
| Project Title | Exploring the landscape of explainable AI |
| Start Date | May 13 (these dates are not flexible) |
| End Date | July 12 (these dates are not flexible) |
| Project Objectives | In the recent years there has been a significant development of algorithms that either allow to interpret black box ML models or are interpretable by construction. The student will apply some of these methods to synthetic and real datasets with the aim of understanding the limits of their applicability. |
| Expected Results | The student should be able to confidently use some explainable AI tools Through the use of synthetic and real datasets understand the limitations of explainable AI libraries in a quantitative way that can be useful for data science practitioners. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Final year undergraduate students or postgraduate students in computer science, mathematics, physics or related fields Proficient in python and with an interest and basic knowledge of machine learning algorithms Interest in data science and machine learning is a plus |
| Project Mentor | Dr. Leonidas Christodoulou |
| Other CyI people involved | Prof. Constantine Dovrolis |
| Remote Option | This project can be offered on site and remotely |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | Bioinformatics |
| Project Title | Predictive Modeling of Viral Protein Evolution Using Machine Learning |
| Start Date | June 17 (dates are flexible) |
| End Date | August 12 (dates are flexible) |
| Project Objectives | The primary objective is to utilise advanced machine learning techniques to develop predictive models for the evolution of viral proteins, focusing on significant viruses impacting public health like Influenza. This internship aims to deepen our understanding of viral mutation patterns and functional changes in proteins. By integrating bioinformatics with machine learning, the program aims to provide novel insights into viral behaviour, predict future evolutionary trends, and identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions. |
| Expected Results |
Creation of a Predictive Model: By the end of the internship, the participant is expected to have developed a working machine learning model capable of predicting how the influenza virus will evolve in terms of its protein sequences. This model should be able to identify potential future mutations, aiding in the early detection and understanding of evolving influenza strains. This result will be achieved through hands-on work with real-world datasets, and application of machine learning techniques. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Background: Students or recent graduates in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or related fields.
Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python, and familiarity with machine learning libraries. Analytical Skills: Basic experience in data analysis and visualization. |
| Project Mentor | Dr. Charalambos Chrysostomou |
| Other CyI people involved | Prof. Constantine Dovrolis |
|
Remote Option |
Both on-site and remote |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | Bioinformatics |
| Project Title | Vertebrate Comparative Genomics |
| Start Date | June 17 (the dates are flexible) |
| End Date | Aug 12 (the dates are flexible) |
| Project Objectives | Comparative genomics studies the genome sequences of different species to understand DNA-determined traits and the role of evolution in shaping genomes and phenotypes. This project aims to compare all available vertebrate genomes, including mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, and amphibians, to identify unique genes and their functions in each class. Using genomic data retrieval, genetic comparisons, bioinformatics, and statistical methods, the results will be analyzed through evolutionary and systems biology perspectives. |
| Expected Results | The project aims to identify unique genes in each vertebrate class and their functions, offering insights into evolutionary relationships and species-specific traits. |
| Eligibiltiy Requirements | Applicants must be in their last year of a Bachelor's degree or enrolled in graduate school. Prior experience in comparative genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field is desirable. No specific time period at university is required. |
| Project Mentor | Dr. Charalambos Chrysostomou |
| Other CyI people involved | N/A |
| Remote option | On site and remote |
| Financial aid avaiable | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | AI for Medical Image Processing |
| Project Title | Automatic Organ Segmentation from Medical Images |
| Start Date | May 15 (the dates may be flexible) |
| End Date | July 14 (the dates may be flexible) |
| Project Objectives | This internship project aims to explore and develop different methodologies for the automatic segmentation of prostate and urethra from medical images. Focus will be placed on existing AI foundation models for automatic segmentation, and how to fine-tune them to best-suit the medical application under consideration. |
| Expected Results | Interns are expected to explore and familiarize themselves with popular methods for automatic segmentation of medical images, including AI foundation models (e.g., SAM, MedSAM). Additionally, this project will provide hands-on experience with medical images, with interns anticipated to engage in necessary image pre-processing |
| Eligibility Requirements | Final year undergraduate students or postgraduate students in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics or related fields Proficient in python and basic knowledge of machine learning algorithms |
| Project Mentor | Dr. Myrianthi Hadjicharalambous, Prof. Constantine Dovrolis |
| Other CyI people involved | N/A |
| Remote Option | on-site |
| Financial Aid available | Yes |
| Thematic Domain | Education and Training |
| Project Title | Training in Higher Education Support and Administration |
| Start Date | May 1st (Flexible) |
| End Date | August 10th (Flexible) |
| Project Objectives | This internship program will give the opportunity to the successful candidate to get experience working as part of the team of the Office of Graduate Studies at the CyI. As a member of the team, he/she will get familiar with the duties and responsibilities of professionals working in a Higher Education Institute.
More specifically, the successful candidate will: - Receive training in a variety of activities related to the day-to-day operations of the Graduate School - Receive training in the management of educational and training programs (specifically the postgraduate programs offered at the school) - Receive training in matters pertaining to academic affairs - Receive training in matters pertaining to student affairs - Receive training in establishing a Students Information System for streamlining the operations of the CyI Graduate School |
| Expected Results | The successful candidate will acquire hands-on training in a multicultural interdisciplinary environment and develop the skills and knowledge required from professionals working in the administration of Higher Education. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Holders of a BSc degree in administration, education, or any other related fields with a keen interest in Higher Education or senior undergraduate/postgraduate students in similar fields. |
| Project Mentor | Dr. Chrysanthia Leontiou |
| Other CyI people involved | N/A |
| Remote Option | On-site (flexibility for a hybrid option can be discussed) |
| Financial Aid Available | No |
| Thematic Domain | Comprehensive Chemical Safety and COSHH Compliance Internship |
| Project Title | Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive COSHH Compliance Program for Laboratories Safety Enhancement |
| Start Date | 3 June 2024 (these dates are not flexible) |
| End Date | 19 July 2024 (these dates are not flexible) |
| Project Objectives | Understand COSHH Regulations: Learn about COSHH rules and their application in labs.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Gain skills in spotting hazards and assessing risks associated with laboratory chemicals. Safety Data Sheet Management: Learn how to manage and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals. Implement Control Measures: Understand how to apply safety measures to manage risks, including using personal protective equipment and other safety protocols. Emergency Preparedness: Develop plans and responses for potential chemical incidents and emergencies. Communication and Training: Enhance skills in communicating safety information and delivering safety training. Promote Safety Culture: Foster a workplace that prioritizes safety and health. Continuous Improvement: Engage in ongoing learning to improve safety practices. Professional Development: Prepare for a career in health and safety, with a focus on chemical safety and regulatory compliance. These objectives streamline the internship’s goals to provide a focused and practical learning experience, ensuring the intern is ready to contribute effectively to health and safety in a laboratory environment. |
| Expected Results | To be familiarized with the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under COSHH.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment To develop skills in identifying chemical hazards in the laboratory, including physical, health, and environmental hazards. To learn and apply risk assessment methodologies for hazardous substances, assessing both the risk of exposure and the severity of potential health effects. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Management To understand the structure, components, and significance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used in the laboratory. COSHH Records and Documentation To create and maintain comprehensive COSHH records and documentation for each hazardous substance, including risk assessments, exposure controls, and training records. To develop proficiency in using software and systems for managing COSHH documentation efficiently. Implementation of Control Measures To identify and implement appropriate exposure control measures based on the hierarchy of control, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). To monitor the effectiveness of control measures and make necessary adjustments to ensure continuous protection. |
| Eligibility Requirements | 3rd or 4th year of Bachelor’s degree/1st Year of Master’s degree
Accepted bachelor’s degrees: Chemical/Mechanical/Civil/Environmental Engineering, Biology, Mathematics, Physics |
| Project Mentor | Mr Prokopis Alexandrou |
| Other CyI people involved | N/A |
| Remote Option | Combination/Prefer On site. Will be able to work 2 days/week work from home |
| Financial Aid Available | No |
Additional projects may be added to the above table periodically
Program Length
The internships will be of approximately 8 weeks duration. Students may have the option to change the duration of the program in consultation with the project mentor.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
| Be undergraduate or graduate students or recent graduates with an excellent academic background and a strong interest in research (prior lab or modelling experience is considered an advantage) |
| Have strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to a multicultural/multinational environment |
| Have good knowledge of oral and written English |
| See possible additional requirements under each project |
Application Process
Applications should be submitted through the online internship application. The following supporting documents must be uploaded when filling out the online application:| Copy of national ID or passport |
| Curriculum Vitae |
| University transcripts. All transcripts to date should be included. |
| English Language Proficiency Certificate. This may either be a letter from the student’s university verifying that their degree program is offered in English, or if the degree is not offered at an English- medium institution, students should provide a certificate verifying English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, GCSE/IGCSE etc.). If applicants have not taken any tests demonstrating English language proficiency and have not studied/ are not studying at an English- medium institution, they may state it on the application. |
Students will need to write a 300- word statement in the online application justifying their choice of project selected by stating why their background and qualifications are a good match for the project they are applying for. Students will be assigned to one project.
If, for any serious reason, the applicant needs to attend a shorter or longer program, they should explain why in the justification.
Application Deadline
Applications for the summer internship program closed on May 30th (with the exception of some projects which may close earlier- please see each project individually for details). Projects will be listed as closed once spaces are filled. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure the position of their interest as the applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Application Form
Click here to access the Internship Application Form
Financial Aid
The Cyprus Institute Graduate School Summer Internship program focuses on providing students a unique training experience through bespoke projects related to applicant’s field of study and research interests thus are not considered to be job placements and do not come with compensation.
A limited number of the projects may provide a small stipend based on merit and availability of funds. This information is available under each project listing.
Contact
For more information, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at tel: +357 22 208614 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
