On Thursday, 22^nd of September 2022, Presidential Candidate, Mr. Andreas Mavroyiannis visited CyI’s premises in Nicosia, where he was informed about the Institute’s activities, vision and mission, and was subsequently given a guided tour of its labs and facilities.

“The Cyprus Institute is an outstanding Institution and a leader in research, innovation and technology, not only in Cyprus, but globally”, Mr. Mavroyiannis noted during his visit. “The Cyprus Institute functions as a beacon of knowledge. We are proud that the Institute receives international recognition and our international partners are confident we can achieve a lot in the field of research because of The Cyprus Institute” he added.

In his capacity as a member of the diplomatic corps, Mr Mavroyiannis reflected on past encounters he had with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, the world-renowned Professor of economics at Columbia University and a leader in sustainable development and SDG goals, who had spoken very flatteringly about the Institute. Mr Mavroyiannis was impressed to find out that Prof. Sachs is a Member of The Cyprus Institute Board of Trustees.

“I wish and hope this visit will form the basis for very strong ties in the future, as myself and The Cyprus Institute, share the same vision and focus for our country”, said Mr. Mavroyiannis.

Prof. Costas Papanicolas, President of The Cyprus Institute, thanked Mr. Mavroyiannis for his continuing support of CyI since its first steps, and noted that the exchange of views on issues of research, innovation and higher education, and how these can be part for the formation of a general development strategy for Cyprus, were very fruitful.

Dr Petros Kareklas, President of The Friends of The Cyprus Institute Association, stated that such briefings and visits regarding research Institutions and especially at CyI, which is one of the most important research institutions in Cyprus and the EMME region, are useful tools for any politician. Additionally, Dr Kareklas expressed his certainty that Mr. Mavroyiannis has acquired impressions that will help him in his work, in the best possible way.

Mr.  Mavroyiannis was given a guided tour of the CyI campus, facilities and Institute’s laboratories, including the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL), the Linear Fresnel Facility (LIFE), the High Performance Computing Facility (HPC), and the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs). 

Hosting the meeting was CyI President, Prof. Costas N. Papanicolas, in the presence of senior staff including CyI Vice President of Operations, Dr Michalis Yiangou, CyI Assistant Vice President of Strategy and Development, Dr Konstantinos Kleovoulou, CyI Assistant Vice President of Policy and Internal Communications, Mrs. Eleni Sophocleous, CyI Director of Research and Technical Support, Dr Vassilios Tsakalos, and CyI Manager of the Graduate School and Head of the Office of Graduate Studies, Dr Chrysanthia Leontiou. Also present on behalf of the Friends of The Cyprus Institute Association were its President, Dr Petros Kareklas, its Vice-President, Mrs. Soulla Kythreotou-Zavou, and its Secretary, Dr Lazaros Savvides.  Mr. Mavroyiannis was accompanied by Dr Dimitris Kouzapas, Mr. Marios Manoli and Mrs. Sofia Lazari, members of his campaign team.

This visit was organized by the Friends of The Cyprus Institute Association’s as part of its mission to support and promote The Cyprus Institute. Within this framework, the Association has arranged for Presidential candidates in the ongoing presidential campaign to visit The Cyprus Institute, and have a dialogue with its staff on issues pertaining to education and research. A number of candidates have already visited and will be visiting The Cyprus Institute in the forthcoming months, on dates arranged in consultation with their corresponding campaign staff.