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It is a great pleasure to be here today, among some of the brightest minds of the academic community in Cyprus, and for that I thank European University for the invitation. Ceremonies like tonight's help to highlight the multi-dimensional role of research and innovation and showcase the great work being done in our country.
The winners of this year's European University Excellence Awards are a source of inspiration and prove that Cyprus is a vibrant and active core of innovation and research. Allow me, therefore, to extend my warmest congratulations to all the winners, whose bold work makes us proud.
As the American astronaut Neil Armstrong said, research creates new knowledge. It drives progress and pushes the boundaries of human understanding. Invariably, therefore, it is through research and teaching that useful tools for the journey can emerge, not only for the personal journey of each of you and your university students, but also for society at large.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Research and innovation drive the cogs of economic growth and play a key role for a more sustainable future with people at its core.
Research and innovation drive the cogs of economic growth and play a key role for a more sustainable future with people at its core.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Research and innovation drive the cogs of economic growth and play a key role for a more sustainable future with people at its core.
The new Research and Innovation Strategy for the period 2024-2026, recently adopted by the Government, which aims at sustainable development and the modernisation of the State, is moving in this direction.
The Research and Innovation Foundation (R&I Foundation), which I have the honour to chair, plays a particularly important role in this effort. As the national body responsible for supporting and promoting research, technological development and innovation in Cyprus, the Foundation has channelled funding, under the competitive RESTART programmes, in excess of €178 million from 2016 to date. For the period 2021-2027, a new framework of programmes is underway with targeted investments of €150 million in the pillars of research, knowledge transfer, innovation, infrastructure development and internationalisation.
In order to support and strengthen the work of the research community, the Foundation announced a few days ago two new calls for €16.3 million under the "Islands of Excellence" and "METAIDACTOR-POST DOC" programmes. In parallel, the "VISION ERC", "ERC Visiting Research Fellowship" and "Horizon Europe-2n Opportunity- ERC" programmes, with a total budget of €1.8 million, will be announced within the next few days, aiming to enhance the participation of Cypriot researchers in the calls of the flagship ERC programme.
These are funding instruments that enhance scientific excellence, strengthen the production of new knowledge, offer professional opportunities to PhD holders and encourage our local scientists to pursue their goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The country's research and innovation ecosystem has been on a dynamic path in recent years. We have 12 academic institutions, seven Centres of Excellence, more than 2,500 researchers and 4,000 great entrepreneurial minds. At the same time, it is home to a well-trained, highly educated, multilingual and technologically skilled workforce. As a result, for the past two years Cyprus has been ranked in the "Strong innovators" category of the European Innovation Scoreboard and 28th in the Global Innovation Index.
These are elements that fill us with optimism for the future and that push us to continue with even more intensive efforts to build an advanced Cyprus with prospects and opportunities.
Tonight's ceremony and its protagonists, the laureates and awardees, prove that we are on the right track. Continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and be the best ambassadors of our country.
You can be sure that in this effort the State will be at your side.
Thank you.
(GA/EATH)
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