It is indeed a great pleasure to be back at the University of Cyprus for the laying of the foundation stone of yet another emblematic project: the Department of Biological Sciences "A.G. Leventis Foundation" Building.
Before any further reference, allow me to express the grateful thanks of the State to the A.G. Leventis Foundation, which dynamically supports the achievement of the high goals set by the University, both through the donation of 6 million euros for the construction of the building we are laying today and the equally important donation of 6.5 million euros in 2004 for the construction of the Council-Senate building "Anastasios Leventis".
Most importantly, with its generous financial contributions, the Leventis family is opening up new perspectives of advanced activity for academic staff, researchers and students, while enabling the University to incorporate new areas of education and research in cutting-edge fields.
Most importantly, with its generous financial contributions, the Leventis family is opening up new perspectives of advanced activity for academic staff, researchers and students, while enabling the University to incorporate new areas of education and research in cutting-edge fields.
The University, like all Higher Education Institutions, is valued by the State as a nucleus of social, economic and cultural development.
It is precisely for these reasons that as the State, always in close cooperation with the administration of the University, we have developed mutually beneficial synergies over time, especially with regard to the development programme of the Foundation for the period 2016-2026.
In this context, the following have already been completed.
- The construction of the Library - Information Centre "Stelios Ioannou".
- The renovation and upgrading of the existing off-campus facilities of the Sciakleio Health Education Centre, which houses the University's School of Medicine.
- The renovation and the seismic and energy upgrade of the historic site of the former Pedagogical Academy.
In addition, I note that the construction of new infrastructure is underway, such as the construction of the Faculty of Engineering, the Cancer Research Institute and the "Dr. Artemis Hadjipanagis" Medical and Biological Sciences Teaching Building.
At the same time, the implementation of the second Photovoltaic Park and the new Campus Energy Centre is being promoted through international competitions.
I note that the implementation of the above projects, even in times of economic crisis, is of course the result of the generous offers made to the University of Cyprus, but also of the loan agreements amounting to 194 million euros that the State has concluded from the European Investment Bank and the Development Bank of the Council of Europe.
In addition, the Government has taken the decision to increase the amount of the existing loan from the European Investment Bank by €20 million to finance additional infrastructure projects, such as the creation of a green park in the heart of the campus.
In addition, in cooperation with the above-mentioned international financial institutions, the conclusion of additional loan agreements amounting to 45 million euros is being considered for the construction of the second phase of the University's student residence halls, which will include more than 700 beds.
Furthermore, the institutional funding of 15 million euros for the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation COIOS was approved by the Council of Ministers, as well as 15 million euros for the Centre of Excellence for Biobanking and Biomedical Research.
At the same time I note that the University of Cyprus was included in the plans of the National Plan "Cyprus - Tomorrow", with an amount of 28 million euros for the transfer of the School of Architecture of the University to the school of Faneromeni and the creation of student residences.
We will have the opportunity to say more about this next Monday.
What I would like to underline is that our conscious support was based on the confidence we have shown in the authorities and academic staff of the University as regards its dynamics and prospects for strong development.
This is demonstrated by the fact that the Foundation holds high positions in university ranking systems of prestigious international and European organizations, deservedly claiming a leading role in the competitive international field of research and university education.
A support which is equally received by all our University Institutions, in the context of the policy we adopt to establish Cyprus as a regional educational and research centre of high standards, giving our young people the right to study in their home country in universities comparable to those abroad.
At the same time, we will continue to invest in our remarkable and highly skilled workforce, seeking to make the most of their scientific work, but also to link their expertise to the country's productive fabric and business innovation.
I am absolutely sure that the Building of the Department of Biological Sciences "A.G. Leventis Foundation" will become a place of scientific excellence and a source of intellectual wealth for the University and, by extension, for our country.
As the President of the Foundation, Anastasios P. Leventis, said: "The Foundation's donation for the construction of the building of the Department of Biological Sciences is in line with the wish of the A. G.
It is for this reason that I would like once again to express my sincere thanks to the A.G. Leventis Foundation for its selfless act of giving and especially to Mr. Anastasios Leventis, who is always on the side of the University."
It is for this reason that I would like once again to express my sincere thanks to the A.G. Leventis Foundation for its selfless act of giving and especially to Mr. Anastasios Leventis, who is always on the side of the University. Thank you as a State.
I also warmly congratulate the Council, the Rector's Authorities and the staff of the University, as well as the successful consortium A. Aristotelous Construction Ltd.
I have no doubt that all parties involved will work in such a way that the new infrastructure will be made available to our academics, scientists, researchers and students, so that within the predetermined timeframes that have been set, they will be able to carry out their work and teach and learn through modern facilities.
(PM/NG)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
