The University of Cyprus has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the transport ministry to create and implement integrated technological solutions for the development of intelligent and sustainable transport systems.

The memorandum was signed on Friday by Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos and university rector professor Tassos Christofides. Deputy director of the Koios Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation, professor Christos Panagiotou was also present.

It includes scientific cooperation for the study, research, development and implementation of technological tools for the digitisation of transport networks and their more efficient management, increasing the energy efficiency of public infrastructure, improving road safety, reducing congestion and other actions to achieve wider green and sustainable development.

The memorandum also provides for joint participation in research projects funded by the European Union and other research funding bodies, the provision of training by the university to ministry officials, the exchange of information and data for research purposes and the provision of internships.

Karousos said the cooperation with the university and Koios has already brought solutions in which the ministry will invest in the coming years to better manage transport networks, increase their efficiency and achieve a green and sustainable economy.

Christofides referred to the daily problem of traffic congestion, saying that the intervention of centres such as Koios is necessary to improve quality of life and the sustainability of transport.