The Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) hosted its Cyprus Research Awards 2024 this week in a ceremony honouring the nation’s distinguished scientists.

The event took place on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of president Nikos Christodoulides.

In his address, president Christodoulides highlighted the crucial role that research and innovation play in the country’s sustainable development.

Christodoulides congratulated the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), The Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev), as well as the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy for organising the ceremony.

“Such initiatives honour and support the development of Cyprus’ research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem,” the president said.

He also said that the Cypriot startup ecosystem has been “ranked among Europe’s Strong Innovators for the third consecutive year, while also being recognised as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem across Europe”. The president said that this achievement is a source of pride.

Aside from Christodoulides, the ceremony was also attended by a number of prominent figures from Cyprus’ political, business, and scientific communities.

Speaking on behalf of chief scientist Demetris Skourides, vice president of RIF Andreas Efstathiou congratulated the award recipients and commended their work.

“For the past 18 years, these awards have been a well-established institution that recognises the creativity, methodical approach, and dedication of those who dare to innovate,” he stated.

Efstathiou also noted that the “businesses and researchers receiving awards this year are agents of change, advancing knowledge, sustainability, and creativity”.

“Through their work”, he continued, “they pave new paths, create new opportunities, and improve daily life”.

“My commitment—and I believe I speak on behalf of all of us at RIF, as well as the state—is that we will stand by your side at every step,” Efstathiou said.

“Together, we will build the Cyprus we deserve, the Cyprus we all envision—a modern country with equal opportunities, driven by innovation and knowledge, building a better future for generations to come,” he added.

The ceremony recognised outstanding scientists for their exceptional contributions to research.

Among the recipients, Giorgos Georgiou was honoured with the Distinguished Researcher Award in the field of Physical Sciences and Engineering for his innovative work in photovoltaic energy, advancing renewable energy sources and sustainable development.

Professor Jean Sciare also received the Distinguished Researcher Award in the same category, acknowledged for his scientific contributions to climate change and atmospheric pollution research, significantly influencing environmental policy and international studies.

The Young Researcher Award was presented to Simone Bacchio in the field of Physical Sciences and Engineering, whose interdisciplinary approach in physics and applied mathematics has greatly advanced research in technological applications.

Evelina Charidimou was recognised in the field of Life Sciences for her pioneering work on metabolism and epigenetics, with applications in liver diseases and diabetic retinopathy.

Pinelopi Konstantinou received the Young Researcher Award in the Social Sciences category for her research in clinical psychology and the use of technology in improving the management and treatment of mental disorders.

A special award for the Commercialisation of Research Results was presented to Irini Sargiannidou and her team from the Department of Neuroscience at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.

Under the leadership of Kleopas Kleopa, the team was recognised for successfully commercialising research findings in gene therapies for hereditary peripheral neuropathies, offering new prospects in treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

“The Cyprus Research Awards 2024 served as a testament to the country’s ongoing efforts to champion scientific excellence,” the RIF said in a statement.