The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has appointed Theodoros Loukaidis as its director general for a second five-year term, following an open selection process, the board of directors announced on Monday.

Loukaidis, who previously held the same role over the past five years, will continue to lead the foundation at a time when Cyprus is seeking to enhance its research and innovation ecosystem and boost international competitiveness.

He holds an Executive MBA from Warwick Business School, a postgraduate degree in Communications and Signal Processing from Imperial College London, and a BEng (First Class, Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UMIST University, UK.

With a strong background in business administration at both national and international level, Mr Loukaidis has played a key role in the Foundation’s recent progress.

According to the announcement, he contributed decisively to the rapid development of the ecosystem and the strengthening of its performance, in European and international indicators.

The board of directors expressed its full confidence in Loukaidis, adding that his continued leadership will help advance Cyprus’ research, innovation, and technological development.

“We are confident that under his leadership as director general and in collaboration with the board, the RIF will continue to evolve, strengthen its partnerships and implement the Research and Innovation Strategy,” said Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides.

He added that this will “substantially contribute to the formation of an internationally competitive, unified, strong and well-connected R&I ecosystem, which will be established as an R&I hub in the region”.