A successful conference on “KIOS Teaming Project: Celebrating Achievements and Paving the Way Forward”, was organized by the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus, on March 27, 2025, at the University of Cyprus campus.
The conference marked the completion of the European “KIOS Teaming Project” (2017 – Feb. 2025) and showcased the role of the European Program “Teaming-Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation” in advancing the KIOS Research Center into a European Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation. It also highlighted the Center’s achievements, its plans for the future, and its socio-economic impact at the local and international levels.
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodimos Damianou, addressed the event. He praised the work of KIOS, saying that since its establishment, the Center has been at the forefront of pioneering research, innovation and technological advancement, attracting talented researchers and securing significant research funding from both European and national sources.
Referring to the Center’s support to the government, the Deputy Minister highlighted its contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it developed innovative tools that helped authorities respond swiftly and make informed decisions to manage the crisis effectively. He also emphasized that this support continues, as the Center develops solutions to protect critical infrastructure systems and enhance the resilience of essential services, including energy, water, smart transportation, healthcare, and telecommunications. He concluded by stating that “KIOS Center of Excellence stands as proof of what can be achieved when vision, innovation and collaboration come together”.
On behalf of the KIOS Center of Excellence, the Chair of the Advisory Board and Coordinator of the “KIOS Teaming” project, Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Cyprus, Marios Polycarpou, referred to the Center’s successful growth and progression, particularly focusing on the period of the Teaming project from 2017 onwards.
According to Professor Polycarpou, during this time, the Center experienced significant growth, achieving inter alia the development of a critical mass of top-quality researchers working in high-tech areas. It also established the “KIOS Innovation Hub” to provide research and innovation services to organizations involved in the operation of critical infrastructures and developed large-scale experimental physical and virtual research facilities to test technologies under real-world operating conditions.
He concluded by saying that since its inception in 2008, the Center has provided employment opportunities for over 650 professionals and participated in 165 research and innovation projects, securing funding over €53 million (excluding the Teaming Grant). Additionally, it has been involved in 87 industry-funded projects with a total budget of €11.5 million. Furthermore, the Center helped its Innovation Hub partners to secure funding of more than €48 million for infrastructure technological upgrades.
The KIOS’ Acting Director, Christos Panayiotou, also a Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Cyprus, referred to the Center’s collaborations with organizations involved in the management, operation, and security of critical infrastructures. According to Prof. Panayiotou, these partnerships enable knowledge transfer and the creation of innovative solutions for the benefit of society.
On behalf of Imperial College London, the strategic partner of the KIOS Center of Excellence, Professor Thomas Parisini, attended the conference and presented the topic “Science for Humanity: Imperial College Strategy and Pathways to Impact”. He talked about Imperial’s multidisciplinary strategy, which has now been adopted by KIOS, yielding positive results. From the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, its President, Professor Achilleas Emilianides, presented the topic “Investing in Excellence”, stressing the importance of state investment in fundamental research. Greetings were also delivered by the Chair of the University of Cyprus Council, Mr. Tasos Anastasiou, who talked about the Center’s impact on Cyprus’s economy and society, and the Rector, Professor Tasos Christofides, who focused on the Center’s research excellence.
Round Table Discussion
During the event, a panel discussion was also convened to discuss the topic “Critical Infrastructures: Security, Resilience, and Sustainability”, with the participation of representatives from organizations involved in critical infrastructures and partners of the KIOS Innovation Hub. The discussion aimed to highlight the current challenges facing operators of critical infrastructure systems and the need to ensure their security, resilience, and sustainability through investment in research and innovation.
Participants included Mr. Sokratis Metaxas, from the Limassol District Local Government Organization, Dr. Andreas Stavrou, from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Mr. Aristotelis Savva, from the Public Works Department, Dr. Natasa Anastasiadou, from the Ministry of Health, and Mr. Savvas Agathokleous, from the Cyprus Police. The discussion was moderated by the KIOS Research Lecturer, Dr. Christos Laoudias. Special emphasis was placed on the outcomes of collaborations between KIOS and these organizations, which have yielded technological solutions to help them address today’s pressing challenges. All participants expressed their commitment to continuing and strengthening their collaboration with KIOS to improve the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure systems.
Technology Demonstrations and Poster Exhibition
A highlight of the event was the live demonstrations of technologies by KIOS researchers and an exhibition of posters showcasing the Center’s research work. Over 140 people attended the event, including embassy representatives, government officials, representatives and executives from public and private sector organizations in Cyprus, members of the academic and research community, and partners of the KIOS Center of Excellence.
