Tailored Research, Innovation and Exploitation
The KIOS Research Center has cultivated positive working relations with international companies and public service authorities responsible for the management of critical infrastructures and related services. These collaborations have concentrated on specific research needs of various critical infrastructure sectors, as well as towards emerging related research fields.
To this end the KIOS Research Center has cultivated close collaborations with public sector departments such as the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), the Ministry of Communication and Works, the Transmission System Operator, and the Water Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Resources and Environment, Republic of Cyprus.
Many of these collaborations are moving a step further towards the development of mutually beneficial agreements in the form of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate technology and knowledge transfer and enable wider exploitation of research results.
KIOS – Cyprus Police MoU: Smart Systems for Smart Policing
In June 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the KIOS Research Center at the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Police. The agreement provides the framework for technological and scientific collaboration to address specific research and technology challenges facing modern day policing.
The cooperation includes research, pilot applications, and development support in the areas of crime prevention, protection of the maritime borders of Cyprus, as well as preparedness, response management, and containment of emergency situations that jeopardize the security of citizens.
The Chief of Police Mr. Zacharias Chrysostomou welcomed this new collaboration, characterizing it as essential. He explained that “modern day policing has to deal with many challenges posed as a result of the continuous and rapid technological and socio-economic developments.” Undoubtedly, he said, “for the Cyprus Police, the full exploitation of research and innovation, is a top priority and a key component of our plans and strategies for modernization and restructuring of our organization.”
During the public signing ceremony, the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Prof. Constantinos Christofides, stated that “such cooperation focusing on the development of innovative technologies capable of responding to the specific needs of the Cyprus Police, could significantly help the police force in performing its complex and challenging responsibilities and further assist the Force in performing key priorities and obligations of the Republic. In modern times the investment in research and innovation is extremely important and can contribute greatly to the long-term viability and growth of any organization.”
Cyprus Transmission System Operator of Electrical Energy signs MoU with KIOS
A memorandum of understanding was also signed this year between the KIOS Research Center and the Cyprus Transmission Systems Operator (TSO) for collaboration in research and innovation. The aim is to address specific problems related to the development of novel technologies for the improved performance, management, and development of electricity transmission networks.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Arab Water Council
This year KIOS also signed an MoU with the Arab Water Council, a regional non-profit organization supported by the Arab League. The goal of the MoU is to pursue joint research and technology projects between the KIOS Research Center and the Arab Water Council.
Collaboration Agreement Between KIOS and STMicroelectronics
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the KIOS Research Center and the multinational company STMicroelectronics (ST). ST is a world leader in providing semiconductor solutions, and it is Europe’s largest semiconductor chip maker based on revenue. The MoU affirms the commitment of both parties to collaborate in relevant aspects of research as well as for ST to provide internships for KIOS researchers. The internships will offer an invaluable opportunity for KIOS researchers to gain industrial work experience in advanced technological settings.
Similar collaborations are also currently being developed with another four (4) multinational, world leading companies.
The work for the development and preparation of the MoUs was undertaken as part of the Teaming Phase 1 Project which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme – Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation.
