The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS) are organizing “Standards Unboxed”, a dynamic event focused on exploring the critical role of standards in modern economies, innovation ecosystems, and industrial development. The event is organized as part of the European Horizon-funded project Edu4Standards.eu, which aims to empower standardization in Europe through education.
The event will take place on 31 March 2026, at the University of Cyprus (Amphitheater B108, Leventis Building), at 9:30am bringing together students, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to discuss the role of standards across different sectors of daily life.
The event will open with a horizontal session on the importance of standardization, providing participants with an overview of what standards are, why they are essential, and how they affect quality of life. This session will set the context for understanding the role of standards in supporting modern economies and sustainable development.
Following the opening session, participants will join three parallel breakout sessions:
- From Ideas to Standards – When Research and Innovation Meet Standardization – exploring how research and innovation can lead to the development of standards and how standardization helps transform research outcomes into widely adopted practical solutions that address market and societal needs.
- Start Smart: From Startup to Standout – Standards Supporting the New Generation of Businesses – highlighting how standards can support the development of new businesses by enhancing product quality, building trust, and facilitating access to new markets.
- Standards in Action! Safety and Quality of Products & Services – demonstrating the practical application of standards in industry and services, emphasizing how they contribute to product and service quality, consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and business competitiveness.
Modes of Engagement
“Standards Unboxed” will feature a variety of interactive and engaging activities designed to encourage active participation and knowledge exchange. The programme will also include thematic information stations with hands-on activities, gamification elements such as quizzes and mini-games, and case-based simulations that demonstrate how standards are developed and applied in practice. At the end of the event all attendees will be able to participate in draws for tech gifts.
The event is open to academic staff, researchers and students from all over Cyprus, (irrespective of their degree or field of studies) and will be conducted in Greek.
