Cyprus Chief Scientist- Graduation of School of Sciences, European University
Speech by the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Demetris Skourides
Graduation of School of Sciences, European University
04 July 2024
Honourable Metropolitan Bishop of Vostron,
Honourable Rector of the European University Cyprus,
Honourable President of the European University of Cyprus
Dear faculty members,
Dear graduates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, marks a major milestone in your lives, a day where the culmination of all of your hard work has lead you to be prepared for tommorow’s challenges. I would like to congratulate you for your continuous pursuit of excellence. Today, more than 300 of you, participating in various programs across the school of sciences have completed the first milestone and will be beginning from tomorrow a new journey as professionals in your lives.
Tommorow will find all of you with new paths, these paths have different journeys, that may include that of professionals working in the industry, research & academia, consulting, and perhaps entrepreneurship. Whatever the path ahead of you is, rest assured that the knowledge and experiences that you have gained here, will be the basis defining your future success.
Dear graduates,
As you are graduating today, rest assured that there exists opportunity for all.
Let me share with you an inspirational example, of Ms. Eleni Haritonos, a young lady who studied mathematics and statistics at the University of glascow and was inspired by artificial intelligence wanting to study the effect of radiation on the human body. This led her on a new journey becoming the first Cypriot woman that has earned an internship with NASA. Ms Haritonos has pursued the study of the unknown commencing from the journey of studying math & statistics with a focus on unclocking trapped value in a field that is extremely important for humanity. Ms Haritonos may likely become one day, Cyprus’s first astronaut. Throughout our country, and particularly in research, academia and industry, we have several examples of brilliance that are excelling in various industries including cybersecurity, software engineering, medicine, sports, biology naming a few. Today, everyone speaks about artificial intelligence, however rarely do people say that this is a field that can bring together professionals from social sciences, engineering, arts, people with a professional background in sports, medicine, speech and language therapy, and nursing. The impact that you can have combining hard earned expertise and the horizontal capability of artificial intelligence, can create game changing opportunities for our society. Let me pause for a moment and recognize that many of you will identify in the future, challenges and opportunities in your specific areas of study. Approach the challenges ahead with curiosity, challenge the assumptions that others make, and always think of ways that value can be created in our everyday lives. This is why, pursuit of continuous learning, and research will have to be tools that you cherish and carry with you in your lives.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We live in a world where curiosity motivates us to create and discover the unknown. And I’m honored to be here today to share with you that Cyprus, ranks number 10 in the European Innovation scoreboard, and number 28 Globally. Cyprus boasts an attractive ecosystem hosting several multinationals in industries such as health, gaming, adtech, fintech, retail, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, hospitality and ofcourse public sector. Cyprus has more than 400 technology innovation companies, 12 universities, 20 research organizations, 7 centers of excellence, 2500 researchers, 4000 enterpreneurs and established enterprises. The centers of excellence have formed partnerships with world recognized universities. The government’s research and innovation strategy 2024-2026 serves as a lighthouse, guiding us to achieve Cyprus’s vision 2035 aspiring to become one of the safest countries to live, work and do business in.
Our vision is to create the conditions that help the younger generation find, nourish and build opportunities that will enable them to successfully integrate into the local ecosystem creating opportunities for future careers. Through the research innovation foundation, professionals and entrepreneurs can explore funding tools that can help our youth to pursue their visions, and make them happen. Just a week ago, I had the pleasure as chief scientist of research innovation and technology to inaugurate the Cyprus space research center that through a collaboration with world recognized partners including Nasa Trish, Sondankular geophysical observatory of finland, the Cyprus institute of neurology, Aretaion hospital, Cyprus space solutions, the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus space exploration organization, together will undertake space research from Cyprus. In the future, we envision a possibility where Cypriot scientists and researchers will also have the possibility to work side by side with other exquisite researchers across the globe. The government is committed to continue supporting the research and innovation ecosystem with the tools and assets required to further advance Cyprus’s research and innovation posture.
Dear graduates,
As you come to the end of this chapter in your life, gearing up for what comes next, I would like you to remember that the best is yet to come, and your potential has no limits. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Your fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energy, have the potential to drive meaningful chang, and shape a better tomorrow both for current and future generations.
Approach tommorow’s challenges with curiosity, be persistent in your quest to develop, exhibit grit and never cease to challenge the assumptions when trying to overcome obstacles. You are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in your chosen disciplines and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Ensure that you Dream Big, Aim High, Work Hard!
Congratulations to all of you and your families for supporting you in this milestone achievement.
Thank you.