Address by the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Demetris Skourides High-Level Kick-Off Ceremony for theTeaming for Excellence Project PHAETHON | 11 October 2023

Your Excellencies,
Dear Representatives of the European Commission and the Research Executive Agency,
Dear Rector Christofides,
Distinguished Guests,

On behalf of Ηis Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, it is with great pleasure that I join you today for the high-level kick-off ceremony of the Teaming for Excellence Project, PHAETHON, a beacon of research excellence and innovation in the region and a cornerstone for sustainable energy solutions. With €15 million in funding from the EU and an equal amount from national sources, this project is set to revolutionize the energy landscape in Cyprus, in line with national and European priorities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

An efficient green transition is a horizontal priority for this Government, and a key enabler of a thriving and resilient economy. From transitioning to a renewable energy system that capitalizes on our country’s solar energy potential, to improving energy efficiency, deploying smart city solutions across the island and moving towards a circular, zero-waste economy across business and households, we are focused on developing resilience in people, businesses and ecosystems against the numerous challenges ahead.

Research, innovation and digital technologies are vital to accelerating and navigating the green transition. Guided by the long-term Vision 2035, we are committed to leveraging their potential to achieve our green objectives.  Investing in scientific research, technological progress and innovation, especially in the field of Green Transition which is precisely what this Centre of Excellence will focus on, is investing in tomorrow.

That is why, as Government, we make a strong commitment towards PHAETHON, not only matching the European funding, but pledging to stand by the Centre so that together we can set our economy to a sustainable footing.

Today we launch yet another glorious example of Cyprus’ top-quality research system. Ten years ago, a small Research Centre, FOSS, was established within the University of Cyprus. This research centre has grown, with the support of public funding, and is now transforming to a world-class Centre of Excellence with esteemed partners in the likes of the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Groningen.

A centre focusing on thematic areas that are well aligned with the European Green Deal and of course our national smart specialization strategy. A centre housed in the first state-of-the-art, net-zero green energy building in Cyprus, a living lab for smart energy technologies. An institution that will not only offer solutions to such pressing challenges, but will also create jobs and add value to the real economy.

Mr Georgiou, Mr Christofides and to the rest of the team,

I am sure that your persistence, dedication and hard efforts will lead to scientific breakthroughs and provide us with efficient solutions for a greener future and a better quality of life.

I am confident that with the track record of FOSS and the complementary funding by various stakeholders, there is a solid foundation for the long-term success and sustainability of PHAETHON. This is just the beginning of your journey to internationalize and take the great work you have produced to date to next level. We are not just building a project, we are building a legacy.

PHAETHON is part of our vision for a sustainable tomorrow. A member of the collective, pan-European effort to become a climate-neutral continent by 2050. An embodiment of what we can achieve through collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Together, let’s make PHAETHON a lighthouse project that guides us toward a sustainable, energy-efficient future.

Thank you.