Chief Scientist Represented the President of the Republic at Asteroid Day 2026
PRESS RELEASE
2 July 2026
Chief Scientist Represented the President of the Republic at Asteroid Day 2026
On behalf of H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Mr Demetris Skourides, attended and delivered an address at the main event marking Asteroid Day 2026, held at the KITION Planetarium & Observatory.
In his address, Mr Skourides congratulated the Director of the KITION Planetarium & Observatory, Mr George Troullias, as well as the organisation’s scientists, volunteers and collaborators for their longstanding contribution to the promotion of science, astronomy and science education in Cyprus.
He noted that Asteroid Day serves as a reminder that scientific knowledge and international cooperation are fundamental pillars for advancing our understanding of the Universe while safeguarding our planet. Referring to recent international space missions, including NASA’s DART mission and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Hera mission, he underlined that planetary defence has become a strategic priority for the global scientific community.
The Chief Scientist stressed that Cyprus has every reason to be proud of the significant progress achieved in research and space science, highlighting the international recognition of the KITION Planetarium & Observatory. Through its research initiatives and educational activities, the Observatory has successfully positioned Cyprus on the global scientific map.
He made particular reference to the organisation’s remarkable scientific achievements, including its collaboration with NASA, Hardin-Simmons University and Texas University in asteroid research within the Main Asteroid Belt. As part of this collaboration, the team discovered asteroid 2019 AN16, the first asteroid ever discovered by Cypriot researchers. Since then, they have identified ten additional provisional asteroids in the Main Asteroid Belt and proposed more than 663 preliminary asteroid discoveries. Mr Skourides also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of Cypriots gaining international recognition in the space sector, noting that the achievements of young scientists and researchers, including the participation of Cypriots in analogue space missions, demonstrate that Cyprus possesses both the talent and the capabilities to play a meaningful role in shaping the European and international space ecosystem. In addition, the KITION Planetarium & Observatory has made significant contributions to the field of archaeoastronomy, with its scientific research published in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
During his address, Mr Skourides emphasised that the Government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for the development of the space sector, recognising space as a strategic pillar for research, innovation, economic growth and national security. In this context, he noted that Cyprus is systematically investing in strengthening its national space ecosystem through the implementation of the National Space Strategy, as well as through investments in strategic infrastructure such as C-SPARK, and flagship research facilities such as the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. These initiatives enhance the country’s capabilities in space technologies, Earth Observation, innovation and knowledge transfer, contributing to the establishment of Cyprus as a regional hub for research and space applications. As he pointed out, the creation of new knowledge and the development of strategic infrastructure are key drivers of innovation, sustainable economic growth and national resilience.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Scientist highlighted that Cyprus’ greatest strength lies in its people and in the ability of younger generations to transform curiosity into knowledge and knowledge into innovation. He once again congratulated the KITION Planetarium & Observatory for its eighteen years of contribution to science and education, expressing confidence that it will continue inspiring future generations of Cypriot scientists and researchers.