The University places Cyprus at the crown of research and excellence
Of the 9 proposals secured by Cyprus, the top two proposals are led by the Cyprus University of Technology, while the University participates in another proposal as a partner
Based on the results of the EU research program "Teaming for Excellence", which were announced last week, the Cyprus University of Technology has secured the highest pan-European rating in two of the research proposals submitted as coordinator. Of the 9 proposals secured by Cyprus, the top two proposals are led by the Cyprus University of Technology, while the University participates in another proposal as a partner.
Fertile ground
The first two proposals MedSTACH and EXCELSIOR from TEPAK excelled receiving the highest score in Europe with a score of 15 out of 15 ("Excellent") and equaling the first place in the European ranking, among a total of 208 proposals submitted. These proposals, which were submitted by the School of Engineering and Technology of TEPAK, are coordinated by Professors Faidonas Kyriakidis (MedSTACH) and Diofantos Hatzimitsis (EXCELSIOR).
These proposals secured significant European funding for the implementation of the first phase of the Program, also gaining ground for a successful evaluation in the second phase, where funding of EUR 15 million can be secured. The main objectives of the programs concern the design, implementation and operation of Research Centers of Excellence.
The duration of the implementation of the first phase is one year with a total funding of 0.4 million euros. After the implementation of the first phase, the proposals that will be selected and will continue in the second phase will receive funding of 15 million euros from the Horizon 2020 framework for a period of 5-7 years, with the possibility of additional equal funding from national resources, in the long run 15 years.
Node of excellence
The MedSTACH project (www.medstach.eu) aims to consolidate Cyprus as a hub of excellence for archeology and cultural heritage in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, utilizing interdisciplinary research and technological innovation. To this end, Cypriot public academic institutions and national policy makers work together with leading international research and academic institutions to lay the foundations for the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Science and Technology Center for Archeology and Cultural Heritage.
The mission of the Center is to create the appropriate scientific and technological environment for conducting cutting-edge research on the search, interpretation, protection, promotion and exploitation of the unique cultural heritage of Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, through the application of modern and emerging technologies. .
The rates
The MedSTACH consortium is coordinated by the Department of Civil and Geoinformatics Engineers of the Cyprus University of Technology (lead partner), with partners the Archeology Research Unit of the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the Cyprus Tourism Organization.
The consortium is complemented by the Laboratory of Geophysics, Satellite Remote Sensing and Archaeoenvironment of the Institute of Technology and Research of Greece of the Institute of Technology and Research (FORTH), and the Institute of Archeology of University College London (UCL), bringing experience and expertise first internationally in Research and Innovation.
The MedSTACH consortium, an unprecedented partnership in Cyprus for archeology and cultural heritage, is expected to vigorously promote excellence in related fields of research and technology, and strengthen the role of Cyprus as a pole of attraction for scientists and researchers from the wider region. Mediterranean and from all over the world, while promoting in a sustainable way the smart specialization and the creation of new jobs.
Standard, autonomous, self-sustaining
The EXCELSIOR project (ERATOSTHENES: Excellence Research Center for Earth Surveillance and Space-Based Monitoring of the Environment) aims to create a Research Center of Excellence based on the existing dynamics of the Eratosthenes Research Center of TEPAK. The main goal of the project is the development of the center in areas of technological advancement and innovation, establishing it as a model, autonomous and self-sustaining Center of Excellence that will provide high quality services at Local, National, European and International level.
The bodies that will cooperate for the implementation of the EXCELSIOR project are coordinated by TEPAK and include the Department of Electronic Communications of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, which is the national coordinator for space issues as well as two of the largest European research centers, such as German Aeronautics and Space Administration (DLR - DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV), a pioneer in space technology and remote sensing, the Institute for the Study of the Troposphere (LEIBNIZ institute in Germany, original research and the Institute of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing of the National Observatory of Athens, with extensive experience in the use of satellite observations to create integrated services and tools for observing the Earth and natural disasters.
Observation of the Earth
The EXCELSIOR project envisions a Center of Excellence for conducting a high level of basic and applied research in areas related to Earth observation through the combined use of space and remote sensing technologies for the systematic, comprehensive and in-depth monitoring of the environment and its processes.
The EXCELSIOR project will highlight the geopolitical strategic position of Cyprus, which is a key point for the promotion and development of space technologies and applications, opening new horizons for large investments, new business ideas and jobs in this field. EXCELSIOR will contribute to the liberation of Cyprus from the traditional sectors of the economy by pushing the creation of new areas of specialization, such as smart applications and land observation techniques, creating significant added value.
Space technology, as a new and emerging industry for Cyprus, will offer many opportunities, both in growth with the creation of new companies and in employment with the creation of jobs in new specialties.
Partner
Of the other seven proposals, in which Cyprus has secured funding, the Cyprus University of Technology is a partner in the proposal "Center for STEAM Education Research, Science Communication and Innovation" with the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts and Assistant Professor Andri Ioannou.
Research dynamics
Winning the first place in the Teaming for Excellence Program is considered particularly important, demonstrating the dynamics and quality of research conducted so far at the Cyprus University of Technology. TEPAK, recognizing the great importance of the creation of Centers of Excellence, will support the proposals which it coordinates with additional resources, considering that they are strategic pillars for the further development of the University of Technology.
The projects are fully in line with the Cyprus Smart Specialization Strategy (S3Cy), covering distinct cutting-edge scientific areas crucial to the sustainable development of Cyprus. Also, the University generally welcomes the results of the Cypriot institutions in this competitive strategic program, which are honorary for Cyprus and indicative of the dynamics of research in our country.
Source: SigmaLive