The SimEA (Modelling and SIMulation for Engineering Applications) project, hosted at The Cyprus Institute (CyI), has been selected as an official European Commission success story, recognising its pivotal role in positioning Cyprus as a regional and European hub for advanced materials design through cutting-edge computational science and engineering.

 

Led by ERA Chair Professor Vangelis Harmandaris, SimEA has strengthened Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem by advancing computer‑based materials design, combining high‑performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), data science and molecular simulations. The project addresses critical gaps faced by widening countries, particularly in attracting talent and fostering competitive, industry‑relevant research, while supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.

 

A key achievement highlighted in the success story is SimEA’s ability to significantly reduce the cost and time of experimental materials development through predictive simulations and multiscale modelling. These approaches have enabled the rapid optimisation of polymer nanocomposites, thin films and catalytic materials, with applications in energy storage, automotive technologies, CO₂ reduction and green technologies.

 

The project has also delivered strong and measurable impact beyond scientific excellence. SimEA successfully attracted 18 competitive research projects, including seven industry‑linked collaborations, securing funding that exceeded the original EU investment and positioning CyI as a trusted partner for industry in Cyprus, Europe and beyond.

 

Through long‑term capacity building, international networking and sustainable collaborations, SimEA has reinforced CyI’s role as a centre of excellence in computational materials engineering, contributing to the development of high‑level human capital and enhancing Cyprus’ visibility in priority European research domains.

 

This recognition as a European success story underscores CyI’s strategic contribution to advanced materials research, innovation‑driven industrial collaboration and the broader European Research Area.