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European Commission and Cyprus strengthen research links

European Commission and Cyprus strengthen research links

On 20-21 November the Joint Research Center (JRC) and The Cyprus Institute jointly organised a workshop at the JRC research facilities in Ispra, Italy. The workshop was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed on 22 July 2014 between the President of The Cyprus Institute, Prof. Costas Papanicolas, and the Director General of JRC, Mr. Vladimir Sucha, in the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou. The aim of the workshop was to identify possible opportunities for joint collaborative work between the JRC and The Cyprus Institute in areas of mutual interest.

The Cyprus Institute delegation, which was headed by the President of the Institute, comprised high level scientists from the Energy, Environment and Water Research Center and the Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center.  

The CEO of Gexcel, Prof. Giorgio Vassena specialised in software solutions in several areas including preservation of cultural heritage also participated in the workshop.

The Cypriot Member of the European Parliament and member of its Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Mr. Neoklis Sylikiotis, addressed the workshop stressing that the timing is very important as the way out from the economic crisis should be supported by investment in Research and Innovation for the purpose of job creation, boosting the economy and achieving social development, growth and social cohesion. Introductory statements were also delivered by the Director of the JRC Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Prof. Krzysztof Maruszewski who explained how JRC is actively involved in providing independent and evidence-based scientific support to the EU policies collaborating closely with Directorates-General as well as its close collaboration and sharing of know-how with Member States.   

The two day workshop consisted of presentations on work of both partners on the areas of climate change and sustainable development, water management, energy efficiency for buildings, solar power and high-performance-computation issues as well as of visits to relevant JRC research infrastructures (e.g. European Reference Laboratory for Air Pollution, Water Innovation Support Laboratory, European Solar Test Installation, European Laboratory for Structural Assessment) and focused bilateral meetings.

Concrete proposals for joint work in several areas of climate change, water management, energy efficiency for buildings and visualisation for the preservation of cultural heritage were identified.  Both parties agreed on the next steps being the agreement on an action plan on the proposals for joint work and the visit of JRC scientists to The Cyprus Institute in spring. 

 A tour at the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) labs at JRC

 The facilities of the Water Resources Unit at JRC

Presentation by Dr. Krysztof Maruszewski in plenary