Cyprus’ Chief Scientist, Demetris Skourides, promoted the country’s position as a gateway hub to Europe during recent contacts in Australia.
According to a press release, Skourides visited Australia as part of “ongoing internationalisation efforts” to position Cyprus as a gateway hub to Europe.
The visit has already opened dialogues for cooperation, with two Australian tech companies expressing interest in establishing a presence in Cyprus in the coming months, it said.
Accompanied by Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Skourides held a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing research and innovation (R&I) collaboration between Cyprus and Australia, it adds.
Among others, Skourides met with Professor Tony Haymet, Australia’s Chief Scientist, where he presented Cyprus’s R&I ecosystem and the Research and Innovation Strategy for 2024–2026 it said. “The two Chief Scientists exchanged views and best practices, with discussions focusing on future cooperation in areas including climate change and sustainability, ocean science and robotics, AI, and emerging technologies”, it said, noting that Australia’s “strong research reputation” was highlighted, with over 90% of its research output rated above the world standard.
In line with his commitment to exploring holistic solutions and learning how Australia operationalises policy for emergency response and fire management systems, Skourides also met Lori Mancel and Benedict Lyons from the Department of Infrastructure to discuss best practices and supporting drone policies for fire prevention and emergency response, it adds.
Identifying potential areas for collaboration
At the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Skourides was hosted by Dr. Janet Anstee, Head of Aquawatch Australia, and Dr. Stefanos Xenarios. Dr. Anstee presented an overview of Project Aquawatch, “which is developing a world-class integrated water quality monitoring and forecasting system leveraging water quality sensors, earth observation data, and advanced water management technologies”, it said, while they identified potential areas for collaboration.
Skourides also met with Dr. Katherine Woodthorpe, President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), and Dr. Peter Derbyshire, Director of Policy and International Affairs at ATSE. The meeting focused on synergies between Cyprus’ and Australia’s research and innovation strategies, particularly in agro-food and agritech, climate tech, health, and MedTech, according to the press release.
At the University of Melbourne, Skourides was hosted by Dr. Ruth Park-Jones, Director of Commercialisation, alongside senior leaders including Carlie Rogers, Dr. David Wooland, Dr. Dhiraj Hans, and Navkaran Singh. “Discussions focused on MedTech, SportTech, AgriTech, and EnviroTech commercialisation best practices”, it said. Skourides also met Professor Michelle Foster, Dean of Melbourne Law School, as well as “prominent” legal and corporate leaders including Simon McKeon, former Chair of Macquarie Bank and 2011 Australian of the Year. The University of Melbourne ranks among the Top 15 Law Schools globally and is a pioneer in integrating AI into legal education and judiciary preparation, it is noted.
At Monash University, Skourides was welcomed by Professor Cecilia Hewlett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International). According to the press release, Monash academics presented “cutting-edge work” across medicine, health sciences, IT, sustainable development, and intelligent computing, as well as technology transfer successes including Seaport Therapeutics (neuropsychiatric medicines), Electralith (clean lithium extraction technologies), and Juniper Ionics (green ammonia production).
“Highlighting Cyprus’s rising innovation ecosystem and the country’s strengths reflected in global innovation rankings and ERC grant success”, Skourides explored cooperation in AI, agritech, environmental research, and healthcare innovation, it notes.
14th World Chamber of Commerce Congress in Melbourne
Skourides also participated in a panel discussion at the 14th World Chamber of Commerce Congress in Melbourne, “reflecting on leadership styles emphasising purpose, empathy, and service”.
At a diaspora event attended by Andrea Michaels, Minister of Innovation and SMEs for South Australia, Kat Theophanous MP, former ministers, and leading business figures, Skourides delivered a keynote titled: “Bridging Continents: Cyprus’s Rapidly Growing R&I Ecosystem.” “He highlighted success stories from Cyprus including the Cyprus Space Research and Innovation Centre (C-SpaRC), CMMI’s artificial reef projects, Dynamic Works, and the SOZO Brain Center, as well as the Minds in Cyprus Action Plan for talent repatriation”, it adds.
Before departing, Skourides gave an interview to SBS Radio and participated in a podcast with George Donikian of Donikian Media, former Nine News Broadcaster and SBS Anchor, it said.
Skourides also met with Tina Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary of the Agricultural Trade & Regulation Group in Canberra.
During his visit, meetings were organised by George Georgiou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia.
Building on the MoU between the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian-Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, Georgiou hosted meetings with top Australian tech companies and startups, including Hydrogenus Energy, AdvanzPay, Pacific Bio, and Mindset Health, positioning Cyprus as a gateway to Europe, it said.
Skourides said, according to the press release, that “it was an honour to engage with Australia’s leading scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and members of the vibrant Cyprus diaspora whose dedication and success stories were truly inspiring”. “Our discussions have laid the groundwork for meaningful partnerships in areas such as AI, MedTech, and climate resilience, with two promising Australian startups already exploring a presence in Cyprus”, he said, adding that his visit “reinforced the role Cyprus can play as a strategic gateway to Europe, enabling the exchange of knowledge, talent, and innovation that can drive real impact”.
Georgiou noted that Skourides “leaves with a deeper understanding of the merits of both countries working together to support each other’s economic goals around Innovation, Technology, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Agritech and Fintech”. “The Cypriot Diaspora in Melbourne have also realised how much Cyprus has changed and feel proud”, he said, expressing the position that that this is “the right time” to develop opportunities for partnership across continents and position Cyprus as Australia’s gateway to Europe.
(Source: CNA)
