The Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus and Chairman of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Demetris Skourides, officially opened the 6th COSPAR Symposium, taking place in Nicosia between 3–7 November 2025 under the theme 'Space Exploration 2025: Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions.'
The event is held under the auspices of the Office of the Chief Scientist and with the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) as Grand National Sponsor, bringing together leading scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives from more than 45 countries and 90 organisations, including NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and other major space agencies.
The symposium was inaugurated by George Danos, President, Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) in the presence of five ambassadors, more than forty senior global delegates, two astronauts, and leading figures from global space agencies and industry including Niklas Hedman, COSPAR’s new General Counsel and former Acting Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), John G. Reed, Chief Rocket Scientist at United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Jean-Yves Le Gall, former CEO of Arianespace.
In his address, Skourides welcomed delegates to Cyprus—“a crossroads of three continents, where history, culture, and science meet”—and highlighted the country’s determination to become a regional hub for research, innovation, and high technology. He emphasised that hosting one of the world’s most significant gatherings for space research “is not a coincidence but a validation of Cyprus’s strategic vision and its determination to become a regional hub for research, innovation, and high technology.”
The Chief Scientist underlined that Cyprus’s National Space Strategy forms part of the Government’s long-term Vision 2035, a plan to build a resilient, knowledge-based, and innovation-driven economy. Within this framework, the Office of the Chief Scientist serves as Cyprus’s bridge to the world, connecting the national research and innovation ecosystem with international partners, and steering national policy, funding, and international collaboration through its close cooperation with the Research and Innovation Foundation.
C-SpaRC a landmark in the country’s scientific development
He referred to the establishment of the Cyprus Space Research and Innovation Centre (C-SpaRC) as a landmark in the country’s scientific development. The €2.5 million national infrastructure, funded by RIF, is led by the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) in collaboration with NASA’s TRISH, Lockheed Martin, the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, and leading Cypriot research institutions. Skourides noted that C-SpaRC provides state-of-the-art facilities for rapid prototyping, production, and space testing, enabling Cyprus to participate actively in European and global space missions.
“C-SpaRC represents a new chapter in Cyprus’s space capabilities. It accelerates our integration within the European space community and drives cutting-edge research in areas such as AI-driven space-weather forecasting, space health, and satellite manufacturing,” he said. He announced that Cyprus’s first domestically developed satellite is scheduled for launch in 2026 with the support of NASA and COSPAR, marking a milestone in national technological advancement.
Skourides also highlighted Cyprus’s Associate Membership in the European Space Agency (ESA), achieved in 2023, and its signing of the Artemis Accords with NASA in 2024, as major milestones strengthening Cyprus’s participation in global exploration and cooperation. He reiterated that Cyprus’s strategy places strong emphasis on international collaboration, education, and capacity building, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers while upholding the principle that “space must be explored and utilised peacefully, sustainably, and inclusively, for the benefit of all humankind.”
Skourides described how Cyprus’s space ecosystem—comprising organisations such as the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), the Cyprus Space Industry Association (CSIA), the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, and other national clusters—works to implement the strategy defined by the Cyprus Space Office under the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. Together, these entities are strengthening Cyprus’s position as a bridge between Europe and the wider Eastern Mediterranean in the field of space research, innovation, and technology.
He concluded by reaffirming Cyprus’s commitment to advancing its role in the global scientific community. “Cyprus recognises that space is not the domain of a few nations but the frontier of all humankind. Our journey into space symbolises curiosity, resilience, and the conviction that even a small country can make a meaningful contribution to the great human endeavour of exploration and discovery.”
“A truly exciting week of scientific exchange”
In her opening remarks, Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of COSPAR, expressed her gratitude to the organisers for their warm hospitality and dedication in hosting the Symposium in Cyprus. She noted that the event marks the beginning of “a truly exciting week of scientific exchange,” offering a platform to advance dialogue and collaboration in space science and technology. Professor Ehrenfreund also announced that COSPAR will soon issue a formal statement on the vital role of space-based observation in advancing international climate research, ahead of the forthcoming COP13 in Brazil.
Delivering an address on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Georgios Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, welcomed all delegates and international guests, noting that Cyprus is proud to host one of the world’s most significant gatherings dedicated to space research and cooperation.
He emphasised that “space has become an enabler of progress for all — a strategic pillar of communication, navigation, climate monitoring, and disaster management,” and highlighted Europe’s leadership in promoting responsible and sustainable space activities. Komodromos also announced the signing of the Nicosia Space Accords, a new international agreement that strengthens global cooperation in the space domain and reflects Cyprus’s growing standing in the global space community. “The Nicosia Space Accords will stand as a powerful example of science diplomacy in action,” he said, “strengthening cooperation, building trust, and promoting peace through shared scientific endeavour.” He further underlined Cyprus’s rapid progress in developing its national space ecosystem, including the establishment of C-SpaRC, the country’s Associate Membership in ESA, and the upcoming EU Space Days, which Cyprus will host in 2026 during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Speaking on behalf of the Symposium’s Grand Sponsor, Dr. Eric Smith, Director of Optical Sensing and Exploitation at Lockheed Martin Space and Chair of the COSPAR Industry Relations Committee, described it as “an honour and a privilege to participate in this year’s COSPAR Symposium.”
He remarked that “at Lockheed Martin, we build the hardware that makes exploration possible — but it is science, and the scientists themselves, who drive discovery. Without the questions posed by science, none of these missions would ever take flight.” Dr. Smith reaffirmed Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partnership with COSPAR and praised the event for its role in fostering collaboration between industry and scientific research.
A strategic domain shaped by competition and vulnerability
Dr. Costas Mavrides, Member of the European Parliament, focused on the geopolitical and strategic dimensions of space, emphasising that Europe must strengthen its resilience, harness dual-use innovation, and ensure autonomy through cooperation and investment.
“Space today is a strategic domain shaped by competition and vulnerability,” he said. He noted that the European Commission’s proposed regulation on the safety, resilience, and sustainability of space activities represents an important step forward, and called for greater EU investment in the sector. He also underlined that Cyprus can and should play a vital role in the Mediterranean, advocating for a European crisis management centre based in Cyprus to address climate change, natural disasters, and regional security challenges where space technology will have a central role to play.
Marios Tannousis, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Cyprus, underlined the country’s commitment to supporting the growth of the national space ecosystem through international partnerships and investment. He noted that Invest Cyprus continues to work closely with the Cyprus Space Research Centre and the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation, ensuring the country remains an active contributor to the global innovation landscape. Referring to recent official visits by the President of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States — including meetings in New York, Texas, and San Francisco — he said these missions demonstrate Cyprus’s determination to strengthen its ties with strategic partners in technology and innovation. “Space is an integral part of Cyprus’s innovation and investment strategy,” Tannousis concluded. “We will continue to support this dynamic sector and strengthen Cyprus’s role as a trusted bridge between regions.”
Following the opening ceremony, Skourides participated in the Roundtable of Space Leaders which also included Pascale Ehrenfreund, President, COSPAR; Former CEO, German Space Agency (DLR), George A Danos, President, Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Special Adviser for Political Affairs, European Space Agency (ESA), Mioara Mandea, Head of Science Coordination Department, Strategy Directorate, French Space Agency (CNES), Marco Castronuovo, Head of the Observation and Surveillance Office, Italian Space Agency (ASI), Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers, Director, Institute of Space Research, German Space Agency (DLR), Ikkoh Funaki, Director, International Strategy & Coordination, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA / ISAS), Duggirala Pallamraju, Dean, Physical Research Laboratory, India’s rep to COSPAR Council, and Athena Coustenis, Board Member, Hellenic Space Center (HSC).
Space Science Street Festival
Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides will also take part in Lockheed Martin’s fireside chat alongside Dr. Eric Smith, and on Thursday, 6 November at 7pm, will join the Space Science Street Festival at Plateia Dimarchias in Nicosia. Open to the public, the festival invites people of all ages to meet astronauts, explore the wonders of space through interactive exhibitions, and enjoy an evening filled with discovery, food stalls, and entertainment celebrating science and innovation.
The COSPAR 2025 Symposium, held for the first time in Cyprus, gathers the world’s leading scientists, engineers, and policymakers under one roof to discuss humanity’s challenges and celestial solutions. Established in 1958 by the International Council for Science, COSPAR has for decades promoted peaceful international cooperation in space research. This year’s symposium, hosted in Nicosia under the auspices of the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, marks a milestone in Cyprus’s emergence as a hub for research, innovation, and technology in the Eastern Mediterranean.
