Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides held a series of high-level meetings in Belgium and the Netherlands, with European Union leadership and institutions, further strengthening Cyprus’ role in advancing the intersection of artificial intelligence, science, and policy across Europe.
In a press release, it is noted that during his visit to Brussels, the Chief Scientist met with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, where discussions focused on the role of artificial intelligence in supporting ocean-related policy and implementation frameworks. Particular emphasis was placed on the European Ocean Pact and the Ocean Eye initiative, as well as the broader development of Europe’s blue economy.
The discussion explored how AI-powered systems, combined with advanced sensor-based technologies build to support Europe’s sovereign ambitions, can enhance monitoring, forecasting, and decision-making capabilities across marine environments, enabling more effective and responsive policy implementation.
Commenting on the opportunity, the Chief Scientist said that “the Ocean Eye initiative represents a powerful convergence of European sensor-based technologies and artificial intelligence, enabling a shift from predictive insight to actionable intelligence. This transition is critical in equipping policymakers and decision-makers with the tools required to address complex ocean challenges in real time.”
The role of science in informing evidence-based policymaking
On 19 and 20 March, Skourides also represented the Republic of Cyprus at the Board of Governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Petten, Netherlands, where a wide range of strategic topics were discussed, highlighting the role of science in informing evidence-based policymaking across the European Union.
According to the press release, key discussions included the work of JRC Unit C.4 on vehicle market surveillance, as well as advanced methodologies in the diagnosis and prognosis of hazards in nuclear emergencies (DAPHNE), and the assessment of structural materials performance.
The Board was also briefed on the joint work of the JRC and TNO on the Code of Conduct for Energy Smart Appliances, as well as ongoing impact assessments related to automated and autonomous driving, with a particular focus on how emerging AI tools are transforming testing and validation processes.
As part of the programme, members of the Board of Governors visited the InVesta Experience Centre, a pioneering “living lab” that bridges the critical gap between research and commercialisation in the green energy sector.
InVesta operates as an energy-positive innovation hub, offering plug-and-play infrastructure for biomass and hydrogen technologies, and enabling startups and researchers to test and scale solutions under real-world, industrial conditions. By integrating advanced research and development with business incubation support, the centre provides a compelling model for accelerating Europe’s green transition and overcoming barriers associated with early-stage innovation, the press release reads.
Cyprus’ active contribution to European-level dialogue on AI
According to the press release, the Chief Scientist also held a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Joint Research Centre, Bernard Magenhann, where discussions focused on strengthening the enabling role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the JRC’s “Science for Policy” mission. The exchange explored how AI can support the evolution of evidence-based policymaking tools, improve data-driven decision processes, and further enable the transition from predictive analytics to actionable policy insight across key sectors.
"The Chief Scientist’s engagements in Brussels, Netherlands underscore Cyprus’ active contribution to European-level dialogue on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and innovation-driven policy, reinforcing the country’s strategic positioning as a forward-looking hub for research, technology, and science diplomacy within the European ecosystem," the press release notes.
(Source: CNA)
