Dr Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades has achieved a major global distinction and, at the same time, a historic first for Cyprus, after being named the 2026 Global Winner in the Business & Innovation category of the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards.
The distinction carries particular significance, as this year’s awards attracted more than 1,800 alumni from over 100 countries, representing more than 140 UK universities, while only four Global Winners were selected worldwide, one in each of the four award categories.
Her journey towards the global award began with her recognition by the British Council Cyprus as the Business & Innovation Winner for Cyprus, followed by her selection as a Global Finalist, before ultimately being named Global Winner.
The award recognises the translation of scientific knowledge into innovation with real-world impact, through Dr Prokopi-Demetriades’ research and entrepreneurial activity. She is co-founder of the Cyprus-based biotechnology companies Theramir, Promed Bioscience and RSL Revolutionary Labs, creator of εὖSKIN®, with activity spanning novel cancer therapeutics, biomaterials and specialised skin care.
Dr Prokopi-Demetriades said she was particularly proud that this represents the first global distinction of its kind for Cyprus, noting that it demonstrates how “a small country can create science, entrepreneurship and innovation with an impact far beyond its borders.”
The award also carries special significance because of her long academic connection with the United Kingdom. She is an alumna of the University of Kent, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and King’s College London, having spent approximately 11 years studying and conducting research in the UK.
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate international graduates of UK universities who use their education and experience to create meaningful impact in their countries and professional fields. Global Winners also serve as strong ambassadors for the UK higher education ecosystem, helping to strengthen connections between the United Kingdom and their home countries.
The distinction is accompanied by international visibility and a dedicated programme in the United Kingdom, while in 2027 the four Global Winners will travel to the UK for an official event and a programme of professional and networking activities, including opportunities to reconnect with their universities and engage with representatives of the UK education and wider innovation ecosystem.
For Dr Prokopi-Demetriades, the award further strengthens her role as a bridge between the UK university ecosystem and Cyprus’ scientific, entrepreneurial and innovation communities.
As she notes, “This recognition is an enormous honour, but also an even greater responsibility: to keep creating, to keep opening doors, and to continue showing that world-class innovation can also begin in Cyprus.”
