Google Cloud & SURF lab of the University of Cyprus: Research Reimagined

Educational practices have adapted to digital advancements, incorporating cloud infrastructure to expand learning beyond lecture halls and seminar rooms. The University of Cyprus (UCY), established in 1989, has embraced this evolution, leveraging cloud data sharing to foster modern innovation and collaboration.

In partnership with Gear Education, a leading education technology services provider and Google Cloud partner in Cyprus, UCY’s Society and Urban Form (SURF) Lab implemented Google Cloud solutions within the EU-funded TWIN2EXPAND project. This facilitated a centralised collaborative environment, enabling UCY and its esteemed partner institutions - Turin Polytechnic (Italy), Chalmers University (Sweden), and University College London (UK) - to enhance research efficiency and collaborate effectively across borders.

Gear Education joined forces with Online Partner, a fellow Google Cloud partner in Sweden that specialises in Google's cloud-based solutions, to ensure SURF Lab received optimal support and specialised expertise. This collaboration underscores the value of Google Partners combining their strengths to advance innovative practices in academia.

Christina Shailas, CEO of Gear Education, emphasised, “Our mission is to empower educational institutions with cutting-edge technology, and this collaboration with UCY exemplifies our commitment to driving innovation in research and education. By providing access to Google Cloud's robust and scalable infrastructure, we are enabling researchers to unlock new possibilities, particularly in complex, international projects like TWIN2EXPAND.”

To ensure the long-term success and adaptability of the two-year project, concluding in December 2025, Google Cloud's infrastructure was meticulously designed for flexibility and scalability. Featuring an EU-hosted server and autoscaling storage, the system seamlessly accommodates the evolving requirements of the research group throughout its duration. This ensures uninterrupted support for the academic work of the universities involved, facilitating efficient data sharing and streamlined processing workflows.

Dr. Nadia Charalambous, Director of the SURF Lab, stated, “The seamless integration of Google Cloud into our research infrastructure represents a significant advancement for the SURF Lab and our international partners. This platform empowers our researchers with the advanced tools necessary to push the boundaries of knowledge and address complex challenges. The scalability and flexibility of Google Cloud will undoubtedly accelerate our research endeavors, fostering a new era of collaborative innovation.”

About Gear Education: Gear Education is a Cyprus-based education technology provider offering consulting, technology solutions, technical services, and training for educational institutions. Amongst their noteworthy partnerships with industry leaders, Gear Education is the island's first Google for Education partner. For more information, please visit www.geareducation.com.

About SURF Lab: The Society and Urban Form (SURF) Research Lab is a multidisciplinary hub exploring how the built environment shapes society. It translates urban research into actionable insights for design and policy, promoting sustainable, healthy, and inclusive cities. SURF fosters excellence in urban design, planning, and governance, with expertise spanning evidence-based design, urban morphology, and participatory practices. The lab is home to ten staff, postdocs, and PhD researchers.