Dr. Hadjikyprianou: EUC strengthening its presence in Frankfurt

A key pillar of the European University Cyprus’ long-term strategic plan for sustainable development, innovation and strengthening internationalisation is the expansion of its university campus, the inauguration of which will be held by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, today, Friday, 2 May.

In an interview with InBusinessNews, the CEO and President of the Council of the European University Cyprus (EUC), Dr. Christoforou Hadjikyprianou explains what the Campus expansion encompasses and what its aims are, underlining that the total cost of the project, including equipment, laboratories and technological infrastructure, exceeds €22 million and is clear proof of the European University Cyprus' commitment to qualitative development.

At the same time, he reveals the University's future plans for further expansion of its activities in Germany (Frankfurt), as well as the intention to create a branch in Greece.

More specifically, regarding the EUC branch in Frankfurt, Dr. Hadjikyprianou states that the immediate priorities of the University are the expansion of its academic and research footprint in the German city, with the addition of new, high-demand programmes in the Health sector, such as Dentistry, and, at a later stage, selected postgraduate and research directions.

In fact, as he further reveals, the necessary contracts have already been signed for the construction of two new state-of-the-art buildings, with a total area of ​​10,000 sq m., which will strengthen the infrastructure of the branch in Germany.

Regarding the operation of a branch in Greece, the CEO and President of the Council of European University Cyprus indicates that "we are awaiting the Council of State’s decision with interest, which will decide on the constitutionality of the recently passed law and will clarify critical provisions concerning the licensing and operation of branches of private universities in Greece," since, as he explains, "this decision is decisive for the final formulation of our plan and will determine the framework within which we will move institutionally and academically."

In his interview, Dr Hadjikyprianou also comments on the creation of new universities or branches of foreign universities in Cyprus, emphasising, among other things, that "the policy of developing higher education must focus not on 'more', but on 'better,'” noting that "we, as the European University Cyprus, seek competition, because competition brings progress. However, without sustainability, there can be neither quality nor innovation."

First of all, we would like you to tell us what the Campus expansion encompassed, what was its purpose and what was the cost ?

The expansion of the European University Cyprus Campus is a key pillar of the University's long-term strategic plan for sustainable development, innovation and strengthening internationalisation.

More specifically, the project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art, bioclimatic building with a total area of ​​approximately 6,000 sq m, with class A energy efficiency.

This addition substantially enhances the functionality and aesthetics of the Campus, reflecting the University's long-standing commitment to modern, sustainable infrastructure and environmental responsibility.

The new building is designed to meet the growing needs of the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, as well as the Health Sciences programmess. It includes state-of-the-art facilities, such as Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and Clinical Simulation laboratories, and specialised internship spaces.

Particular importance was also given to the development of the new School of Veterinary Medicine, with the construction of fully equipped laboratories and infrastructure that meet strict European standards.

This is a project that is expected to become a benchmark for technological innovation, not only for the University but also for Cyprus in general.

At the same time, as part of the strategy for technological innovation, the new building houses the Cisco Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

This Center operates as a hub for education, support and networking of start-ups and innovative ideas, with an emphasis on digital technology, healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence.

The new building also houses pioneering programmes that utilise Artificial Intelligence applications in health, education and research, making the University a leader in digital transformation.

This investment aims to qualitatively upgrade the educational and research experience, strengthen the international presence of the University and establish it as a centre of excellence in the wider region.

The total cost of the project, including equipment, laboratories and technological infrastructure, exceeds €22 million and is clear evidence of the European University Cyprus' commitment to quality development.

Plans for the Frankfurt branch

The branch of the University Medical School in Frankfurt adds a new dimension to your University. What is your experience of operating the branch in Frankfurt and what are your future plans in the city ?

The branch of the Medical School of the European University Cyprus in Frankfurt constitutes an important strategic milestone and point of reference for our University.

This is the first branch of a Cypriot university operating outside the Republic of Cyprus, a fact that highlights the international character and dynamic extroversion of the European University Cyprus.

The operation of the branch in Frankfurt has provided us with valuable experience and confirms our strategic choice to expand our presence in Europe.

The branch offers the internationally recognised Medical degree programme (MD in Medicine), the same one successfully awarded in Nicosia, and is already developing into an international centre of medical education, innovation and research.

The programme has been accredited by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME), the Cyprus Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA-DIPAE), as well as by the competent authorities in Germany.

At the same time, it has received a warm welcome and active support from German institutions, as it substantially contributes to covering the serious shortages of medical personnel in Germany.

Our immediate priorities include expanding our academic and research footprint in Frankfurt, with the addition of new, high-demand programmes in the Health sector, such as Dentistry, and, at a later stage, selected postgraduate and research directions.

The necessary contracts have already been signed for the construction of two new state-of-the-art buildings, with a total area of ​​10,000 sq m., which will strengthen the infrastructure of the branch in Germany.

This is an emblematic project, which further strengthens the international profile of our University and makes our Frankfurt branch a strategic hub for medical and health education in Central Europe.

This investment is not just a physical infrastructure expansion. It is an expression of our vision for international presence, timeless quality, and a meaningful contribution to science, health, and education.

We consciously invest in the creation of an ecosystem of academic excellence, technological innovation and social contribution, which goes beyond the geographical boundaries of Cyprus.

Development plans for expansion in Greece

Can you tell us more about the development plans for the University's expansion in Greece?

The European University Cyprus has the know-how, expertise and international presence that allow it to repeat the successful expansion strategy, as happened with the branch in Germany, in Greece.

We are absolutely ready to prepare and implement a fully documented strategic plan for the creation of a branch in the country, substantially contributing to the major reform being attempted for the establishment of non-state universities.

We await with interest the decision of the Council of State, which will decide on the constitutionality of the recently passed law and clarify critical provisions concerning the licensing and operation of private university branches in Greece.

This decision is crucial for the final shaping of our plan and will determine the framework within which we will move institutionally and academically.

Once we make the final decision, we are committed to ensuring that the future branch in Greece will be equal to the Nicosia Campus, both in terms of infrastructure and services, and in terms of academic excellence.

Our goal is to provide high-quality educational services, focusing on the student, social progress and connecting education with the needs of the labour market.

Beyond its academic mission, we believe that the European University Cyprus can play an active role in shaping a modern, extroverted and competitive academic ecosystem with regional and international influence.

Beyond academic excellence, the European University Cyprus is known for its strong ties with industry, society and government. How does the University leverage these partnerships to enhance the professional rehabilitation of its graduates?

At European University Cyprus we understand that academic knowledge must be combined with practical skills, real-world exposure and strong professional networks. For this reason, our strategic partnerships with industry, social actors and government authorities are integrated into our educational design.

We work closely with employers and professional organisations to design curricula that meet the needs of the modern labour market. In this way, we ensure that our graduates have the necessary skills, flexibility and professional mindset to be immediately competitive.

Professional preparedness is further enhanced through practical exercises, clinical placements, specialised workshops, and mentoring by professionals who transfer real-world experience directly to our students.

A typical example of this approach is the Microsoft Startup Center operating in our campus.

It is an innovation and entrepreneurship hub that encourages student startups, bridging education with the tech industry. Through this initiative, our students are empowered to become job creators, not just job seekers.

Our contribution extends to society. A typical example is the University Dental Clinic, which offers high-quality dental care to vulnerable groups, such as retirees and refugees, while at the same time offering our students valuable clinical experience with social impact.

This model combines experiential learning with social contribution, cultivating professional excellence and social responsibility.

Development of the university sector and the arrival of foreign universities

What is your view on the future development of the university sector in Cyprus and how do you position yourself regarding the creation of new universities or branches of foreign universities in the country?

The State's intention to strengthen the university sector is clearly going in the right direction. The higher education sector in Cyprus already contributes significantly to the GDP, innovation, the formation of scientific capital and social cohesion. However, real strengthening is not achieved by increasing the number of universities, but by upgrading their quality and sustainable development.

Today, there are 13 universities operating in Cyprus - a number that, in proportion to the population and size of the country, is already very high. We cannot operate with the logic that there must be a university in every municipality or in every corner of the island. The policy of developing higher education must focus not on "more", but on "better."

We, as the European University Cyprus, pursue competition - because competition brings progress. But without sustainability, there can be neither quality nor innovation.

Financial autonomy and long-term sustainability should be prerequisites for all universities - public and private. No new university initiative should operate at the expense of existing institutions, which have invested significantly in Cyprus and employ hundreds of academics and researchers.

Equally important is that the incentives discussed for new institutions - such as the allocation of state or municipal land or the use of state infrastructure - cannot create inequalities or unfair competition. For example, the effort to create branches of Greek universities in Cyprus must be based on clear institutional and qualitative criteria, which apply to all universities in the country.

The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education has proven that it can guarantee transparency and comparability of quality. We expect the State to ensure equality in any decision made.

At the same time, Cyprus needs a long-term strategic plan for university education, with goals of qualitative development, international competitiveness and better connection to the labor market. This must be preceded by a mapping of the needs of the economy, and the curricula must be aligned with them.

The international visibility of the sector must be strengthened by creating strong branding for Cypriot university education.

Finally, substantial investment is required in applied research, innovation and the interconnection of universities with the country's productive fabric.

In conclusion, the discussion on university education must be strategic, not fragmentary; it must focus on the public interest and the long-term strengthening of the country as a centre of excellence.

In this context, all of us - universities, government and society - have a role and responsibility.

(Source: InBusinessNews)