Medicover Genetics Cyprus welcomes students to its state-of-the-art laboratories

On July 9, 2025, participants of the 2025 National DNA Essay Contest had the unique opportunity to meet the scientists of Medicover Genetics and explore the state-of-the-art genetic laboratories.

The students, who had participated earlier this spring with outstanding essays, visited the Medicover Genetics facilities in Nicosia, accompanied by their parents and teachers. During the visit, they also had the opportunity to learn more about the company’s history, mission, and evolution in the field of genetic diagnostics. They were also introduced to how our Cypriot scientists' know-how is integrated on a global scale, actively contributing to international collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of genetic medicine. They were then presented with awards and certificates of recognition, followed by a guided tour of the laboratories led by the company’s Managing Director, Dr Marios Ioannides. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Dr. Panayiota Mylona, the Biology Inspector at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Cyprus.

During his remarks, Dr Ioannides stated: “As with last year, the competition once again achieved its main objective – to inspire young people to explore the role of genetics in modern medicine. The judging committee reviewed a wide range of excellent submissions from students of both public and private secondary schools across Cyprus.”

He extended his heartfelt thanks to Dr Mylona for her continued and valuable support, adding: “The contest has now become a well-established tradition and a symbol of the excellent collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and Medicover Genetics Cyprus.” Dr Ioannides also thanked the teachers who guided and encouraged their students to take part, as well as all the students for their dedication and enthusiasm: “We are proud that Medicover Genetics serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation of scientists,” he said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote scientific research and reward academic excellence.

In her address, Dr. Mylona commented: “This competition is a shining example of how scientific knowledge can be conveyed to young people in a meaningful, inspiring, and interactive way.” She expressed her appreciation to Medicover Genetics for offering students the opportunity to visit its laboratories and for organising a ceremony that celebrates scientific and educational achievement.

The winners of the 2025 National DNA Essay Contest, on the topic “Describe the importance of carrier screening focusing on its benefits for people planning to have children,” are:

• 1st Place: Eleni Kirmizi – The English School, Nicosia
  • 2nd Place: Rafael Ioannou – Kykkos Lyceum, Paphos

The winning essays have been published on the company’s website (https://medicover-genetics.com/medicover-genetics-3rd-dna-essay-competition-winners/). Honourable Mentions were awarded to:

• Mariam Ezziden Abdulkarim – PASCAL Private Secondary School, Nicosia
  • Danae Katerina Chari – Apostolos Marcos Lyceum, Nicosia
  • Constantinos Matheou – Xenion High School, Famagusta
  • Marianna Pattichi – Livadia Regional Lyceum, Larnaca
  • Evaggelia Economou – IMS Private School, Limassol