Conference for the official completion of the “KIOS Teaming” Project

Through the Teaming project, the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence has evolved into a leading European center for Research and Innovation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a focus on critical infrastructure systems.

The conference titled “KIOS Teaming Project Conference: Celebrating Achievements and Paving the Way Forward”, organized by the KIOS Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus, was held on March 27, 2025, at the University’s premises, marking a major success.

The event celebrated the completion of the European “KIOS Teaming Project” (2017 – Feb. 2025), which aimed to transform KIOS into a European Center of Excellence in Research and Innovation. The conference highlighted the Center’s development, achievements, future plans, and its socioeconomic impact at both local and international levels.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodimos Damianou, delivered a welcome address. He praised KIOS for its outstanding progress since its establishment, stating that the Center stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research, innovation, and technological development, attracting talented researchers and securing major funding from European and national sources.

He specifically acknowledged KIOS’s support to the government during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it developed essential tools that helped authorities respond quickly and make critical decisions. This support, he noted, continues today, as KIOS develops solutions to protect critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of vital services, including energy, water, intelligent transportation, health, and telecommunications. Concluding, he emphasized that KIOS is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, innovation, and collaboration.

On behalf of KIOS, Professor Marios Polycarpou, Chair of the Center’s Board and Coordinator of the KIOS Teaming Project, and Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Cyprus, highlighted the Center’s successful journey, particularly during the implementation of the Teaming Project from 2017 to 2025.

According to Prof. Polycarpou, during this period, the Center experienced unprecedented growth, achieving major milestones such as:

• Attracting highly skilled researchers in advanced technologies

• Establishing the KIOS Innovation Hub, offering R&I services to organizations managing and securing vital infrastructures

• Developing large-scale experimental research infrastructure for real-world testing of technologies

Since its foundation in 2008, KIOS has:

• Created more than 650 job opportunities

• Participated in 165 R&I projects, securing over €53 million in funding

• Engaged in 87 industry-funded projects, receiving €11.5 million

• Helped its partners attract over €48 million for technology infrastructure upgrades

Professor Christos Panayiotou, Director of the KIOS Center and faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, spoke about the Center’s collaborations with key infrastructure organizations and the tangible results of those partnerships. These collaborations promote knowledge transfer and innovative solutions for the benefit of society.

Representing Imperial College London, KIOS’s strategic partner, Professor Thomas Parisini presented on the topic “Science for Humanity: Imperial College Strategy and Pathways to Impact.” He highlighted the interdisciplinary approach of Imperial’s strategy, which has also been implemented at KIOS, yielding positive outcomes.

From the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts, its President, Professor Achilleas Emilianides, presented on “Investing in Excellence”, emphasizing the importance of state investment in basic research.

Further remarks were delivered by Mr. Tasos Anastasiou, President of the University of Cyprus Council, who emphasized the impact of KIOS’s research on Cyprus’s economy and society, and by Rector Professor Tasos Christofides, who praised the Center’s research excellence.

Roundtable Discussion

The event also featured a roundtable discussion on: “Critical Infrastructure: Security, Resilience and Sustainability”, with participants from infrastructure organizations and KIOS Innovation Hub partners. The discussion focused on current challenges in critical infrastructure systems and the need to ensure their security, resilience, and sustainability through research and innovation.

Participants included:

• Mr. Socratis Metaxas, Limassol District Local Authority

• Dr. Andreas Stavrou, Electricity Authority of Cyprus

• Mr. Aristotelis Savva, Department of Public Works

• Dr. Natasha Anastasiadou, Ministry of Health

• Mr. Savvas Agathokleous, Cyprus Police

The session was moderated by Dr. Christos Laoudias, Research Lecturer. The discussion emphasized how close collaboration between KIOS and these organizations has led to technological solutions that enable them to meet today’s challenges. All participants expressed their intention to strengthen future collaborations with KIOS for improving the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure.

The event concluded with technology demonstrations by KIOS researchers and a poster exhibition showcasing the Center’s work.

More than 140 attendees participated, including embassy representatives, government officials, public and private sector stakeholders, academics and researchers, and KIOS partners and collaborators.

📌 More about the KIOS Center of Excellence:
👉 https://www.kios.ucy.ac.cy/