From 7 to 9 October, Nicosia hosted YERUN Leaders, Coordinators and the YERUN Brussels Office for the YERUN General Assembly, kindly hosted by YERUN member, the University of Cyprus (UCY).
The three days were marked by insightful discussions on the future of the network, exchanges on key topics on the EU agenda, great company, incredibly sunny weather, and delicious Cypriot food.
The first day began under a bright sun at the UCY campus, where participants were warmly welcomed by UCY Rector, Prof. Tasos Christofides; Prof. Eleni Tatiani Synodinou, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; and Elena Avgoustidou Kyriacou, YERUN Coordinator. Prof. Christofides opened the day with an inspiring presentation on the University of Cyprus, its successful yet young history and its strong belief in the value and importance of education. Prof. Synodinou followed with an impressive overview of UCY’s research achievements. Only 36 years young and already counting 30 ERC grants, UCY stands as a remarkable example of how young universities can lead in innovation and excellence.
The day continued with visits showcasing UCY’s vibrant research environment:
- KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, where Prof. Theocharis (Theo) Theocharides, Director of Research, and Dr. Philippos Isaia, Senior Software Engineer, shared insights into the centre’s work and showed some of its ongoing projects.
- The stunning Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Center (Library), a true architectural and intellectual treasure at the heart of the UCY campus.
- The CYENS Centre of Excellence, where Dr. Styliani Petroudi, Head of the Innovation Department, delivered an engaging presentation on the centre’s achievements and ambitions for the future.
In the afternoon, participants explored the old city of Nicosia guided by Titina Loizidou, who brought the city’s living history to life through testimonies filled with both memory and hope. The day concluded with a performance by the UCY Student Traditional Dance Club, a vibrant and joyful welcome to Cyprus!
The second day opened with YERUN Leaders and Coordinators gathering for policy updates from the YERUN Brussels Office. The session sparked lively discussion around the EU’s current priorities in research and education, particularly regarding the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Leaders then turned their attention to the European Research Area (ERA) Act, joined by Magda de Carli, Head of Unit for ERA at the European Commission, for a rich exchange on the purpose and progress of the Act. This was followed by a focused discussion on academic freedom, with contributions from Slaven Misljencevic, Policy Officer at DG RTD, who shared valuable perspectives on both European and national approaches. After a coffee break filled with conversations, participants reconvened for a presentation by Lina Tsoumpanou, Coordinator of EU and International Files at the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus. She outlined the research and innovation priorities of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Meanwhile, YERUN Coordinators engaged in a workshop to refine the network’s working methods for the next five years, aligning with the new YERUN Strategy 2026–2030. Their contribution remains essential to the successful implementation of the network’s ambitions.
The day concluded with a beautiful tour of the city of Limassol and a dinner by the beach, marked by delicious food, and even better company.
The final day was dedicated to the YERUN General Assembly meeting, where members engaged in meaningful discussions on the network’s future as work progresses toward finalising the YERUN Strategy 2026–2030.
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YERUN President, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen was re-confirmed in his position with full support from members. The YERUN Brussels Office presented an overview of the outstanding work achieved during the five years of the outgoing strategy, a testimony to the network’s growing influence and collaborative spirit.
The meeting concluded with a heartfelt thank-you to Raquel Vega Rubio, YERUN Policy & Project Officer, who, after three years of impeccable work, is moving on to a new professional chapter. Raquel leaves behind a lasting positive mark on the network, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavours.
A sincere thank you goes to the University of Cyprus, and in particular to Rector Tasos Christofides, Vice Rector Eleni Tatiani Synodinou, YERUN Coordinator Elena Avgoustidou Kyriacou, and the entire International Office team, for their warm hospitality and impeccable organisation. It was a true pleasure to discover together the history and campus of UCY, as well as the beauty of Nicosia and Limassol.
We are already looking forward to the next YERUN General Assembly, which will take us to the very north of Europe. In March 2026, we will pack our warmest clothes and head to Norway, where we will be kindly hosted by our member university, the University of South-Eastern Norway.
Until then, thank you, Cyprus, for an unforgettable experience!
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Photocredit: © University of Cyprus
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