CYENS Centre of Excellence

CYENS was pleased to take part in the Europe Day 2026 celebrations in Nicosia, organised under the theme “EU AID Programme: 20 Years by Your Side”. Through our booth at Selimiye Square, we had the opportunity to engage with the public, present CYENS’ work across research, innovation, and education, and connect with the wider community in a vibrant European atmosphere. We were also delighted to see one of our joint projects featured at the booth of UNDP Cyprus with the 3D digitalization of St. Nicholas Gothic Cathedral (Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque) Thank you to everyone who visited the CYENS booth throughout the evening !

Digital inclusion is essential to ensuring that technology benefits everyone equally. We are proud to see CYENS in strategic partnership with CYTA for the Digital Inclusion campaign, launched this week in Cyprus under the “ΕίμαιΙσότιμαΕδώ / IamEquallyPresent” umbrella campaign. Through the Digital Kin project, CYTA and CYENS Centre of Excellence are working to strengthen digital skills in rural and remote communities across Cyprus, supporting individuals (mainly elderly) in gaining digital confidence through practical, step-by-step guidance in using digital tools. Digital Kin is one of three strategic partnerships launched under CYTA’s broader Digital Inclusion campaign, aimed at making the digital future more accessible and inclusive for all. The initiative was presented during an event organised in the context of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026, under the theme “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World”. CYENS was represented by Marios Constantinides and Sophia Ppali as well as the students working on the project: Lydia Paschalidou, Elena Eleftheriou and Aleksandra Ulanova. Sophia Ppali, who is leading the design and research of the project presented Digital Kin the panel where the three initiatives of the campaign were introduced. We thank CYTA for the collaboration and look forward to contributing to initiatives that help make digital opportunities more accessible to all. Υφ. Έρευνας, Καινοτομίας & Ψηφιακής Πολιτικής / DepMinistry of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, PhD, CYTA, Extended Experiences (EX), Sophia Ppali, Marios Constantinides, Fotis Liarokapis, Elena Eleftheriou, Lydia Paschalidou, Aleksandra Ulanova and Christina Charalambidou. #Cyta #DigitalInclusion #ΕιμαιΙσοτιμαΕδω #CYENS

Designing immersive experiences for the future At CYENS, the Extended Experiences (EX) Multidisciplinary Research Group explores how immersive technologies can transform the way people interact with digital and physical environments. Combining expertise in extended reality (XR), human-computer interaction, AI, and interactive media, EX develops experiences that bridge research, creativity, and real-world applications across culture, education, industry, and society. Its work includes: • Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications • Human-centred interaction design and immersive storytelling • AI-enhanced interactive experiences • Collaborative and multisensory digital environments Discover more: .cy/mrg/extended-experiences/ #CYENS #XR #ExtendedReality #ImmersiveTech #InteractiveMedia #Innovation #Research #HumanComputerInteraction

What if a telephone booth could speak? Through an immersive interactive experience developed by CYENS in collaboration with CYTA, a historic telephone booth is transformed into a “Time Capsule,” inviting visitors to journey through the story of telephone booths in Cyprus and their connection to the evolution of telecommunications on the island. Blending storytelling with virtual and augmented reality, the experience brings to life memories and moments that connected generations—while reflecting on CYTA’s ongoing role in shaping the future of communication. From past to future, the “Telephone Booth – Time Capsule” invites you to step inside, listen, and rediscover how technology continues to bring people closer together—reminding us that, in the end, we are all connected. We are one. Visit CYENS and experience it for yourself ! Credits: - CYTA Kyriacos Kolokotronis, PCC, EIS, MT Christoforos Christoforu Evdokia Philippou Alexia Yiallouridou - Silversky3d VR Technologies Ltd Alexandros Andreou - CYENS Fotos Frangoudes Alexios Polydorou Stefanos Papadas Kleanthis Neokleous

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, met with representatives of Cyprus’ Centres of Excellence to review progress achieved since their previous meeting in May and exchange views on current developments shaping the country’s research and innovation landscape. The discussion focused on ongoing policy priorities, future strategic directions, and the importance of maintaining strong institutional support for Cyprus’ Centres of Excellence, including BIOBANK.CY, ERATOSTHENIS, CYENS, PHAETHON CoE, CMMI, KIOS and EMME-CARE. The meeting reaffirmed the vital contribution of the Centres in strengthening Cyprus’ research, innovation and digital transformation ecosystem, while fostering collaboration, scientific excellence and sustainable growth.

Exploring the connection between movement, cognition, and technology At CYENS, the Neo-Move Multidisciplinary Research Group focuses on the neurocognitive management of occupational movement disorders through the combination of neuroscience, immersive technologies, and human-centred research. Bringing together expertise in neurophysiology, biofeedback, extended reality, and performance science, Neo-Move develops innovative approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of movement-related conditions. Its work includes: • Research on neurological and musculoskeletal disorders • XR and interactive technologies for rehabilitation and wellbeing • Biofeedback and motion analysis systems • Human performance and neurocognitive studies across occupational settings Through interdisciplinary collaboration, Neo-Move contributes to advancing healthcare, rehabilitation, and our understanding of human movement and cognition. Discover more: .cy/ #CYENS #NeoMove #Neuroscience #XR #DigitalHealth #Rehabilitation #HumanFactors #Research #Innovation

If you are a startup, researcher, producer, policymaker, or ecosystem actor in agrifood, we invite you to join us 🌾 As the EIT Food Country Representative for Cyprus, we are convening a national activation event to define how Cyprus engages with Europe’s food innovation ecosystem 🇪🇺 This is a working session, where your input will directly inform: – Future EIT Food programmes and funding opportunities – Capacity-building and training initiatives – Cross-sector collaborations in Cyprus 🤝 The event will also bring together key stakeholders to network, exchange ideas, and build new partnerships beyond the event. 🗓️ 25 May 2026 | 📍 CYENS, Nicosia Agenda: 11:00–11:15 | Registrations 11:15–11:30 | Opening Remarks 11:30–11:45 | Country Representative Role 11:45–13:00 | Facilitated Discussions 13:00–14:00 | Networking Lunch Participation is free of charge. 👉 If you want your perspective reflected in future initiatives, we encourage you to join. 🔗 Limited places – join the discussion: https://forms.gle/SSbaar8RLXfoSwGLA This event is organised by SocialTech Lab as the EIT Food Country Representative in Cyprus, with the support of CYENS as the EIT Community RIS Hub in Cyprus. #EITFood #AgrifoodInnovation #Cyprus #FoodSystems #Collaboration

We’re excited about the incredible success of our alumni Public Talks on AI: Foundations, Possibilities, and Risks, held on April 21 at the @cyens_coe Organized by @uclancyprus and supported by U.S. Embassy Nicosia and @amchamcy , this inspiring event brought together researchers, professionals, industry partners, policy makers, and U.S. exchange alumni for an evening of knowledge exchange and networking. We’re proud to explore big ideas together and continue building bridges between education, innovation, and community.

👅 Can you taste how healthy your food is? Join us for a unique workshop with Nicolas Netien from OLEAPHEN and discover how flavour is more than just taste, it’s science. Using extra virgin olive oil as a case study, you’ll explore how bitterness, pungency, and complexity reveal powerful bioactive compounds and how this can guide smarter, healthier food choices 🌿 ✨ What to expect: • Understand the science behind taste & nutrition • Discover how polyphenols influence flavour and health • Learn to “read” food through your senses • Rethink how you choose and use ingredients in everyday life 💡 Part of the CLEVERFOOD initiative,connecting food, science, and sustainability. 🗓 22 May 2026 🎟 Reserve your spot: /e/trust-your-taste-the-science-of-flavour-and-nutrition-tickets-1985820416322 Limited places available trust your taste and join us!

Celebrating the people behind CYENS! This 1st of May, we recognise and thank everyone who contributes to the work of CYENS Centre of Excellence: from researchers to operational and support teams, educators, innovators and entrepreneurs. From pioneering research and advancing education to driving innovation and delivering diverse technology-driven services, every role contributes critically to our shared mission. Today, we acknowledge the people whose dedication, expertise, and collaboration shape our Centre and its impact. Happy Labour Day!

🫙 Discover the art of kombucha fermentation with Mikro Kombucha Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring how simple ingredients transform into a refreshing, living drink full of flavour and benefits. From fermentation basics to flavour creation and tasting, this session is the perfect introduction to kombucha brewing 🌿 ✨ What to expect: • Live brewing demo & fermentation insights • Tasting of different kombucha flavours • Learn about health benefits & sustainability • Take home your own SCOBY + tea to start brewing 💡 As part of the CLEVERFOOD initiative, this workshop is subsidised making it more accessible than typical kombucha sessions. 🗓 15 May 2026 🔗 Secure your spot: /e/discover-kombucha-brewing-tickets-1985804788579 Limited places available don’t miss it!

Great news! Magic Lantern Ltd has been granted with the 'Proof of Concept' funding from the Research and Innovation Foundation. Magic Lantern aims for development of an interactive book installation that transforms showcasing collections into interactive experiences.