SUNRISE Erasmus+ School of Science Research Week successfully hosted at European University Cyprus
The School of Science at European University Cyprus (EUC) successfully hosted the 1st SUNRISE Erasmus+ School of Science Research Week from 19 to 22 May 2025, welcoming academic staff, researchers, and institutional representatives from across Europe. The event was held in the context of the SUNRISE Erasmus+ Alliance, aiming to strengthen inter-institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through academic exchange and joint initiatives.
The four-day event featured a comprehensive program of presentations, lectures, networking sessions, and social activities. It provided a unique platform for participants to share ongoing research, explore potential collaborations, and deepen their engagement in cross-border scientific cooperation.
Key Components of the Program:
- Opening Ceremony and Institutional Introductions
The event commenced with opening remarks from senior leadership at EUC, including Professor A. Efstathiou (Rector) and Professor P. Papageorgis (Dean of the School of Sciences). A presentation of the SUNRISE initiative was delivered by Dr. A. Stylianou (EUC) and Dr. V. Ullmann (Technische Universität Ilmenau). - Research Presentations and Flash Talks
EUC faculty showcased their work across a range of disciplines including cancer immunotherapy, nanotechnology, mechanobiology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience. Flash talk sessions highlighted emerging projects and early-career research contributions. - Lectures by Visiting Academics
Guest speakers from SUNRISE partner institutions and other European universities presented on diverse research themes, such as epidemiological modeling, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy systems, and biomedical engineering. Notable institutions represented included universities from Portugal, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Germany, and Italy. - Partner Institution Presentations
Representatives from each SUNRISE partner university introduced their research portfolios, institutional capabilities, and strategic research priorities. Participating institutions included:- Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany)
- Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (Portugal)
- Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy)
- Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
- University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (Poland)
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne (France)
- Mälardalen University (Sweden)
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy, virtual participation)
- Biomedical Sciences Conference
A dedicated conference segment was held focusing on recent advances in biomedical sciences. Key topics included:- Cancer immunotherapy and immune suppression
- Biobanking and genomics
- The use of model organisms such as zebrafish and humanized mice in drug development
- Microbiota, inflammation, and cancer models
- Gender considerations in biomedical research
- Research career development through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Networking and Cultural Exchange
The program incorporated guided visits to EUC’s research facilities, a city tour of Nicosia, and formal and informal networking events designed to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and foster long-term academic partnerships.
The SUNRISE Erasmus+ School of Science Research Week exemplified the SUNRISE alliance’s collaborative spirit and academic ambition. It created valuable opportunities for institutional networking, knowledge exchange, and the development of future research consortia.
European University Cyprus extends its gratitude to all participants and partner institutions for their contributions and looks forward to continued collaboration under the SUNRISE framework.
