Thousands of visitors who attended this year's European Researchers' Night had the opportunity to live an exciting experience, full of research, innovation and science! The event, which has been organized for 17 years in Cyprus by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), took place on Friday, September 29 at the State Exhibition in Nicosia and attracted the interest of young and old - among them 3,000 male and female students. The event was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, and dozens of organizations from the field of research, innovation and business in Cyprus participated, with pioneering projects and interactive activities.

Throughout the event, from 9 in the morning until 10 in the evening, the public could browse the more than 60 stands that were set up at the State Exhibition and were manned with great scientists of Cyprus, see experiments up close and to travel to the inexhaustible world of inventions and advanced technology. Visitors also had the opportunity to use specialized scientific equipment as well as participate in a variety of activities, games, treasure hunts and competitions. A special place in this year's event was the portrait exhibition "Women in mathematics" with the aim of highlighting and recognizing the contribution of women in the mathematical sciences.

As part of the event, awards were also given to students who distinguished themselves in the RIF competitions for the communication of science, Science Unfold and the writing of a short story for the creation of an eBook. For the first time in the institution, the best stand of the European Researchers' Night was also awarded, with Biobank.cy - Center of Excellence for Biobanking and Biomedical Research, winning first place.

In his greeting at the ceremonial part of the event, the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute, Mr. Dimitris Skouridis, stated that the aim of the event is to bring closer to the public the great work of some of the of the brightest minds of Cyprus. These are personalities, he said, "they must be an example to follow for our young men and women so that they believe in the power of research and innovation for the future of the country, and dare to follow this path as a professional choice.". Addressing the young generation, he added “Keep fighting and claiming what you deserve, aiming higher and higher. We will stand by you in your every endeavour, building an environment that will facilitate and encourage excellence, innovation and technological development and create quality employment opportunities that will allow you to fully unfold the breadth of your talent and potential.”

The event was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, who, in his greeting, emphasized that science is an exciting journey that can shape the future of the new generation and with it the whole world. "As a father myself," said the Deputy Minister, "I am especially proud every time I stand in front of so many children and young people who love science, but also such proud parents who encourage their children to engage in interesting subjects that sharpen the mind, shape children's imaginations creatively by exploring the world through a healthy lens."

The event closed with a fun performance of comedic improvisation in science, with comedians Giorgos Angelopoulos, Yiannis Sarakatsanis and Soso Hatzimanolis. This year's European Researchers' Night had as its central theme the "European Missions", which concern the development of innovative solutions to global challenges such as Adaptation to Climate Change, Cancer, Healthy Oceans, Seas and Coastal and Inland Waters, Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and Soil and Food Health. It is organized simultaneously in more than 350 cities across Europe and is an initiative of the European Commission with the aim of highlighting the impact of science on the daily life of citizens, in original and entertaining ways. The event was organized within the framework of the European CONNECT Project with No. 101060913, which is financed by the Horizon Europe Program of the EU. for Research and Innovation.