The University of Cyprus (UCY) successfully hosted the General Assembly of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN) from 7 to 9 October 2025, bringing together in Nicosia senior leaders and representatives from some of Europe’s most dynamic young research universities.
The three-day event opened with a welcome presentation by the Rector, Professor Tasos Christofides, followed by a presentation from the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Tatiana-Eleni Synodinou, who highlighted UCY’s research excellence and its policies promoting innovation and collaboration.
Participants had the opportunity to tour the University Campus and visit the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, as well as the CYENS Centre of Excellence, and to explore the old city of Nicosia.
On 8 October, the Leaders Workshop focused on policy discussions related to the European Research Area (ERA) Act, featuring interventions from Ms Magda De Carli, Head of the ERA Unit at the European Commission, Mr Slaven Misljencevic, Policy Officer at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) of the European Commission, and Ms Lina Tsoumpanou, Coordinator for European and International Affairs at the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus. The discussions centred on the autonomy of academic institutions, academic freedom, and the priorities of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU.
In parallel with the Leaders Workshop, the YERUN Coordinators Workshop took place, focusing on the network’s working methods and strategic coordination, under the guidance of the YERUN Office in Brussels.
The Assembly concluded on 9 October with the YERUN General Assembly, during which members discussed the YERUN Strategic Plan 2026–2030, reviewed the financial statements, and elected the new President of the Network.
Hosting the General Assembly was a great honour for the University of Cyprus, which has been a member of YERUN since 2021. It represents an important recognition of UCY’s active contribution to the network and its ongoing commitment to strengthening European cooperation in research, education and innovation.
For more information, please contact the International Relations Service of the University of Cyprus at
📞 +357 22894288 or ✉️ irs@ucy.ac.cy.