The research initiative CLEAR (Cryptosporidium species and Giardia duodenalis in Cyprus’ Leafy Greens and Water Resources) has recently secured funding under the Thalia 2021–2027 Social Cohesion Programme, which is co-funded by the European Union through the Research and Innovation Foundation.
Led by Principal Investigator Professor Panagiotis Karanis, the CLEAR project unites a multidisciplinary team including Dr Annalisa Quattrocchi, Dr Chad Schou, PhD students Vasilis Pavlou and Kyriakos Ioannou from the Medical School, along with Dr Androulla Miliotou and Dr Eleftheria Galatou from the School of Life and Health Sciences, and Dr Shahira Ahmed from Suez Canal University in Egypt. Industry partner CP Foodlab Ltd will contribute essential knowledge, real-world sample testing, and application of results, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this effort.
The programme, running until 30 August 2027 with €660,000 in funding, plays a vital role in enhancing food and water safety in Cyprus by improving detection, monitoring, and control of key parasites. Its significance lies in protecting public health and promoting environmental sustainability, which are crucial for the well-being of the community.
Prof Karanis expressed his satisfaction over the award: ‘We are delighted that the CLEAR initiative has secured funding through the Thalia 2021–2027 Social Cohesion Programme. This funding enables us to address a critical yet often under-recognised public health challenge in Cyprus – the presence of waterborne and foodborne parasites in our environment and food chain’.
By adopting the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, the project demonstrates a commitment to innovative solutions in environmental health and disease prevention. Through advanced diagnostic technologies and cross-sector collaboration, the project aims to strengthen Cyprus’ capacity for parasite surveillance and prevention, ultimately reducing health risks from contaminated food and water.
Source: University of Nicosia | UNIC News (https://tinyurl.com/4fdvpus4)