The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) ‘Elements and Health Impact of the Mediterranean Diet’, which was successfully completed by the Postgraduate Programme ‘Health Unit Management’ of the Open University of Cyprus (OUC), in collaboration with the University’s Mobility Office, was a great success. The Programme was carried out with the participation of 18 students and six (6) faculty members from six (6) universities abroad. The scientific coordinator of the BIP for the OUC was Associate Professor Elpidoforos Soteriades. During the Programme, professors from the participating Universities, as well as technocrats and scientists from Cyprus delivered lectures, workshops and group activities, using the interactive distance learning methods of the Open University of Cyprus.
The main objective of the Programme was to cultivate knowledge and skills regarding the multiple beneficial effects of the Mediterranean Diet on human health. The BIP focused, inter alia, on issues related to motivation to change eating habits, the design and implementation of epidemiological studies focusing on the Mediterranean diet, as well as the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for physical and mental health, etc.
The BIP consortium, which was coordinated by the AUC, included six (6) additional universities (University of the Aegean, International Hellenic University, Charles University, University of Calabria, University of Crete and United Arab Emirates University) from four (4) countries (Greece, Czech Republic, Italy, United Arab Emirates). The sponsors and supporters of the educational programme were the Ministry of Tourism, the Holy Metropolis of Kition, the Municipality of Larnaca, the Oenou Yi Winery-Ktima Vassiliadis, and the Community Council of Anogyra.
The BIP experience was extremely fruitful, enhancing not only the scientific knowledge and practical skills of the participants, but also fostering cross-cultural cooperation and creating strong links between the collaborating academics.
Source: Open University of Cyprus | OUC News (https://tinyurl.com/4vvkmw4f)