The four-year European project EUSOME Excellence Hub, coordinated by the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation KIOS of the University of Cyprus, officially launched its activities by bringing together 16 partners in Cyprus for a two-day kick-off meeting held on 10-11 January 2025, in Cyprus.
The EUSOME (Enabling Autonomous Aerial Systems through Operational Methods and Technological Enhancements) Excellence Hub project aims to modernise the air mobility ecosystem in the South East Mediterranean region, addressing specific regional challenges such as transporting goods and people, monitoring complex and rugged landscapes, responding to fire risks and monitoring traffic congestion.
The project will address these challenges through the development of (i) an open research and innovation infrastructure, (ii) mentoring and training programmes, (iii) an integrated plan for the adoption of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations on advanced air mobility, and (iv) support services to help stakeholders to exploit advanced air mobility technology.
A key innovation of the project is the creation of the EUSOME Thematic Innovation Node, through which open access policies and the potential for commercial exploitation of the project results will be explored. The EUSOME Innovation Hub will also develop a portfolio of consultancy services, building on the cross-cutting skills that will be developed during the project, providing valuable information to operators entering the air mobility market. Finally, the EUSOME Innovation Hub will implement an information programme to promote public participation and to ensure wide acceptance of advanced air mobility technology.
The EUSOME Excellence Hub project is funded by the EU through the Horizon Europe programme with a total budget of €5.998.806 and is coordinated by Professor George Ellinas in collaboration with Assistant Professor Panagiotis Kolios and Dr. Christian Vitale at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation KIOS of the University of Cyprus. The project includes experts from Cyprus, Greece, Poland and Serbia from across the spectrum of advanced air mobility, including leading research institutions, aircraft manufacturers, civil aviation authorities, public/government agencies, innovation experts and civil society representatives.
About the EU Excellence Hubs
The Hubs of Excellence are part of the European Excellence Initiative and complement the science-oriented programmes Teaming, Twinning, ERA Chairs, and the European Excellence Initiative. They aim to strengthen regional innovation in underperforming research and innovation (Widening countries), and to foster cooperation and better links between academia, business, government and civil society.
Source: University of Cyprus | Latest news (https://tinyurl.com/2xth6979)