Cyprus is stepping into the global spotlight as a new centre for Earth observation, driven by a €38 million European research project that merges advanced satellite technology with scientific expertise.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Based in Limassol, this initiative is transforming the island into a key player in monitoring climate change, natural disasters, and environmental sustainability across Europe and beyond. The project, named EXCELSIOR, aims to enhance the island’s capabilities in tracking various environmental phenomena.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Run by the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak), the project has established the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, named after the ancient Greek mathematician and geographer. This centre represents a significant upgrade from a remote-sensing and geoenvironmental laboratory that Tepak began operating in 2007.
Since its inception in 2020, the centre has been instrumental in monitoring extreme weather, predicting risks of floods, fires, earthquakes, and landslides, and developing services that aid decision-making for governmental agencies, local authorities, and businesses across Europe.
The European Union has contributed €15 million through its Horizon Europe research programme, and the Cypriot government matched this funding. Tepak has also invested €8 million into the project, which is expected to conclude in 2027 after more than eight years of development.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of the EXCELSIOR initiative, with partnerships extending across Europe, including organisations such as the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research in Germany and the National Observatory of Athens in Greece. This European cooperation underscores the value of shared research efforts in addressing common environmental challenges.
Cyprus’s geographical position, sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, uniquely qualifies it to lead in Earth observation. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Cyprus offers ideal conditions for observing environmental trends and changes. Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, coordinator of EXCELSIOR, emphasises the project’s importance, stating, “This project would not exist without the vision and support of the EU. We have created a home for scientific excellence, one that brings real value to our country and promotes resilient societies and sustainable development internationally.”
The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is also contributing to the local economy by creating high-skilled jobs and offering career opportunities for young scientists. Currently, more than 120 individuals work at the centre, fostering a vibrant multicultural environment that stimulates scientific excellence.
Among the centre’s notable technologies is a €3.9 million satellite antenna that provides Cyprus with near real-time access to satellite data, including high-resolution images crucial for monitoring maritime activity, tracking wildfires, and responding to floods. Additionally, Cyprus is now home to its most advanced atmospheric observation station, which delivers vital insights into air quality and climate conditions affecting human health and agriculture.
The project also features a solar-radiation monitoring network that helps forecast ultraviolet radiation levels, aiding in the planning of renewable energy initiatives and agricultural activities. A smart-irrigation platform further integrates satellite data with artificial intelligence and on-the-ground measurements to optimise water use and reduce costs for farmers.
Utilising remote-sensing systems, the centre can detect early signs of wear and corrosion in critical infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels, facilitating timely maintenance. Furthermore, the tools employed by the centre assist in monitoring and protecting archaeological sites using radar, 3D laser scanning, and satellite images to assess threats posed by development, erosion, and climate change.
The EXCELSIOR project has also established a national platform for multidimensional data, making satellite imagery more accessible and usable for supporting Cypriot policy priorities. This allows scientists to analyse environmental trends while enabling governmental agencies and policymakers to monitor natural resources and plan urban development.
In 2025, the EXCELSIOR project and the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence will be showcased across Cyprus and Europe as part of a European campaign titled Science4EU. This initiative aims to highlight how the EU supports scientists and innovators in expanding knowledge and improving citizens’ lives.
