young innovators — The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has honoured young innovators and future scientists at a special award ceremony in Nicosia, part of the 19th European Researchers’ Night. This event showcased the talents of 14 students and 11 schools from across Cyprus, who received accolades for their creativity, innovation, and scientific curiosity.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Young innovators: Recognising Talent Through Competition
The ceremony celebrated participants across five competitive categories, where students presented ideas and projects that demonstrated their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The contests included:
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- Artistic Creation Action – European Missions for Sustainability
- Design Thinking Challenge
- E-book Short Story
- Science Unfold
- Best Exhibition Stand
These competitions aim to foster critical thinking and digital skills in students, while encouraging them to consider careers in scientific fields.
Highlights from the Ceremony
The awards were presented by notable figures, including Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides, among others. Schools from various districts, including Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol, showcased standout projects focusing on themes such as ocean protection, sustainable living, and environmental awareness.
Artistic Contributions Emphasising Sustainability
The winning entries in the artistic category particularly drew attention to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Projects explored the impact of human actions on oceans, ecosystems, and the preservation of soil, highlighting the creative approaches students took to convey significant messages.
Impressive E-book Competitions
In the E-book competition, students from primary schools impressed judges with short stories that drew inspiration from science, technology, and their own creativity. These narratives not only showcased writing skills but also reflected innovative thinking that could inspire future scientific pursuits.
Innovative Research in Science Unfold
The Science Unfold competition provided secondary school students with a platform to present innovative research concepts and scientific experiments. Ideas aimed at addressing real-world challenges were shared, further encouraging a culture of inquiry and exploration among young minds.
Creative Problem Solving in the Design Thinking Challenge
The Design Thinking Challenge was another highlight, prompting participants to tackle social and scientific issues using creative problem-solving techniques. This approach not only nurtures innovation but also equips students with skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Best Exhibition Stand and Educational Engagement
A standout moment of the evening was the award for the Best Exhibition Stand, which went to “Mito Rangers: Heroes in Action,” presented by the biobank.cy Centre of Excellence of the University of Cyprus. This engaging booth captivated the audience with its educational approach, demonstrating how interactive displays can effectively communicate complex scientific concepts.
Acknowledging the Future of Science in Cyprus
The RIF extended heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants, emphasising that their creativity and enthusiasm reflect the strong scientific potential within Cyprus’ younger generation. The Foundation is committed to fostering this potential and announced that the next European Researchers’ Night will take place in September 2026, continuing its mission to inspire students in the fields of science and innovation.
Support from the European Commission
This year’s event was funded by the European Commission under the project titled “MISSION POSSIBLE: Researchers on Board for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” The organisers clarified that while the event received financial support from the European Union, the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the EU or the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
Engagement in Science Communication
The European Researchers’ Night is a significant annual event in Cyprus dedicated to science communication, providing students and the public with an opportunity to engage with research and innovation in an interactive and creative manner. Through this initiative, RIF continues to play a vital role in promoting scientific literacy and inspiring future generations.
