Young scientists from Cyprus were celebrated by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) at the 18th European Researchers’ Night for their exceptional communication skills and imaginative entries across various science competitions.
A total of 11 students stood out among dozens of participants, showcasing their innovative approaches in the “Science Unfold,” “e-Book,” and newly introduced “Design Thinking Challenge” student science communication competitions.
In the “Science Unfold” competition, secondary school students were invited to present a scientific discovery of their choice in just three minutes, utilising all their creativity and communication skills.
Meanwhile, the “e-Book” competition encouraged primary school pupils to explore storytelling and create short stories under the theme “Brainy and Genie on a Special Mission.”
This year’s “Design Thinking Challenge” made its debut, introducing students over 16 to the principles of design thinking and innovative problem-solving techniques.
Each competition aligns with the foundation’s mission to foster research, technological development, and innovation across Cyprus, equipping young people with essential skills and inspiring them to consider science and technology as viable career options.
Through these initiatives, the foundation aims to nurture a culture of research and innovation across Cypriot society, which participated enthusiastically in the event.
Winners were awarded gift vouchers from a technology store, presented by distinguished figures including Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, and Demetris Skourides, the foundation’s Chief Scientist, the Director General of the foundation, Theodoros Loukaidis, the Vice Chairman of the foundation, Andreas Efstathiou and the member of the foundation, Costas Christofides.
In the Science Communication “Science Unfold 2024” competition, high school winners included Demosthenes Panayiotou from Ayia Varvara Kato Polemidia High School, who received first prize, followed by Despina Kyprianou from Ayios Ioannis Chrysostomou High School of Lakatameia in second place, and Naya Tsolaki from Ayia Varvara Kato Polemidia High School in third.
In the Lyceum category, Ioannis Korfiatis from Lyceum Archiepiskopou Makarios C’ Dasoupoli secured first prize, with Angelos-Marios Nikolaou from Pancyprian High School taking second and Elpida Lazarou from Latsion Lyceum in third.
For the Technical School category, first prize went to Eleftherios Koullapis of Avgoros Technical School.
The eBook Competition, under the theme “Brainy and Genie on a Special Mission,” awarded Markos Demetriou and Sophia Stefanou, both from Grade 6 at the G C School of Careers – Greek Primary School, with the first prize.
Emelina Kasoulidi, a fifth grader at Egomi Primary School A, received a second commendation.
In the Design Thinking Challenge, the winner was Nefeli Kostis from Nicosia, chosen by a draw.
Additionally, booth number 19, ‘Cyprome: The DNA of the Cypriots’ from the Biobank.Cy Centre of Excellence at the University of Cyprus, received recognition as the best pavilion at the European Researchers’ Night.
Following a draw among event participants, Panayiotis Morfitis from Larnaca won the ANSWER AND WIN prize.
Finally, the RIF “extended its congratulations to the winners and all participants”, noting that “it looks forward to welcoming them back” at next year’s European Researchers’ Night, scheduled for September 2025.
