LIFE BELOW WATER

2024

Scientific Publications related to SDG 14* = 62

* During the period 2020-2024

Citation impact_ SDG14**= 1.00

** Annual average during the period 2020-2024

New Research Programs related to SDG 14*** = 1

*** Launched in 2024.

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: Monitoring and detection of biotic and abiotic pollutants by electronic, plants and microorganisms based sensors
  • Acronym: Mobiles
  • Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
  • Abstract: Currently there are no portable tests or biosensors validated for air, soil or water quality control for pathogens, Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Persistent Mobile Chemicals (PMCs), so such devices are much awaited by all stakeholders to ensure successful control and prevention of contamination and infections. Mobiles consortium will develop an interdisciplinary framework of expertise, and tools for monitoring, detection, and consequently mitigation of pollution from pathogens, CECs, PMCs, thus benefiting human and environmental health. Mobiles consortium will work to achieve the following objectives:
    (1) Develop electronic biosensors for monitoring organic chemicals (pesticides, hormones) and antimicrobial resistance bacteria and pathogens in water, soil and air; (2) Develop organism-based biosensor for detection of organic and inorganic pollution in water and soil;
    Study environmental performance of developed organisms and devices; (3) Metagenomics analysis of organisms leaving in polluted areas in order to enable searches for diverse functionalities across multiple gene clusters΄΄; (3) Perform safety tests (e.g., EFSA) to assess the impact of developed organisms on the natural environment.
    Organism-based biosensor will consist on genetically modified chemiluminescent bacteria able to detect antibiotics, heavy metals, and pesticides in water; genetically modified plants that will change colour when in the soil is present arsenic; and marine diatoms that will be used to detect bioplastic degradation in marine and aquatic environments. Developed devices and organisms will be implemented by using flexible technologies, which can guarantee an easy adaptation to other biotic and abiotic pollutants.
  • Title: Maritime Digitalization Research Infrastructure
  • Acronym: MDigi-I
  • Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
  • Abstract: MDigi-I is the national strategic infrastructure for Cyprus that promotes research and innovation in maritime digitalization
    The research infrastructure stimulates synergies and provides the means for the development and uptake of maritime digitalization technologies that improve safety, security, efficiency for the economic and environmental sustainability of Shipping – Marine Transport activities.
    The infrastructure accelerates the development of maritime digitalization technology. It offers access to the necessary physical spaces, equipment, services, human resources, and its network organized in openly accessible testbeds and laboratories.
    The Challenges to be addressed are: (1) How do we predict and address maintenance? (2) How do we train crew and shore-side personnel and ensure their safety and welfare? (3) How do we safeguard ships and harbour facilities? (4) How do we secure maritime IT infrastructure? (5) How do we efficiently manage vessel operations, fuel consumption, and route optimization? (6) How do we coordinate the arrival, offloading, and loading of ships in busy ports? (7) How do we constantly monitor the marine environment? (8) How do we assess environmental impact?
  • Title: Demonstration of innovative functional food systems based on a more sustainalbe value cain for a marine and freshwater raw materials for conscientious European consumers
  • Acronym: NOVAFOODIES
  • Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
  • Abstract: The diversity of species exploited, and products derived from aquaculture and fisheries has remained static in recent decades, driving pressures on environment, including poor feed conversion ratios and coastal eutrophication. Considering the growing population, a holistic and ecosystems-based restructuring of primary processes and value chains is a priority in order to achieve more balanced, and efficient aquatic food production systems. In this view, increasing waste recycling, balancing production to host environment carrying and regeneration capacities, and diversifying species production to better match local conditions should be considered to improve the current situation and boost innovation in this sector. One of the main sources, both directly as (ingredients for) new food products and as the basis to produce other aqua food products are algae.
    Algae are proven to be food of great quality and nutritional value for humans, while its production contributes to mitigating climate change by CO2 capture. Micro and macroalgae production have commonly been focused on a narrow range of species, and existing systems are still not technologically efficient. However, algae alone cannot be the entire solution for a more sustainable seafood value chains, which need changes along the entire value chain, controlling of environmental impacts, and diversified production with levels of environmental sustainability and product traceability generating greater consumers’ trust.
    Aware of these challenges but often working in isolation, there are many organizations developing solutions to improve efficiency in the aquatic food sector. NOVAFOODIES brings together some of these organizations in a unique consortium to demonstrate new approaches that ensure future seafood production is both profitable and environmentally.

Strategic Actions / Operations

Planning for a New School on Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development

In 2024, CUT submitted to the President of the Republic the Feasibility Study and Strategic Plan for establishing the School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development in Larnaka. The study was developed in close collaboration with national stakeholders and includes market analysis, financial planning, and an implementation roadmap. The new School will offer programmes aligned with the green and blue economy, focusing on areas such as marine biology, environmental sustainability, and nature-based solutions. Its establishment supports Cyprus’s long-term capacity for biodiversity protection, sustainable resource management, and ecological resilience. Following governmental approval, an International Advisory Committee will guide curriculum development and ensure robust academic and quality assurance processes.

Outreach

Seabed Cleanup Campaign in Paphos

CUT participated in a large-scale seabed cleanup campaign in Paphos organised by the Cyprus Ports Authority, together with local and international partners. Approximately two tons of marine debris were removed, improving coastal ecosystem health and raising public awareness of marine pollution issues. This outreach action supports SDG 14 by contributing directly to cleaner underwater environments and strengthening community engagement in marine conservation.

RSCY2024- Remote Sensing for Coastal and Water Quality Monitoring

The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence hosted the 10th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment (RSCY2024), featuring dedicated sessions on water quality assessment, hydrology, and coastal monitoring. The conference highlighted the role of satellite-based observation in detecting pollution, monitoring coastal conditions, and supporting evidence-based marine ecosystem protection, directly contributing to SDG 14. 

AQUA Laboratory Research on Cyanotoxins and Innovative Treatment Technologies

The Water Treatment Laboratory (AQUA) advanced national and international cooperation on cyanotoxin monitoring, early detection, and mitigation strategies. Through invited lectures, collaborations with public authorities, and research on treatment technologies adaptable to large-scale water systems, AQUA contributed to reducing nutrient-driven algal pollution that threatens freshwater and coastal ecosystems. This outreach activity supports SDG 14 by promoting scientific knowledge and solutions aimed at protecting aquatic biodiversity.

CUT Participation and Leadership Roles in EU COST Action CYANOACTION (CA23160)

CUT strengthened European-level cooperation on the management of toxic cyanobacterial blooms by actively participating in the CYANOACTION COST network. Two CUT representatives served as Cyprus delegates, with CUT academics appointed as Working Group Leaders for Treatment and Dissemination. Their involvement promoted knowledge exchange on early-warning detection tools and mitigation strategies that benefit freshwater and downstream marine ecosystems, contributing directly to SDG 14.1 on reducing water pollution.

CYANOTECH Open Day: Public Engagement on Harmful Algal Blooms

 The Water Treatment Laboratory (AQUA) organised an Open Day showcasing the national project CYANOTECH, presenting innovative approaches for the early detection and mitigation of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. The event increased public understanding of the ecological risks posed by cyanotoxins to freshwater and coastal ecosystems, contributing to community awareness on reducing water pollution and safeguarding aquatic biodiversity under SDG 14.

International Conferences SPASEC-27 & AOTs-28: Advanced Water Treatment Technologies for Pollution Reduction

CUT co-organised two international scientific conferences on semiconductor photocatalysis and advanced oxidation technologies, focusing on innovative methods for removing chemical pollutants from water systems. These technologies are directly relevant to reducing contaminants that reach marine environments, supporting global knowledge exchange on solutions that protect aquatic ecosystems and align with SDG 14.

MoU Between CUT and ICHA University, South Korea: Collaboration on Emerging Contaminants

CUT and ICHA University (South Korea) signed an international Memorandum of Understanding to advance joint research on water treatment technologies targeting emerging pollutants, including cyanotoxins and persistent “forever chemicals.” These contaminants pose increasing risks to aquatic environments globally. The collaboration supports scientific innovation and international knowledge exchange on pollutant removal methods aligned with the protection of marine ecosystems under SDG 14.

 

2023

Scientific Publications related to SDG 14* = 44

 *During the period 2019-2023

 

Citation impact_ SDG14*= 1.16

*Annual average during the period 2019-2023

 

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: European Union’s REKonstructed content in 3D
  • Acronym: EUreka3D
  • Funding framework: DIGITAL
  • Abstract: This program collaborates with UNESCO and Professor Ioannides hold the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Moreover, it takes into account and contributes to the gender equality, Climate action and life below water.
  • Title: Co-curating in the Phygital Museum and the creation of alternative narratives and transcultural “voices” towards developing inclusive and sustainable museums
  • Acronym: Erasmus+ ExhiBIT
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: The Erasmus+ Project Co-curating in the Phygital Museum emphasizes co-curatorship through “phygital” strategies, blending physical and digital experiences to foster broader visitor engagement in multicultural, post-pandemic museum spaces. Aligning with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the ExhiBIT project supports Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) professionals in enhancing digital skills and pedagogical approaches to promote social inclusivity. By advancing co-curatorship practices, it facilitates dialogue with underrepresented societal groups to collaboratively shape inclusive and participatory museum environments.
  • Title: Circular and Dynamic Manufacturing Supply Chain Orchestration and OptimiSation
  • Acronym: CIRCULOOS
  • Funding framework: HORIZON EUROPE
  • Abstract: CIRCULOOS aims to provide circular manufacturing tools that optimize the supply chain while integrating planning and execution. By calculating product sustainability and circularity profiles in collaboration with internal and external partners, the project enables the development of innovative circular manufacturing processes for sustainable production throughout a product’s life cycle, including recycling. Key objectives include orchestrating collaborative workflows, enhancing supply chain metrics with advanced visualizations, and optimizing processes. It also features dynamic sustainability assessments for evaluating different scenarios and promotes secure data sharing through a robust identity management system. The initiative will demonstrate circular business processes that support material reuse, reduction, and recycling, along with upskilling programs through RAMP and online courses. Collaborations with NGOs, such as the Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation and Consorcio Red Alastria, align with SDGs 9, 12, and 13.
  • Title: Maritime Digitalization Research Infrastructure
  • Acronym: MDigi-I
  • Funding framework: RESTART (ΙδΕΚ)
  • Abstract: The proposed project aims to establish a new research infrastructure that fosters synergies and advances maritime digitalization technologies, enhancing safety, security, and efficiency for sustainable shipping and marine transport. This infrastructure has the potential to become a Center of Excellence, focusing on the development, testing, validation, and training in maritime digitalization. It will provide access to physical spaces, equipment, and expertise, facilitating research and innovation in IoT, AI/ML applications, digital twins, and decision support systems for smart ships and harbor facilities. Organized into openly accessible testbeds and laboratories, this initiative supports collaboration among stakeholders, including the Cyprus Shipping Association (https://www.cyprusshipping.com/csa), and aligns with SDGs 9, 13, and 14 to promote sustainable practices in the maritime sector.