QUALITY EDUCATION

2023

Scientific Publications related to SDG 4*: 26

*During the period 2019-2023

 

Citation impact SDG 4*: 1.02

*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: Covering Cohesion Policy in Europe – Training MOOC for European Journalism Students
  • Acronym: COPE
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: The project led to a free, semester-long MOOC on Cohesion Policy, developed by a consortium of European universities and journalism organizations. This interactive course, available in all EU languages, equips journalism students with essential knowledge on EU governance, Cohesion Policy, and data-gathering tools. Cyprus University of Technology is a key partner, represented by Associate Professors Dimitra Milioni and Lia Spyridou. Collaborating NGOs include Arena for Journalism in Europe (ARENA) and the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA). Aligned with SDGs 4 and 16.
  • Title: GreenTouch: EcoMind Development for Higher Education Future
  • Acronym: GreenTouch
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: The project aims to enhance digital and green capabilities in higher education through EcoMind-based strategies, improving students’ mental well-being and sustainability awareness. Activities include developing the GreenTouch digital tool, an EcoMind e-course, and joint staff training via wilderness hackathons. With over 2,000 participants, it will host international roundtables and a transdisciplinary conference, fostering institutional collaboration. Partnering with the NGO Forest Therapy Hub, the consortium’s efforts align with SDGs 3 and 4, establishing a sustainable network for education and research and culminating in a scientific publication to share results.
  • Title: tAckLing menTal Health cancer patients and their families: digital solutions for bEtter cAre
  • Acronym: ALTHEA
  • Funding framework: EU4HEALTH
  • Abstract: As of 2020, cancer ranked as the world’s second-leading cause of death, with psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive challenges affecting patients and their caregivers. Digital platforms offer accessible, cost-effective support by reducing geographical barriers and enhancing patient well-being. This project aims to develop the Althea platform, a web-based tool to screen for mental health issues among cancer patients and their families while providing healthcare providers with educational resources and personalized support tools. Althea will systematically screen pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients, identifying those at high risk for mental health issues and facilitating timely, tailored interventions. Collaborating with NGOs including the European Cancer Patient Coalition, European Cancer Organization, and CF World Against Cancer, the project aligns with SDGs 3 and 4..
  • Title: Project for the Enhancement of the School Medical Service
  • Acronym: School4Health
  • Funding framework:
  • Abstract: School Health Services (SHS) play a vital role in enhancing children’s health, but developing effective, evidence-based services that meet local needs poses challenges. In Cyprus, the Ministry of Health has collaborated with academia and various stakeholders to redesign SHS using a participatory action research approach. This process involved key departments from the Ministries of Health and Education, the State Health Services Organization, and organized parent associations. By identifying critical needs for SHS—such as improved organizational models and targeted interventions for obesity and mental health—this initiative fosters ongoing staff development and family engagement. It exemplifies how participatory research can create SHS that align with international standards and contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10.

«POST-DOCTORAL» Research Programme Funding Call 2023

Building on initiatives launched in 2020-21, the University continues its commitment to strengthening research through internally funded programs, including the Post-Doctoral Program. In line with its mission to advance Research, Excellence, and Innovation, the program’s primary objective is to attract and support highly talented postdoctoral researchers with the potential for impactful, independent research. The proposals submitted for postdoctoral research are aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The table below illustrates the project aligned with Goal 4:

  • Title: The Mass Distribution and Dynamical State of the Perseus Clusters
  • Acronym: DyMAP
  • Funding framework:
  • Abstract: The study of star formation is fundamental to advancing Astrophysics, particularly in refining our understanding of stellar evolution and the dynamics of star clusters. Stellar clusters, such as those in the Perseus complex, serve as natural laboratories where stars share common origins—age, motion, and composition—enabling rigorous testing and improvement of star formation models. This research supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing scientific knowledge and education in astrophysics, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by contributing to the development of innovative research methods and enhancing scientific infrastructure for astronomical studies.

 

Strategic Actions

Strengthening University Operations through Collaborative Working Groups

To enhance various operational areas within the University, several working groups were formed, bringing together academics, administrative staff, and students. These groups collaborated systematically to examine daily matters impacting the University and proposed recommendations to the governing bodies for improving internal processes, service quality, communication, the work environment, and aligning policies with international standards. For example, the Working Group on “Training, Lifelong Learning, and Development Programs” assessed and proposed the establishment of a Lifelong Learning Center at the University, which received approval from the governing bodies. Similarly, the Working Group on “Accessibility and Inclusion for People with Disabilities” advanced specific recommendations to the Senate Equality Committee, aiming to ensure equal access for everyone within the University community (https://www.cut.ac.cy/digitalAssets/569/569810_100CUT_2020-2023_APOLOGISMOS_FINAL_ALL.pdf pg. 46 ; https://www.cut.ac.cy/digitalAssets/517/517200_100file.pdf pg. 21).

 

Offering a BSc in Sustainable Development

A proposal has been submitted by the University to EUt+ for the offering of a BSc in Sustainable Development. The collaboration among the EUt+ partners has already begun, and discussions regarding the program are actively underway. (https://www.cut.ac.cy/digitalAssets/569/569810_100CUT_2020-2023_APOLOGISMOS_FINAL_ALL.pdf pg 16)

 

SummerCamp for PhD Students

The Summer School (https://www.cut.ac.cy/news/article/?contentId=484020) a week-long program, offered a comprehensive curriculum covering communication, sustainability, entrepreneurship, research, and various social and cultural activities. Conducted in English, the program included lectures, discussions, exercises, and networking opportunities, all led by academic members and experts. It was designed to familiarize students with their roles as PhD candidates and provide essential tools for project management, research training, work-life balance, and collaboration with supervisors. The training program included:
-A week of live sessions on communication, the Sustainable Development Goals, PhD management, entrepreneurship, and research skills
-Accommodation in the University’s student residences
-Complimentary access to the University’s sports facilities
-Free use of bicycles
-A sports program featuring morning exercise, yoga, and water sports
-Cultural events, city tours, and excursion.

 

University’s SummerCamp

An educational program focusing on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was carried out as part of the University’s SummerCamp. The program engaged 65 children, aged 9 to 16, who were divided into three age groups. Additional initiatives included expanding the Library’s collection with books on sustainability, acquiring a book scanner to create digital copies, and organizing various awareness campaigns for the University community. (https://www.cut.ac.cy/digitalAssets/517/517200_100file.pdf pg. 81)

 

CYENS

CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE) is a Research Centre of Excellence in Cyprus, focusing on interactive media, smart systems, and emerging technologies. Its mission is to enhance knowledge and facilitate technology transfer in the region. The University, within the CYENS Centre of Excellence, leads the research pillar of Visual Sciences and the interdisciplinary research team on Virtual Reality for Well-being. For more information, visit the link https://cyens.org.cy/ .

 

The Learning Development Network

The main objective of the Network is to enhance the educational experience of the students of the Cyprus University of Technology and to promote innovation in teaching and learning. The Network aims at: the design and implementation of seminars and workshops based on innovative teaching practices, the promotion of exchange of good teaching practices, the contribution to the design of a long-term educational policy of the University, the continuous support of academic practice, as well as the coordination and operation of new, creative learning spaces at the University. The Network is composed of three Support Groups: the Academic Group, the Student Learning Support Group and the Educational Technology Group.

The full description of the responsibilities of the Learning Development Network is outlined in the relevant regulation presented here.

 

Social Computing Research Center (SCRC) 

The SCRC at CUT brings together experts from different fields to study how technology can address social challenges. By focusing on topics like inclusive societies, digital innovation, and sustainable development, the Center contributes directly to SDG 4 (Quality Education).

SCRC’s work supports better access to education and lifelong learning by using digital tools and fostering collaboration between fields such as technology, psychology, sociology, and communication. This helps create more inclusive learning environments, encourages innovation, and prepares people with the skills needed for a sustainable and digitally advanced world.

https://www.socialcomputing.eu/ 

 

The UNESCO Chair for Digital Cultural Heritage

The UNESCO Chair for Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology, led by Dr. Marinos Ioannides, contributes to SDG 4 by providing inclusive and innovative learning opportunities in Digital Cultural Heritage (DCH). Through programs in “Cultural Informatics” at all educational levels and state-of-the-art e-learning platforms, the Chair promotes lifelong learning and global collaboration. Dr. Ioannides also leads international efforts to raise awareness and build skills for preserving and promoting cultural heritage, aligning with UNESCO’s educational and cultural priorities. For more information you can visit the following link:

http://www.unesco.org.cy/Programmes-UNESCO_Chair_at_the_Cyprus_University_of_Technology,EN-PROGRAMMES-01-04-03,EN

 

UNESCO Chair for Digital Cultural Heritage and Cyprus UNESCO National Committee Collaboration

The UNESCO Chair for Digital Cultural Heritage, established at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics at CUT, is collaborating with the Cyprus UNESCO National Committee (http://www.unesco.org.cy/Index.aspx?Language=EN) to promote policy and training in the field of digitization, preservation, and promotion of humanity’s cultural heritage. This partnership aims to advance global understanding and safeguard cultural legacies, as demonstrated by initiatives like the e-FIKARDOU case (https://efikardou.eu/index.php), showcasing the application of technology in preserving cultural history.

 

CUT and Limassol Municipality Collaborate on Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage

On October 30, 2023, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and Limassol Municipality discussed the digitization of the historic fishing boat “Lambousa” and archival materials from the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The project, funded by the UNESCO Chair in Digital Cultural Heritage, aims to preserve Cyprus’s maritime heritage through 3D modeling and the interactive platform www.elambousa.eu.

Additionally, the Municipality announced scholarships for doctoral students to support the digitization of the Patriarchate’s archives. This collaboration advances education and cultural preservation, directly contributing to SDG 4, by promoting access to educational resources, fostering research, and enhancing cultural awareness.

https://paideia-news.com/tepak-b/2024/10/31/synergasia-tepak-dimoy-lemesoy-gia-tin-psifiaki-prostasia-tis-politistikis-klironomias/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

 

Enhancing Nursing Education in Cyprus: A Strategic Partnership

The Cyprus University of Technology and the Nursing Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding on October 5, 2023. The agreement focuses on developing nursing education programs, exchanging expertise, and addressing the shortage of nursing staff.

A key outcome is the launch of a new Master’s program in Psychiatric Nursing – Mental Health Nursing to meet the growing need for specialized professionals. This collaboration aligns with SDG 4, promoting professional development and lifelong learning for nurses while enhancing healthcare services in Cyprus. https://www.cut.ac.cy/news/article/?languageId=100&contentId=537580

 

Advancing Mental Health Education and Awareness

On June 1, 2023, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Mental Health Observatory “Antiphon” signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in mental health education and awareness. The MoU focuses on offering innovative educational programs in Mental Health Nursing, with Observatory members participating in teaching for the first time at the university level.

The partnership aims to promote research, community engagement, and initiatives to combat mental health stigma. By advancing the psychosocial well-being of individuals with neurocognitive-neurobiological (NN/NB) disorders and their families, the collaboration also equips students with both scientific knowledge and empathy, preparing them to foster a more inclusive and supportive society.

This initiative aligns with SDG 4, as it emphasizes inclusive education and empowers future healthcare professionals to contribute to a more equitable and understanding society.  https://www.cut.ac.cy/news/article/?languageId=100&contentId=537580

 

Training Program on Patient Triage in the Accident and Emergency Department

An education program on Patient Triage has been developed within the framework of collaboration between the Pancyprian Association of Nurses and Midwives (P.A.S.Y.N.M) and the Nursing Department of CUT. For more information you can visit the link:

https://www.cut.ac.cy/news/article/?contentId=543370.

 

Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) at CUT

The Operational Framework of the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) at CUT was approved by the Senate (198th Senate meeting, dated 4/4/23) and the University Council (146th Council meeting, dated 12/6/23). It is part of CUT’s Strategic Planning Framework for 2023–2030 (https://www.cut.ac.cy/university/strategic-plan/), specifically under Pillar 4.4 – Establishment and Operation of the Lifelong Learning Center.

The Lifelong Learning Center at CUT is a key educational initiative designed to offer continuous and flexible education across various subjects, addressing the evolving needs of both modern society and the labor market.

Purpose of the LLC: The LLC’s purpose is to organize educational and supplementary training programs, including lifelong learning initiatives, in accordance with Article 4(e) of the Cyprus University of Technology Law of 2003 (198(I)/2003).

The main objectives of the LLC include offering educational programs that encompass:

  1. The design, development, and delivery of programs for: (a) ongoing professional training, education, specialization, and knowledge enhancement, aligned with developments in the employment sector, for (i) CUT’s academic and administrative staff, (ii) CUT graduates, and (iii) professional groups both within and beyond Cyprus, (b) adult education for the general population to acquire life skills, as well as up-to-date knowledge and competencies in response to advances in science, technology, and economics, (c) continuous education tailored to the specific needs of personnel in public and private sector organizations.
  2. The creation and production of printed and digital educational materials.
  3. Research in the field of lifelong learning, including the monitoring of developments in this area, in line with relevant European and national policies.
  4. The organization of dissemination activities such as conferences, seminars, and workshops.
  5. The administration and development of examinations for external organizations.
  6. Collaboration with Lifelong Learning Centers at other universities or with national, European, and international public or private entities to foster joint educational initiatives.
  7. The provision of any other services related to lifelong learning

 

CUT’s Role in the BuildSkills Academy Project

The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) is proud to participate in the “Academy for Transitional Skills in the Built Environment” (BuildSkills Academy), a project funded by the Erasmus+ program and co-financed by the European Union. Launched in June 2023, the initiative addresses the need for reskilling and upskilling in the construction sector to support Europe’s green and digital transitions.

The project brings together 17 partners from 10 European countries to develop a pan-European framework for training, certification, and lifelong learning. CUT, in collaboration with the Cyprus Certification Company (CCC) and Kykloikodromio (https://kykloikodromio.org/), contributes its expertise to align education and training with emerging market demands, emphasizing green and digital skills.

This effort supports SDG 4 by promoting quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. The BuildSkills Academy empowers individuals with the skills needed to adapt to changing labor markets, enhances the capacity of education providers, and establishes global benchmarks for recognizing competencies. Through this work, CUT reaffirms its role in advancing education and sustainability in Europe.

https://www.cut.ac.cy/news/article/?contentId=524600

 

 

 

2020

Γενικά

Δίκτυο Ενίσχυσης και Ανάπτυξης της Μάθησης  

Το Δίκτυο Ενίσχυσης και Ανάπτυξης της Μάθησης είναι ανοιχτό σε όλους. Ξεκίνησε μια έρευνα σχετικά με την ικανοποίηση όλων των μαθητών από φυσική παρουσία, υβριδικά και διαδικτυακά μαθήματα (δημοσίευση υπό εξέταση) και προσέφερε 25 διαδικτυακά εργαστήρια και σεμινάρια σε 580 συμμετέχοντες (ακαδημαϊκό προσωπικό και μαθητές) κατά το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2020-2021.

Κύριος στόχος του δικτύου είναι η ενίσχυση της εκπαιδευτικής εμπειρίας των φοιτητών του Τεχνολογικού Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου και η προώθηση της καινοτομίας στη διδασκαλία και τη μάθηση.

Στόχος του δικτύου είναι: ο σχεδιασμός και η υλοποίηση σεμιναρίων και εργαστηρίων βασισμένων σε καινοτόμες διδακτικές πρακτικές, η προώθηση της ανταλλαγής ορθών διδακτικών πρακτικών, η συμβολή στο σχεδιασμό μιας μακροπρόθεσμης Εκπαιδευτικής Πολιτικής του Πανεπιστημίου, η συνεχής υποστήριξη της ακαδημαϊκής πρακτικής, καθώς και ο συντονισμός και η λειτουργία νέων, δημιουργικών χώρων μάθησης στο Πανεπιστήμιο.

Το δίκτυο αποτελείται από τρεις ομάδες υποστήριξης: την ακαδημαϊκή ομάδα, την ομάδα υποστήριξης μάθησης των μαθητών και την ομάδα Εκπαιδευτικής Τεχνολογίας.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: https://ldn.cut.ac.cy/

 

Διαχείριση Προσωπικών Χρηματοοικονομικών Πόρων

Το μάθημα “EXN_099 Διαχείριση Προσωπικών Χρηματοοικονομικών Πόρων” προσφέρεται σε όλους τους φοιτητές του Πανεπιστημίου και στο ευρύ κοινό και σε συνεργασία με τον Οργανισμό Νεολαίας Κύπρου. Σκοπός των διαλέξεων είναι η ενίσχυση και ενδυνάμωση με τα απαραίτητα εχέγγυα και γνώσεις, για την απόκτηση γνώσεων σε επίπεδο χρηματοοικονομικού αλφαβητισμού, σε θέματα όπως η επιχειρηματικότητα, η αποταμίευση, οι επενδύσεις, ο δανεισμός, η πίστωση και οι πηγές της, το ‘’καλό’’ και “κακό” χρέος, η ασφάλιση, κ.α.

 

Το ΤΕΠΑΚ συμμετέχει στη Βραδιά του Ερευνητή

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Βραδιά του Ερευνητή έχει ως στόχο να ενθαρρύνει το κοινό να εξοικειωθεί με τον κόσμο της επιστήμης και της έρευνας και ταυτόχρονα να ενισχύσει τη δημόσια εικόνα των ερευνητών, υπογραμμίζοντας παράλληλα τον σημαντικό ρόλο που διαδραματίζουν στην κοινωνία.

Περισσότεροι από 1.500.000 επισκέπτες συμμετέχουν κάθε χρόνο σε αυτό το Φεστιβάλ Επιστήμης και Έρευνας, το οποίο πραγματοποιείται κάθε τελευταία Παρασκευή του Σεπτεμβρίου σε περισσότερες από 350 πόλεις σε όλη την Ευρώπη.

Η Πράξη ΑΙΓΙΣ (Interreg V-A  Ελλάδα – Κύπρος “2014-2020”), ήταν εκεί με την ερευνητική ομάδα Οικοτοξικολογίας του ΤΕΠΑΚ. Ενημέρωσαν για τις αλήθειες και γεγονότα για τη συμπεριφορά των κουνουπιών και τη μετάδοση μολυσματικών ασθενειών και τους τρόπους πρόληψης και αντιμετώπισής τους.

Η ομάδα του Εργαστηρίου Ψηφιακής Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς, της Έδρας του Ευρωπαϊκού Ερευνητικού Χώρου στην Ψηφιακή Πολιτιστική Κληρονομιά του ΤΕΠΑΚ,  δημιούργησαν για το κοινό πλούσιο οπτικοακουστικό υλικό. Στόχος της δραστηριότητας, ήταν η ανάδειξη της σύνδεσης των έξυπνων και πράσινων πόλεων με την ολιστική ψηφιακή τεκμηρίωση, με σκοπό την προστασία και τη διατήρηση της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς, ιδιαίτερα εντός των αστικών κέντρων.

Παρουσιάστηκε η δραστηριότητα του Εργαστηρίου Ψηφιακής Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς με τίτλο «Όχι απλώς ένα βιντεοπαιχνίδι – Οικοδομώντας μια Εικονική Πόλη /  Not a Video Game – Building a Virtual City». Μέσα από μια σειρά οπτικοακουστικών παρουσιάσεων αλλά και έντυπου ενημερωτικού υλικού, το κοινό είχε την ευκαιρία να μάθει πως και γιατί κατασκευάζεται το Ψηφιακό Δίδυμο μιας πόλης, χρησιμοποιώντας καινοτόμες μεθόδους καταγραφής και τρισδιάστατης (3D) μοντελοποίησης.

 

CYENS

Το κέντρο αριστείας CYENS (παλαιότερα γνωστό ως RISE) είναι Ερευνητικό Κέντρο Αριστείας στην Κύπρο με επίκεντρο τα διαδραστικά μέσα, τα έξυπνα συστήματα και τις αναδυόμενες τεχνολογίες με στόχο την ενδυνάμωση της γνώσης και της μεταφοράς τεχνολογίας στην περιοχή. Το Πανεπιστήμιο στο CYENS Centre of Excellence ηγείται του ερευνητικού πυλώνα της οπτικής Επιστήμης και της διεπιστημονικής ερευνητικής ομάδας για την εικονική πραγματικότητα της ευημερίας.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες εδώ.

2019

Γενικά

Δίκτυο Ενίσχυσης και Ανάπτυξης της Μάθησης

Το Δίκτυο έχει ως βασική του αποστολή την ενίσχυση της εκπαιδευτικής εμπειρίας των φοιτητών του Τεχνολογικού Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου και την προώθηση της καινοτομίας στη διδασκαλία και στη μάθηση.