Scientific Publications related to SDG 6* = 64

* During the period 2020-2024

Citation impact_ SDG6**= 2.16

** Annual average during the period 2020-2024

New Research Programs related to SDG 6*** = 3

*** 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: A Comprehensive Cereal Supply Chain Quality Control and Decision Making Framework
• Acronym: TraCEREAL
• Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
• Abstract: Cyprus faces a multitude of challenges related to food security, health, nutrition, and sustainability. These issues stem from factors such as a growing population, the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and limited local food production, which result in a fragile cereal supply chain that is highly reliant on imports. This dependency makes the cereal supply chain susceptible to disruptions caused by external factors, and highlights the need for effective solutions to enhance its resilience. One potential strategy for bolstering resilience is to increase local cereal production and reduce reliance on imports. However, this approach encounters limitations due to Cyprus’ own water scarcity, limited arable land, and insufficient agricultural technologies. Given these constraints, there is a clear need for a comprehensive approach to optimize Cyprus’ cereal supply chain, with a primary focus on building resilience rather than just efficiency.

• Title: Green dEal Compliant IRriGation Increasing Europe’s Agriculture resilience to drought
• Acronym: GEORGIA
• Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
• Abstract: The GEORGIA project is dedicated to turn water management and soil health challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. Aligned with Europe’s Green Deal objectives, GEORGIA is driving an agricultural transformation that is environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. By combining agricultural expertise with AI-powered digital tools and technologies, GEORGIA advances water management and irrigation practices, while utilizing alternative and recycled water sources. The project promotes sustainable crop production and improved soil health, building resilience to climate change. Through holistic agricultural approaches and the integration of advanced technologies, GEORGIA empowers farmers with enhanced competitiveness and fair income opportunities.
  The aims of the project are: (1) Explore societal, regulatory, and technological needs, drivers, and barriers for new irrigation practices; design and develop models through multi-actor, co-creation processes to increase the uptake in practice, (2) Develop insight and mechanisms for safe and environmentally – responsible usage of sewage sludge and other biowaste streams as well as their nutrients, (3) Upscale of the on-farm water management practices and results at the catchment level, optimizing catchment- based agricultural production as well as reduction of runoff patterns and changes in hydrological cycles, (4) Introduce novel tools for efficient combined use of water and fertilizers via irrigation for different agricultural systems and types of productions, including agroecology; Improve practices and solutions in small and large-scale farms to deal with the effects of water abundance (rapid showers, floods) and/or water scarcity, (5) Demonstrate and validate innovative irrigation schemes including forms of alternative water for agriculture and climate change, evaluating their socio-economic, environmental and health impacts, (6) Maximize impact to the agricultural community and policy level through Dissemination, Exploitation and Commercialization, provide recommendations for incentives and policies at regional, national and EU-level and create a Culture of Sustainability.

• Title: Climate-resilient regions through systemic solutions and innovations
• Acronym: ARSINOE
• Funding framework: EU HORIZON 2020
• Abstract: The ARSINOE project will shape the pathways to resilience by bringing together SIA (Systems Innovation Approach) and CIW (Climate Innovation Window) with the purpose to build an ecosystem for climate change adaptation solutions. Within the ARSINOE ecosystem, pathways to solutions are co-created and co-designed by stakeholders, who can then select either existing CIW technologies, or technologies by new providers (or a combination) to form an innovation package.
  Adaptation to climate change refers to all approaches taken to adjust, prepare for, and accommodate new conditions that are created by changing climates. For natural-resource managers, adaptation strategies also include actions taken to assist natural resources (species, habitats, forest plantations, watersheds) in accommodating new conditions imposed by climate, but also facing socio-economic impacts brought about by a worsening climate migration crisis. As climate change is complex and interconnected with other global challenges, such as food security, water scarcity, biodiversity depletion and environmental degradation, it is insufficient to use traditional approaches to innovation that focus on one aspect of the problem. This is why we need Systems Innovation Approach (SIA) to address the growing complexity, interdependencies and interconnectedness of modern societies and economies, focusing on the functions of the cross-sectoral system “”as a whole”” and on the variety of actors.

Scientific Publications related to SDG 6* = 49

*During the period 2019-2023

Citation impact_ SDG6*= 2.58

*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: Project for the Enhancement of School Counseling Services
• Acronym: School4Health
• 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.