The €38 million European project aims to put Cyprus on the map as a new hub for Earth observation by promoting cutting-edge technology and scientific expertise.
The Limassol-based project uses Earth observations to monitor climate change, natural disasters and environmental sustainability in Europe and the rest of the world.
As part of this project, a state-of-the-art center for earth observation and geospatial information will be opened by Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak), which is leading the effort.
New center significantly upgrades Earth observation technology
The new science facility, named after the ancient Greek mathematician and geographer Eratosthenes, represents a major upgrade to the University’s Remote Sensing and Global Environment Laboratory, which began operations in 2007.
It covers all areas of Earth observation, including abnormal weather, agriculture, and natural disasters. At the same time, the center develops services to support decision-making by European government agencies, local authorities and businesses.
International cooperation moves projects forward
The EU has committed €15 million to the Earth observation project through the Horizon Europe research program EXCELSIOR, which is scheduled to end at the end of 2027 after more than eight years.
The Cypriot government matched the EU funding and Tepac provided 8 million euros.
EXCELSIOR’s emergence of Cyprus as a hub for earth observation and geospatial information has been made possible thanks to collaboration with project partners across Europe, highlighting the value of international cooperation, which is a fundamental feature of EU-funded research.
In addition to Tepac’s civil engineering and geology departments, participants in the country’s project also include the Government of Cyprus through the Electronics and Communications Department of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.
International participants include the Germany-based Leibniz Institute for Troposphere Research (TROPOS), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the Greece-based National Observatory of Athens.
Additionally, the project has two associated organizations: the Cyprus Research and Innovation Center (CyRIC) and the Swiss Physical and Meteorological Observatory of Davos (PMOD).
Cyprus as a major center for earth observation
Cyprus is centrally located on the borders of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa, making it an ideal location to improve Earth observation capabilities.
Professor Diophantos Hajimisis from Tepac’s Department of Civil Engineering and Geology explained: “We have created a home of scientific excellence that brings real value to countries and people and promotes internationally resilient societies and sustainable development.”
Among the center’s cutting-edge technology is a €3.9 million satellite antenna that will give Cyprus real-time access to a full range of satellite data, including high-resolution imagery to help monitor marine activity, track wildfires, respond to floods and protect coastlines.
It is also home to Cyprus’ most advanced atmospheric observation station, providing important insights into air quality and climate conditions that impact both human health and agriculture.
Career opportunities for young scientists
The new center will bring world-class Earth observation advances to Cyprus by creating highly skilled jobs, career opportunities for young scientists and partnerships with global institutions.
More than 120 people work at the center, including Cypriot experts and graduates, as well as researchers from Europe and beyond, resulting in a vibrant multicultural environment where scientific excellence flourishes.
Promoting the Center’s research across Europe
Overall, the EXCELSIOR project has produced a national platform for multidimensional data that makes satellite imagery accessible and available in a way that supports Cyprus’ policy priorities.
Scientists and researchers are in a position to analyze environmental trends and changes in the land surface, allowing government agencies and policy makers to monitor natural resources and plan urban development in Cyprus.
Over the coming months, EXCELSIOR and Tepak’s ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence will be featured in a European campaign to promote research excellence across the continent.
The campaign, known as Science4EU, will demonstrate how the EU supports scientists, researchers and innovators who push the boundaries of knowledge to improve the lives of their citizens.
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