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Presidential candidate Stavros Malas visits The Cyprus Institute

StavrosMalasCyIif-2Presidential candidate Dr. Stavros Malas visited The Cyprus Institute on Wednesday, 23rd January. Dr. Malas was accompanied by his campaign team, MP Mrs. Irene Charalambidou, Mr. Matheo Matheou and Mr. Costas Hadjithomas (from PEO).

Dr. Malas visited a number of CyI labs where researchers presented some of the Institute’s scientific projects. The tour was followed by a meeting with CyI staff during which Dr. Malas analyzed his positions on the development of research in Cyprus, emphasizing that research and innovation is among his priorities, while he expressed his support and interest in the further expansion and development of The Cyprus Institute. He also referred to CyI’s excellent infrastructure, with particular reference to the Unmanned Aircraft Research Facility, and the Cy-Tera supercomputer which he stressed should be effectively utilized by the state. He noted that unfortunately research is amongst the victims of the financial crisis and went on to say that in Cyprus, even though we have great scientific potential, there are no structures and proper planning to utilize to benefit the economy. Dr. Malas was also against additional tax on the wages of researchers from private organizations.

Finally, he stressed the importance of research and innovation and reiterated his commitment to increase the funding by 40 million euros. He said that the aim is to promote five-year strategic plans for targeted funding and stressed that he targets quality and not quantity.

A discussion followed Dr. Malas’ presentation, where by CyI staff expressed the main problems the scientific community in Cyprus is facing.

 

More pictures from the visit can be found here.