With an impressive turnout of students, educators and visitors from across Cyprus, sCYence Fair 2026 officially opened its doors last Thursday, 30 April 2026, transforming The Cyprus Institute (CyI) into a vibrant hub of discovery, innovation, and scientific imagination.

 

Now firmly established as Cyprus’ largest Science Festival, sCYence Fair once again demonstrated that science can be engaging, accessible, and inspiring—particularly when young minds are placed at the centre of the experience. The CyI campus came alive with interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and student-led projects that showcased the creativity, curiosity, and talent shaping the future of science in Cyprus.

The official opening of the festival was declared by the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Demetris Skourides, in the presence of the President of The Cyprus Institute, Prof Stavros Malas, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, ambassadors from European Union Member States, alongside educators and dozens of schools from every corner of the island.

 

In his welcoming address, Dr Malas emphasised that sCYence Fair has evolved into a true national institution, fully aligned with CyI’s mission to generate new knowledge, advance scientific excellence, and inspire society—especially young people—to explore the limitless possibilities of science.

 

“Societies that create knowledge are the ones that grow, evolve, and achieve sustainable development,” Prof Malas noted, underlining the critical role of education, research, and scientific culture in shaping Cyprus’ future.

Addressing the audience, Mr Skourides described sCYence Fair as a landmark event for Cyprus, one that reflects both national ambition and collective pride. He highlighted the festival’s focus on young students, stressing that their ideas and projects remind us that science is not merely a process or a discipline—but a living journey of curiosity, imagination, discovery, and excitement.

 

This emphasis on youth engagement lies at the heart of CyI’s approach. Through the sCYence Fair, the Institute actively opens its doors to society, creating meaningful connections between researchers, students, educators, and the wider public. By demystifying science and showcasing real-world applications, the festival helps young people see themselves not just as learners, but as future scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers.

 

Representing the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, Mr Giorgos Koutsidis underlined that the Science Festival reflects a key national priority: Cyprus’ investment in knowledge as a strategic driving force for social progress, economic development, and long-term resilience.

 

Echoing this message, Dr Konstantinos Kleovoulou, representing the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, noted that sCYence Fair has become a reference point for science and innovation in Cyprus. As he observed, the festival offers a unique platform where imagination is transformed into knowledge—and knowledge into action—strengthening the national research and innovation ecosystem.

Beyond the festivities, sCYence Fair 2026 stands as a powerful expression of The Cyprus Institute’s broader mission: to promote scientific excellence, support education at all levels, and serve society through research, innovation, and outreach. By bringing scientists and the public together in an open, interactive environment, CyI reinforces its role as a bridge between cutting-edge research and everyday life.

 

sCYence Fair 2026 offered visitors an unforgettable journey into the world of science—proving once again that learning can be exciting, hands-on, and fun, and that investing in science education today is the surest way to build a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.