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Evdokia PittasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Special Learning Difficulties
• Dyslexia
• Language Disorders
• +6 more

Evdokia Pittas is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Education, University of Nicosia. She holds a DPhil in Education from the University of Oxford, with research focusing on special educational needs, dyslexia, language disorders, and literacy development. Her work emphasizes experimental studies in educational interventions and assessments, including contributions to the COST Action CLILNetLE as a Management Committee member. She has edited a Special Issue on post-COVID-19 effects on students with developmental disabilities. Education: PhD in Education (University of Oxford, 2012) MSc in Special Educational Needs (Brunel University London, 2005) Bachelor in Philosophy, Pedagogy & Psychology (National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2004) Research Interests: Evdokia’s research spans morphological awareness in literacy, bidialectal language effects, psychometric measurement, and inclusive education strategies. She explores how phonological, morphological, and dialectal awareness influence reading/spelling development, particularly in children with learning difficulties. Recent Trends in Publications: Her recent work addresses post-pandemic educational challenges for students with disabilities, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) outcomes in lesser-taught languages, and the role of technology in inclusive education. She systematically reviews systemic impacts of the pandemic on educational performance and advocates for evidence-based pedagogical strategies. Labs/Teams: Collaborates within international networks like CLILNetLE and leads research on literacy interventions through her academic roles at the University of Nicosia.

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Sociology
• +4 more

Christos Kasimeris is a Professor of International Relations at the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, European University of Cyprus. He has been employed there since 2005, following his PhD in International Relations from the University of Reading (2002). His academic career includes prior appointments at the University of Reading (2002–2005). His research focuses on the intersection of politics, culture, and identity, particularly through the lens of football. He has authored/co-authored influential works on racism in sports, national identity, and European geopolitics. Education: PhD in International Relations (2002), MA International Security (1997), BA Sociology (1996) – all from the University of Reading, UK. Research interests include the socio-political dimensions of football, cultural diplomacy, and the politics of identity. His recent work examines the Belt and Road Initiative's geopolitical implications and the role of football in shaping national narratives. He has participated in major research projects like EC-funded CITERIA (2021–2024) and DARIAH (2008–2010). Editorial roles include serving on the boards of Soccer & Society and European Journal of Futures Research . Grants include leading roles in EU-funded initiatives and Erasmus+ programs. His work bridges academia and public policy, addressing issues like anti-racism in sports and European integration challenges.

Marina RodosthenousView profile

Associate Professor

• Modern Greek Literature
• Teaching Literature
• Cultural Literacy
• +4 more

Dr. Marina Rodosthenous is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Education at the University of Nicosia's School of Education. She holds a PhD in Early Modern Greek Literature from the University of Cambridge, an MA in Modern Greek Studies from King’s College London, and a BA in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies from the University of Cyprus. Her academic leadership includes coordinating the MA Programme in Teaching Language and Literature. Her research explores Modern Greek and Renaissance literature, pedagogical methodologies, and cultural literacy. Key interests include: Thematic analysis of Greek literary works (e.g., Petrarchism, Neoplatonism) Visual cognition and wordless picturebooks in education Intercultural dialogue through multimodal texts Her publications emphasize cultural diversity, teacher training, and literary pedagogy, often bridging historical texts with contemporary educational practices. Recent work analyzes visual narratives in Cypriot children’s literature and inclusive strategies for diverse classrooms. Awards & Honors: A.G. Leventis Foundation Postdoctoral Grant (2006) Fellow, Cambridge Commonwealth Society (2005) Graduate Scholar, Selwyn College, Cambridge (2003) She leads EU-funded projects like PIVOT (Promoting Inclusive Instruction) and DIALLS (Cultural Literacy Learning). Her research group focuses on teacher development and intercultural competencies.

• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• +9 more

Eleonora Papaleontiou Louca is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia. Her academic work spans developmental, educational, and cognitive psychology, with a focus on metacognition, theory of mind, and self-regulation in young children, as well as spirituality, religiosity, and their impact on mental health and resilience. PhD in Psychology (Cardiff University, 2002) M.A. in Education (Reading University, 1988) B.A. in Education (Aristotle University of Thessalonica, 1998) Degree in Education (Pedagogical Academy of Cyprus, 1985) Her research interests include: Metacognition and self-regulation in developmental contexts Attachment and its role in religiosity development Flipped classroom methodologies and creativity in higher education pedagogy Resilience and mental health in post-crisis settings (e.g., post-COVID) Interventions to enhance metacognitive skills in teachers and students Recent publications highlight trends in metacognitive interventions, spirituality's psychological implications, and innovative teaching strategies like flipped classrooms. Her work bridges developmental psychology with educational practices and mental health outcomes. Scientific awards include recognition for her contributions to psychology and education by the Federation of Parents Associations of Public and Community Kindergartens in Nicosia (2016). She has led projects such as Creativity in Teaching and Learning (2014) and Young Children's Self-Regulation (2012), funded by IPE and European University Cyprus. She also serves as an external evaluator for academic quality assurance and is a member of the APELLA Registry at the University of the Aegean.

• History-theory of modern architecture and urbanism
• Social Dimensions of Urban development in 20th Century
• History-Theory and Politics of Environmentalism and sustainability in Architecture
• +1 more

Dr. Panayiota I. Pyla is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Cyprus, holding a primary appointment in the Department of Architecture within the Faculty of Engineering. Her academic career spans prestigious institutions including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Harvard University, establishing her as a leading scholar in architectural history and theory. Her educational trajectory reflects exceptional achievement: Ph.D. in History-Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002) Master of Science in Architectural Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1994) - Outstanding Graduating Student Award recipient Professional Degree in Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1991) - American Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient Professor Pyla's research program critically interrogates the intersections of architectural production, political economy, and environmental discourse. Her work excavates alternative narratives within modern architectural history, particularly focusing on Mediterranean contexts where colonial legacies, postwar development, and contemporary crises converge. She challenges conventional sustainability discourses through historical analysis while examining how cultural memory becomes embedded in contested urban landscapes, especially in postcolonial Cyprus where architecture serves as both witness and participant in political conflict. Her publications reveal a sustained engagement with modernization narratives across the Eastern Mediterranean, tracing how architectural knowledge production intersects with geopolitical power structures. Key thematic threads include the material politics of vernacular architecture, the spatial dimensions of economic crisis, and the historical preconditions of contemporary environmental thought - all approached through rigorous archival research combined with critical theoretical frameworks. Her scholarly recognition includes: Best Article Award, Journal of Architectural Education (2007) for "Hassan Fathy Revisited" American Institute of Architects Gold Medal for architectural excellence Outstanding Graduating Student Award from MIT Professor Pyla directs the MESARCH research laboratory, which serves as an interdisciplinary hub for investigating architecture's relationship to environmental and societal transformations in Mediterranean contexts. The lab fosters collaborative research connecting historical inquiry with contemporary design challenges, particularly regarding cultural heritage in conflict zones and sustainable development paradigms.

Valentina BauView profile

Research Fellow

• Communication for Development
• Peacebuilding
• Media and Peacebuilding
• +5 more

Valentina Baú is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Director of the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI) at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. Her work focuses on Communication for Development in Peacebuilding, particularly in conflict-affected and displacement contexts. Ph.D. in Communication for Development in Peacebuilding from Macquarie University (2019) Alumna of University of Reading and Bournemouth Media School Her research explores participatory media, digital communication, and youth engagement in refugee camps (Kakuma, Za'atari, Philippines) and post-conflict settings (Kenya, Italy, Sierra Leone). She evaluates how media interventions foster social cohesion, human rights awareness, and sustainable peace. Recent publications analyze: Refugee camp radio's role in community building Reality TV as civic engagement platforms in Palestine Facebook's (mis-)use by refugee youth Communicative ecologies in protracted displacement Virtual timeline methodologies for remote fieldwork Scientific recognition includes the 2019 Senesh Fellowship. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications for UN agencies (UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR) and NGOs, emphasizing citizen-led communication strategies.

Natasa EconomidouView profile

Professor

• Music Education
• Music Curriculum Development
• Early Childhood Music Education
• +4 more

Natasa Economidou serves as Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Music and Dance within the School of Education at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. With leadership roles in national curriculum development and international music education organizations, she represents a significant academic presence in Mediterranean music pedagogy. Educational Background: PhD in Music Curriculum from University of Athens (2004) MA in Music Education from University of Reading (1998) BA in Music from University of Athens (1997) Professor Economidou's research centers on transformative music education practices, particularly in early childhood contexts. Her work examines how differentiated instruction creates inclusive musical environments, how students perceive effective teaching qualities, and the complex negotiations between official curriculum mandates and classroom realities. She investigates how teachers navigate professional paradoxes while maintaining educational integrity. Her recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory examining music education through multiple lenses - from toddlers' developmental needs to secondary students' perspectives and teachers' professional challenges. The publications demonstrate growing international recognition, with articles appearing in Frontiers in Education, Research Studies in Music Education, and Music Education Research. Professional Leadership: Elected board member, International Society for Music Education Former board member, European Association for Music in Schools (2015-2019) Editorial board member, International Journal of Music Education (since 2006) Editorial board member, European Perspectives in Music Education book series Member, AEC Early Childhood Music Education Working Group Professor Economidou directs her own early childhood music center serving children aged 10 months to 7 years, demonstrating practical application of her research. Her work with the Cypriot Ministry of Education in developing the national music curriculum represents significant policy influence. Through her leadership in the AEC's 'Strengthening Music in the Society' project, she contributes to European music education strategy while maintaining active classroom engagement through her private teaching center.

Rahaf OrabiView profile

Researcher

• Digital Heritage
• Laser Scanning
• Photogrammetry
• +5 more

Rahaf Orabi is a Research Technical Scientist at The Cyprus Institute's Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Center (STARC), specifically working within the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs). She joined The Cyprus Institute in 2022 and contributes to cutting-edge research in digital cultural heritage and archaeological documentation, with particular focus on post-conflict sites in Syria. Her academic background includes: PhD in History and Archaeology at Pázmány Peter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary (2017-2023) MSc in Digital Cultural Heritage from The Cyprus Institute (2020-2021) MArch in Architectural Design/Digital Architecture from Damascus University (2013-2016) BSc in Architecture from Damascus University (2012) Rahaf's research focuses on digital documentation of endangered cultural heritage sites using laser scanning, photogrammetry, and point cloud analysis. She specializes in post-conflict recovery of cultural heritage, particularly in war-torn regions like Syria. Her work combines technical precision with deep historical understanding, allowing for accurate digital reconstructions of damaged heritage. She has pioneered urban-scale digital documentation projects in historic cities including Aleppo and Damascus, creating detailed records that support academic research and conservation efforts. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on urban heritage reconstruction, with significant work on Aleppo's historic districts using parametric modeling and historical map analysis. Her achievements include the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (2017) and 19 publications with over 5,830 reads and 24 citations on ResearchGate. She has collaborated on major international projects including "Project Anqa" for documenting Syrian heritage and has participated in documenting Palmyra after its liberation from ISIS. Rahaf has been instrumental in developing digital methodologies for heritage documentation in challenging post-conflict environments. Her work bridges practical field documentation with academic research, creating valuable resources for heritage conservation and urban recovery planning. She maintains active collaborations with researchers across European institutions and continues to advance methodologies for digital reconstruction of war-damaged urban heritage sites.

GEORGIOS SPANOUDISView profile

Professor

• Language Development
• Language Disorders
• Cognitive Development
• +3 more

Georgios Spanoudis is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cyprus. He holds a BA in Psychology (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1991), an MSc in Developmental Psychology (1994), and a PhD in Psychology (University of Cyprus, 2004). He transitioned from a researcher role at Aristotle University to the University of Cyprus in 1998, becoming a Lecturer in 2006 and Professor in 2021. His research focuses on language development and disorders , cognitive development , and intelligence . Key interests include executive functions, working memory, and the psychophysiological underpinnings of cognitive growth. His work spans developmental psychology, neuropsychology, and educational psychology, with a focus on children and adolescents. Spanoudis has authored/co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing longitudinal studies and integrative theories. Recent work explores cognitive predictors of academic success, the interplay between executive functions and intelligence, and the neurocognitive basis of language disorders. His articles consistently bridge theoretical models with empirical data, contributing to fields like developmental psychometrics and educational neuroscience. He has collaborated on cross-country studies evaluating teacher preparedness for dyslexic learners and contributed to frameworks linking mind-brain development. No formal grants or awards are listed, though his extensive publication record underscores his academic impact.

Thanasis HadzilacosView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Educational Technology
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Climate Change
• +3 more

Thanasis Hadzilacos is an Adjunct Professor at the Cyprus Institute focusing on climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Previously, he served as Professor of Information Systems at the Open University of Cyprus (2007-2021) and Associate Professor at the Hellenic Open University. His Harvard education and PhD in Database Theory from the University of Patras inform his interdisciplinary approach. Research spans educational technology, human-robot interaction, and large-scale information systems. Core interests include: m-Learning and distance education platforms ICT integration in educational policy Climate change informatics Human-robot collaboration in agriculture Publications demonstrate sustained focus on pedagogical innovation through technology, with recent works exploring gamification in literacy development and adaptive learning systems. Earlier research pioneered geographic information systems and spatial modeling. Has advised education ministries in Greece, Cyprus, and Palestine while coordinating over 40 EU-funded R&D projects. Academic contributions include 100+ peer-reviewed publications and Council of Europe policy chapters on education technology.

Maria KezoudiView profile

Researcher

• Atmospheric Sciences
• Aerosol Physics
• Climate Change
• +5 more

Maria Kezoudi is an Associate Research Scientist in Atmospheric Aerosol Sciences at the EMME-CARE group within the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) at The Cyprus Institute. She holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Cyprus (2015), an MSc in Applied Meteorology and Climate with Management from the University of Reading, UK (2016), and a PhD in Atmospheric Physics from the University of Hertfordshire, UK (2019). Her work focuses on experimental characterization of atmospheric aerosols, particularly mineral dust, using advanced techniques such as UAV-based in-situ measurements and remote sensing. Research interests include aerosol size distribution profiling, dust transport dynamics, instrument development (e.g., UCASS and OPC-Pod), and validation of satellite missions (e.g., EarthCare, Aeolus). She has led field campaigns in Cyprus, Greece, Spain, and Cabo Verde to study dust outbreaks and their environmental impacts. Her contributions span aerosol optics, particle charging mechanisms, and interdisciplinary applications in climate modeling. Publications highlight UAV integration with remote sensing for aerosol profiling, lidar depolarization analysis, and dust mineralogy studies. She is affiliated with the Unmanned Systems Research Laboratory (USRL), advancing UAV technologies for atmospheric observations. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but her research has led to collaborations with international agencies and institutions. Maria’s work bridges laboratory instrumentation, field campaigns, and global climate studies. Current projects involve improving dust aerosol quantification and understanding their role in Mediterranean and tropical climate systems. Future efforts aim to expand UAV applications in environmental monitoring and satellite validation.

• International Relations
• Football Politics
• Racism in Sports
• +4 more

Christos Kassimeris serves as Professor of International Relations at the European University Cyprus (EUC) within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences, where he has maintained continuous faculty appointment since 2005 following prior research work at the University of Reading (2002-2005). His academic credentials include: PhD in International Relations (University of Reading, 2002) MA in International Security (University of Reading, 1997) BA in Sociology (University of Reading, 1996) Professor Kassimeris specializes in the political sociology of football, critically examining racism, discrimination, and identity construction through sports, particularly in European and Cypriot contexts. His research extends to Greek and Cypriot foreign policy analysis, European integration dynamics, and small state behavior in international relations, employing interdisciplinary frameworks from political science and cultural studies. Recent trajectories demonstrate expansion into geopolitical analyses of global initiatives like China's Belt and Road while maintaining core focus on sport-politics intersections. Publication trends since 2021 reveal dual thematic strands: sustained investigation of football's role in societal discrimination (with transatlantic comparative perspectives) and emerging geopolitical scholarship on international economic initiatives. Keyword analysis shows consistent anchoring in International Relations and Political Science , with subfield evolution from European football identity politics toward broader geopolitical strategy frameworks. Research leadership includes EU-funded projects: CRiTERIA (2021-2024) as Project Coordinator (EC Research Executive Agency) HEUREKA (2021-2023) as Research Member (EC Humanitarian Aid) BRISWA (2017-2018) as Consulting Expert (Erasmus+) DARIAH (2008-2010) as Research Member (FP7) He contributes to academic discourse through editorial board membership for Soccer & Society and European Journal of Futures Research .

Constadina CharalambousView profile

Associate Professor

• Sociolinguistics
• Education Policy
• Conflict-Affected Education
• +4 more

Constadina Charalambous is an Associate Professor in Language Education and Literacy at the European University of Cyprus (EUC), affiliated with the School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences and the Department of Education Sciences. She holds a PhD in Sociolinguistics & Education from King’s College London (2009), an MA in Language, Ethnicity and Education (2005), and a BA in Greek Philology (2004) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research focuses on sociolinguistics in conflict-affected contexts, with emphasis on language education, peacebuilding pedagogies, human rights, and multiculturalism. Her work explores how language policies intersect with nationalism, identity, and reconciliation in Cyprus and beyond. Notable projects include the BONDS program promoting social inclusion through collaborative storytelling and the Living Book project enhancing reading experiences via technology. Charalambous has advised governmental education policies as a member of Cyprus Technical Committee on Education. Her awards include a Fulbright Visiting Fellowship (2017), a SUSI Award for US Studies (2015), and grants from the British Academy and EU Horizon 2020. She has led over 20 research projects, published extensively in applied linguistics journals, and co-edited volumes on sociolinguistics and security. Her pedagogical contributions include developing teacher training programs for intercultural communication and peace education. She collaborates internationally on initiatives addressing refugee education, translanguaging practices, and the role of emotions in curriculum design.

Marilena MousoulidouView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cognitive Psychology
• Mental Health
• Child Development
• +3 more

Marilena Mousoulidou is an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology at the Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, and Program Coordinator of the BSc in Psychology. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Leicester (2010) and a BSc in Psychology from the University of Derby (2004). Her research focuses on cognitive processes linked to mental health, decision-making barriers, and children’s reading development. She was a Visiting Lecturer at Neapolis University from 2014-2015 before joining as faculty. Her work examines cognitive processes in mental health, including nomophobia, social media addiction, and pandemic-related behaviors. She collaborates on EU programs like COST and Erasmus+, and directs the Cognition, Emotion, and Language Laboratory (CELL). Recent studies address conspiracy theories during the pandemic, aggressive behavior interventions, and reading comprehension challenges in children. Mousoulidou’s research spans cognitive psychology, public health, and child development. Her articles often explore digital dependency, psychosocial development, and pandemic impacts on mental health, with a focus on Cyprus and European contexts. She participates in prevention programs for children’s socio-emotional skills and collaborates on experimental studies on mental health and social behaviors. No scientific awards are listed, but her contributions include over 20 peer-reviewed publications since 2008.

Loukia TaxitariView profile

Lecturer

• Language Acquisition
• Developmental Psychology
• Research Methodologies
• +3 more

Loukia Taxitari is a Lecturer in Research Methods at the Department of Psychology, Neapolis University, Cyprus. She holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology (2009, University of Oxford) and an M.Phil. in General Linguistics (2004, University of Oxford). Her research focuses on language acquisition, bilingualism, and innovative methodologies like tablet-based tools. She has held postdoctoral roles at institutions including the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, University of Potsdam (Germany), and CNR Pisa (Italy). Key contributions include adapting the MacArthur-Bates CDI for Cypriot Greek and developing novel language assessment technologies like Readlet. She actively teaches in Cypriot universities as a part-time lecturer and has authored numerous articles, chapters, and conference presentations. Research Interests: Language development, acculturation in education, social media's psychological impact, and bi-lectal/dialectal language use. She emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy and technology-driven research tools. Publications Trends: Recent work explores immigrant integration (2025), disinformation dynamics (2025), and social media's emotional effects (2024). Her methodological innovations include leveraging LENA devices for language input analysis and eye/finger tracking in reading studies. Awards: 2nd Local Prize at Famelab Competition (science communication). Grants & Outreach: Engages in science communication via Mediterranean Science Festival and S-Factor competitions. Translator of Asterix comics into Cypriot Greek.