Dr. Aslı Özen is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Final International University . Her academic focus lies in human nutrition, functional foods, and dietary behavior analysis. Doctoral Degree : Human Nutrition, Universitat de les Illes Balears (2012) Master's Degree : Food Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2006) Bachelor's Degree : Food Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2003) Her research explores functional food consumption, beverage hydration patterns, and dietary shifts influenced by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic , with cross-cultural studies comparing European and international populations. Her work emphasizes Mediterranean diet adherence and the structural properties of food products. Key publication trends focus on nutritional epidemiology , public health interventions , and food science applications , particularly in fermented dairy products and sustainable gastronomy tourism.
Stelios Timotheou is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and faculty member at the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus. He holds a Dipl-Ing from National Technical University of Athens, and MSc/PhD from Imperial College London. His research focuses on developing real-time distributed methodologies using mathematical optimization, machine learning, and computational intelligence to enhance efficiency in critical infrastructure systems. Research interests center on data-driven decision making for urban mobility management, traffic control systems, and energy optimization. Key areas include: Intelligent UAV-based sensing for traffic monitoring Cooperative control algorithms for multi-agent systems Optimization of renewable energy integration Robust infrastructure protection strategies Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on traffic state estimation (76%), energy system optimization (16%), and UAV applications (8%). Awarded the Cyprus Research Award (2017) and ERC Consolidator Grant for URANUS project. Secured multiple research grants focusing on real-time control systems.
Zenonas Tziarras is a Lecturer in the Department of Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cyprus. His academic work focuses on Turkish foreign policy, contemporary Turkish politics, and the international politics and security dynamics of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean region. He holds a PhD in Politics and International Studies from the University of Warwick, UK, with a specialization in Turkish Foreign Policy under the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Dr. Tziarras earned his BA in Mediterranean Studies from the University of the Aegean, Greece, and his MA in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Birmingham, UK. He has also attended specialization seminars in International Security at the University of Delhi, India, and in Leadership and Conflict Resolution at Koç University, Turkey, along with obtaining a certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills from the Northern Ireland Open College Network. His research interests span Turkish foreign policy, contemporary Turkish politics, international politics and security of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, political Islam, and more recently, political theology, apocalypticism, and the relationship between religion, ideology and politics. Dr. Tziarras employs Neoclassical Realist theoretical frameworks in his analysis of foreign policy behavior, with particular attention to ideational factors. His scholarly output demonstrates a clear evolution from analyzing Turkish foreign policy in the Middle East toward examining broader regional dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, with increasing focus on Cyprus's foreign policy and strategic position. The publications reveal a methodological consistency in applying international relations theory to concrete regional cases, particularly examining how systemic pressures interact with domestic factors to shape foreign policy outcomes. Dr. Tziarras is the co-founder of the platform Geopolitical Cyprus and serves as a member of the editorial board of the New Middle Eastern Studies Journal. He has previously worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Cyprus and as an Associate Lecturer in Security & Diplomacy Studies between 2015 and 2017.
Theodoros Zachariadis is a Professor and Interim Director of the Energy, Environment and Water Research Center (EEWRC) and the Science and Technology Driven Policy and Innovation Research Centre (STeDI-RC) at The Cyprus Institute. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Geotechnical Sciences and Environmental Management at the Cyprus University of Technology (2015–2020), and as Assistant/Associate Professor there (2009–2020). His expertise spans energy and environmental policy, climate change mitigation, and environmental taxation. He holds a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. **Research Interests:** Techno-economic analysis of energy, environmental, and transport policies; environmental taxation; climate policy integration with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); decarbonization strategies; and green tax reforms. His work emphasizes cost-effective climate policies and equitable transitions. **Awards:** 2009 Research Prize of Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus) and 2019 Environmental Prize (President of Cyprus). He has been ranked in the top 2% of globally cited academics in Energy (2020s). **Affiliations:** Vice Chair of the Scientific Committee of the European Environment Agency, Manager of SDSN Europe, Leadership Council member of SDSN Cyprus, and former Visiting Professor at Aarhus University. He advises on EU climate policies and sustainable development. **Grants & Projects:** Extensive research on Cyprus’ energy policies, EU climate frameworks, and decarbonization pathways. Key outputs include analyses of the EU’s 'Fit for 55' package, green recovery strategies post-pandemic, and cross-border energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. **Labs/Teams:** Leads research teams at EEWRC and STeDI-RC focusing on policy design, climate adaptation, and techno-economic modeling. Collaborates with international networks like Green Budget Europe and the Journal *Energy Economics* (associate editor).
Thomas Nektarios Papanastasiou is an Associate Professor of International Economic Law and Law of Energy at Neapolis University Pafos. He holds a PhD in International Investment Law and advanced degrees in International Relations and Law from Waseda University and the University of Athens. Currently, he serves as Coordinator of the Distance LLM in International & European Business Law and Director of the Legal Clinic. His professional experience includes roles at the World Bank, OECD, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as well as research positions at Waseda University and Mitsubishi Research Institute. Research Interests: Prof. Papanastasiou specializes in international investment law, political risk management, energy law, and the intersection of human rights with investment arbitration. His work emphasizes legal frameworks governing foreign investments in energy sectors across Asia and Europe, with a focus on Japan’s public insurance agencies and EU bilateral investment treaties. Publications: His recent work explores the role of human rights in arbitration, implications of political risk insurance for energy projects, and the post-Achmea landscape of intra-EU investment disputes. He has published in journals such as The Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals and contributed chapters to edited volumes like Public Actors in International Investment Law . Teaching & Leadership: Beyond research, he lectures at the Police Academy of Cyprus and oversees interdisciplinary academic programs. His work bridges legal theory with practical governance challenges in international development and infrastructure projects.
Christos Nicolaides is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Business and Public Administration within the School of Economics and Management at the University of Cyprus (UCY), holding a secondary appointment as a Digital Fellow at MIT's Initiative on the Digital Economy. Previously, he spent three years as a James McDonnell Foundation-funded Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management. His educational background includes a PhD in Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2014), SM from MIT (2011), MSc in Applied Mathematics from Imperial College London (2009), and BSc in Physics from University of Thessaloniki (2008). Nicolaides' research applies mathematical, statistical, and computational tools to large-scale empirical questions in social influence mediated by digital technologies. His work spans Data Science , Machine Learning , Social Networks , and Computational Social Science , with significant contributions to understanding human mobility patterns, disease transmission dynamics, and social contagion effects. His research has established novel methodologies for analyzing complex network structures in mobility data and social interactions. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on applying network science to real-world problems, particularly in pandemic response (12 publications), human mobility analytics (9 publications), and social contagion dynamics (7 publications). His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration, combining computer science, epidemiology, and organizational behavior since 2020. Marie S. Curie Fellow Two Highly Cited Papers by Web of Science (2017, 2020) Best Paper Award by Risk Analysis Society (2019) Professor of The Week by Poets & Quants (2020) As principal institutional investigator, Nicolaides has secured over €1 million in research funding from the European Commission, industry partners, Cyprus Innovation and Research Foundation, and Cyprus Ministry of Health. His current teaching includes Social Networks and Entrepreneurship, Introduction to Operations Management, and Quantitative Methods in Management. Media coverage of his work spans major outlets including The New York Times, CNN, Nature, and Science, with significant impact on public health policy discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Theodoros Tsakiris is an Associate Professor of Geopolitics and Energy Policy at the School of Business, University of Nicosia . He serves as an International Research Associate at ESCP's London-based Research Center for Energy Management and leads the Energy & Geopolitics Program at ELIAMEP, Greece's leading foreign policy think tank. Dr. Tsakiris contributes to the Horizon 2020 research program FEUTURE , analyzing EU-Turkish relations, and teaches courses on oil & gas geopolitics, economics, and markets. He coordinates energy-related study programs at UNIC and is seconded to the Department of Engineering and the Department of International & European Relations . PhD , Faculty of International & European Studies, Panteion University of Athens (2008) Master , School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University (2002) Bachelor , Faculty of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1999) Dr. Tsakiris' research focuses on energy security , geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean , and EU energy policy . His work explores Turkish revisionism , cross-border energy infrastructure , and regional cooperation mechanisms , particularly regarding natural gas reserves and export routes. He has authored 1 book , 10 monographs , 14 book chapters , and 13 peer-reviewed articles in multiple languages, with citations from institutions like Harvard University's Belfer Center and MIT Energy Initiative. His recent publications analyze the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian War on EU gas supplies , the geopolitical significance of the EastMed Pipeline , and the role of Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt in EU energy diversification . Dr. Tsakiris has held high-level policy advisory roles, including Director for International Policy Planning for the Greek Minister of Energy and member of Cyprus' Council for Geostrategic Studies (2014–2015). He is a research associate at UNIC's Center for European and International Affairs and leads the Energy Geopolitics Committee at the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics.
George N. Papageorgiou is a Professor of Management & Information Systems at the Gregoriou School of Business Administration, European University Cyprus. He serves in leadership roles including Deputy Dean (2012–2017) and PhD Programme Coordinator (2015–2017). He holds a PhD in Systems Modelling and Simulation from City University, London (1997), along with an MBA (1994) and First Class Honours in Engineering (1992). His research focuses on digital marketing competencies, smart urban mobility systems, entrepreneurship education, and system dynamics modeling for healthcare and sustainability. Notable projects include the SPN (Smart Pedestrian Network) system, funded by Horizon 2020, and the DIMAS project addressing digital marketing frameworks. Awarded the IEEE Best Paper Award (2017) and Innovation Distinction (SPARKS 2019), his work spans over 50 publications in journals like IEEE and Emerald. He actively reviews for IEEE, Emerald, and the System Dynamics Society. His consulting roles include EU research proposal evaluation and editorial work for Emerald. Key achievements include developing frameworks for sustainable urban mobility and green entrepreneurship education. He has led EU-funded projects totaling millions in grants, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to innovation and education.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Gungor is a Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Business & Economics, Eastern Mediterranean University. He holds a PhD in Banking from Marmara University, an MBA in Business Administration from Eastern Mediterranean University, and a BA in Business Administration from the same institution. His research focuses on environmental economics, financial development, energy policy, and macroeconomic dynamics with a particular emphasis on emerging markets and policy uncertainty effects. His academic contributions include over 30 supervised theses, advising PhD and Master's students on topics such as renewable energy impacts, economic policy uncertainty, and sustainable development. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, addressing global challenges like carbon neutrality, cryptocurrency volatility, and climate policy efficacy. His work often integrates advanced econometric techniques such as nonlinear ARDL models and wavelet coherence analysis. Education: 1994–1999: PhD in Banking, Marmara University 1992–1994: MBA in Business Administration, Eastern Mediterranean University 1986–1992: BA in Business Administration, Eastern Mediterranean University Research interests span environmental sustainability, financial market dynamics, and the interplay between globalization and economic growth. His recent articles highlight the role of policy uncertainty in shaping energy markets, cryptocurrency returns, and carbon emissions in G7 and BRICS economies. He actively contributes to policy discussions on sustainable development and financial stability in emerging markets.
Professor Hubert Faustmann is a historian and political scientist at the University of Nicosia , holding the Department of Politics and Governance since 1999. He also serves as the director of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cyprus office since 2011, leading seminars and expert reports on Cypriot history and politics. PhD in History (University of Mannheim, 1999) Master’s degrees in Ancient/Modern History, Political Science, and German Language (University of Mannheim, 1994-1995) His research spans British colonial Cyprus , post-independence Cypriot politics , Hydrocarbon politics in the Eastern Mediterranean , and state-society dynamics focusing on Clientelism. He co-edits The Cyprus Review and contributes to the Political Data Yearbook . His recent work examines Cyprus’ role in World War I, British colonial policies, and reunification efforts since 1974. Notable publications include Cyprus and the First World War (2025), Divide and Quit? (1999), and co-edited volumes on EU integration and the Annan Plan. He also authors the FES Cyprus Newsletter , analyzing political, social, and economic developments across Cyprus.
Angelos Georghiou is an Associate Professor of Operations Management at the Department of Business and Public Administration, University of Cyprus. He previously held academic positions as Assistant Professor at McGill University (2016–2019), Post-Doctoral Researcher at MIT (2012–2013), and Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich (2013–2016). His work bridges computational methods in stochastic and robust optimization with applications in healthcare, energy systems, and operations management. Ph.D. in Operations Research, Imperial College London (2012) M.Sci. in Mathematics, Imperial College London (2008) His research focuses on stochastic optimization , robust optimization , and decision rules , addressing challenges in healthcare analytics , energy-efficient control systems , and machine learning integration . Recent publications in Management Science and Operations Research highlight his contributions to decision-dependent information discovery and computational frameworks. Key trends in his 15 most recent articles include: Advancing robust optimization techniques for multistage problems Applications in healthcare (psychiatric risk prediction) and energy systems Integration of machine learning with stochastic programming Development of tractable algorithms for complex decision environments Scientific Awards : Esdras-Minville Best Student Paper Award (2023) He serves on editorial boards of Operations Research Letters (Area Editor) and Management Science , and collaborates with institutions like MIT, ETH Zurich, and McGill University. His work with undergraduate students includes a 2021 paper in SIAM Undergraduate Research Online .
Nikos Drosos serves as Assistant Professor at the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences, European University Cyprus, where he coordinates the MA programme in Career Guidance and Counselling. His academic career spans over a decade with significant contributions to career counseling theory and practice, particularly in vulnerable populations and crisis contexts. Dr. Drosos' educational background includes: PhD in Psychology (2011), National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, thesis: 'Career Maturity and Career Decision-Making of adolescents from diverse cultural background' MSc in Counselling and Career Guidance (2006), National & Kapodistrian University of Athens BA in Psychology (2007), National & Kapodistrian University of Athens BA in Philosophy, Pedagogy & Psychology (2002), National & Kapodistrian University of Athens His research focuses on career decision-making mechanisms, career adaptability in volatile labor markets, and psychosocial interventions for migrants, refugees, and mental health service users. He investigates how economic crises impact career development trajectories and develops culturally adapted assessment tools like the NADINE Soft Skills Tests. His work bridges vocational psychology with social inclusion policy, emphasizing evidence-based career counseling practices in multicultural contexts. Analysis of his 2021-2024 publications reveals a strong thematic cluster around career resilience in post-pandemic and economic crisis scenarios, with growing emphasis on digital assessment tools for vulnerable populations. His research consistently addresses methodological innovation in cross-cultural psychometrics while maintaining practical applicability for career counselors. Key recognitions include: Wiley’s Research Headlines selection (2021) for career services innovation International award for innovative social inclusion work (2017) Sylff Fellowship for academic excellence (2002) Multiple national distinctions for academic achievements As MA programme coordinator, he mentors graduate students in career counseling methodologies. He has secured over €2M in EU research funding through ERASMUS+ and Creative Europe projects including Work4Psy (supporting mental health NEETs), ART4PSY (art-based social inclusion), and Learn4Carers (caregiver training). His grants consistently target marginalized groups through interdisciplinary collaborations across 12 European countries. Dr. Drosos co-leads the NADINE research consortium developing migrant assessment tools and serves on the Scientific Committee of the European Doctoral Programme in Career Guidance and Counselling (ECADOC). He actively contributes to PEPSAEE (as Treasurer) and ELETYPE, shaping national policies for psychosocial rehabilitation and supported employment in Greece.
Thilo Rehren is the A.G. Leventis Professor for Archaeological Sciences at The Cyprus Institute's Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center (STARC). He holds a PhD in Earth Sciences and has led major international research groups at institutions like UCL and UCL Qatar. His work focuses on reconstructing ancient technological processes, particularly metallurgy, glassmaking, and ceramic production, integrating archaeological, scientific, and historical data. He has pioneered studies on global metallurgical networks and early technical innovations in regions such as the Mediterranean, China, and sub-Saharan Africa. Education: MSc (mineralization of copper-silver mines) and PhD (volcanology of Nisyros, Greece). Career highlights include establishing UCL Qatar and co-directing the STARC lab. Research emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration and the socio-technical dynamics of material production. Publications span 40+ years, analyzing production techniques from Late Bronze Age Cyprus to Medieval Chinese glass workshops. His work challenges traditional narratives by highlighting the ingenuity of past artisans and the global interconnectedness of technical knowledge. Current projects investigate early metallurgy in the Balkans and glass production in West Africa. Labs/Teams: Leads STARC's interdisciplinary teams focused on archaeological materials science. Collaborates with global institutions on projects like the Meroe Quarries in Sudan and the Dhaskalio-Keros excavation in Greece.
Professor Demetris Vrontis serves as the Vice Rector for Faculty and Research and holds the rank of Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. He is also the Founding Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the EuroMed Journal of Business , and leads the EuroMed Academy of Business and Gnosis Mediterranean Institute for Management Science. His editorial roles span over 80 guest-edited editions in top-tier journals, and he has authored over 450 refereed articles, 60 books, and 80 book chapters across management, marketing, and business disciplines. His research focuses on strategic management, international marketing, and organizational behavior, with a growing emphasis on digital transformation and sustainability. Education: PhD in International Marketing Management and Business, Manchester Metropolitan University (2000) MBA (Distinction), University of Hull (2000) BSc (Hons) in Business Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University (1997) Research Interests: Strategic Management, International Marketing, Digital Innovation, Sustainability, and Organizational Behavior. His work addresses contemporary challenges in business ecosystems, including AI integration, green innovation, and cross-cultural management. Awards & Affiliations: Fellow Member, Chartered Institute of Marketing Chartered Business Consultant Member of numerous international editorial boards and advisory councils Key Projects: Leads ERASMUS+ initiatives on digital excellence, sustainable education, and mental health in youth football. His research often bridges academia and industry, with collaborations in Vietnam, Italy, and South Africa. Institutional Roles: Serves on the boards of international companies and advises on policy at the national level in Cyprus and abroad.
Eleni Andreou is a Professor and Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia within the School of Life and Health Sciences , teaching and coordinating Nutrition/Dietetics programs since 1992. She practices as a private clinical dietitian in Cyprus since 1991 and holds a Doctorate in Professional Studies from Middlesex University (2006-2011), focusing on behavioral modification, diabetes, obesity, and cognition-sleep relationships. B.Sc. (Summa Cum Laude) in Dietetics from Youngstown State University (1990) Postgraduate clinical training at Youngstown State University and Southside & Northside Memorial Hospital (1992) Doctorate in Professional Studies (Clinical Dietetics, Nutrition Sciences, Health Education) from Middlesex University (2011) Her research spans behavioral nutrition , chronic disease management , and cognition-sleep interactions , with recent work including chrono-nutrition effects on cognitive function, carbohydrate periodization for physical fitness, and pandemic-induced lifestyle changes . She contributes to public health policy through her roles in Cyprus Diabetes Association , CySPEN , and as a Scientific Advisor for health organizations. She authored the textbook Antioxidants in Health and Disease (2015) and over 75 research outputs. Key scientific contributions include h-index of 13 with 640 citations (Scopus) and fellowship in the United Kingdom Higher Education Academy. She leads nutrition research projects and consults food/pharmaceutical companies , while serving as President of Cyprus Dietetic and Nutrition Association , CySPEN , and Cyprus Atherosclerosis Association . Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2,3,4) and has active collaborations across Europe and Cyprus .
