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.
Ali Akdoğan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences at Final University. His academic career spans over two decades with doctoral studies completed in 2014, following a Master's degree in 1995 and Bachelor's degree in 1992. Educational Background: Doctoral Degree: 2014 Master's Degree: 1995 Bachelor's Degree: 1992 Research Interests: Dr. Akdoğan's work explores educational psychology, teacher development, and the impact of global educational frameworks like the International Baccalaureate program. His research analyzes school culture, emotional intelligence in educational settings, and pandemic-induced distance learning challenges. Publication Trends: Recent work (2021-2022) focuses on psychological impacts of the pandemic on students, effectiveness of international educational programs, and teacher emotional intelligence. Earlier research (2002, 1995) examines social capital and personnel selection in educational institutions.
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.
Dr. Vagia Polyzoidou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Law at the University of Cyprus, serving as Associate Head of Department and Programme Coordinator. She is a Member of the Senate and holds an academic rank of Associate Professor. Her expertise spans Criminal Law, Cybercrime Legislation, and Gender-Based Violence. She earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD in Law from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a specialization in Criminal Law and Criminology. Education: Bachelor of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Master of Law (Criminal Law and Criminology), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki PhD in Law (Criminal Law), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Her research focuses on cybercrime, digital violence against women, EU legal frameworks for electronic evidence, and legal responses to social issues like fat shaming. She has an h-index of 8 and 101 citations, with active research since 2011. Notable contributions include work on the Budapest Convention, psychosocial interventions in legal contexts, and violence against women. Her recent publications (2023–2024) address EU e-evidence regulations, legal approaches to sexual harassment in Greece, and protections for minor victims through exceptional criminal provisions. She has collaborated internationally on criminal justice policies and cybercrime legislation. Dr. Polyzoidou’s work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing gender equality and quality education. She maintains an active Scopus profile and contributes to academic discourse through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
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.
Dr. Evelina Charidemou is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Cyprus. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor's degree (Honors) from Imperial College London, where she earned the Royal College of Science Associateship (ARCS). Her research focuses on developing metabolomics and lipidomics tools to investigate metabolic syndrome, particularly Type II diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, using high-performance liquid chromatography and multivariate bioinformatics. Specialties: Nutritional Biochemistry, Metabolism, Histone Acetylation Collaborations: University of Oxford, University of Aarhus, Imperial College London Leadership: President of Cyprus Metabolomic Network Key Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, Best Presentation (Metabolomics Sardinian Scientific School) Her work has been published in high-impact journals including Trends in Biochemical Sciences , EMBO Journal , and Hepatology , with a focus on the interplay between epigenetic mechanisms and metabolic diseases. She actively presents at international conferences such as the Metabolomics Society meetings and contributes to the International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yıltan Bitirim is a faculty member at the Computer Engineering Department of Eastern Mediterranean University in North Cyprus. With over two decades of academic experience, he has served in various roles including Vice Chair (2014-2022), Academic Affairs Coordinator (2025-), and committee member for ABET assessment, curriculum development, and faculty recruitment. Current academic rank: Associate Professor Active administrative roles: Senate Member (2023-), Information Technology Commission Member (2023-) Professional memberships: ACM, IEEE Senior Member, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Computer Engineers Research Interests focus on four primary areas: Information Retrieval Systems – evaluating search engine effectiveness and reverse image search performance Machine Learning – applied to emotion classification, gender recognition, and medical diagnosis Data Mining – used in Turkish word-stemming analysis and user behavior studies Biometrics – specializing in hand/wrist/palm vein recognition systems and voice-based identification Publications demonstrate consistent contributions across disciplines, with recent works (2023-2025) emphasizing: Deep learning applications in biometric authentication Advanced emotion recognition systems Medical AI for diabetes management and retinopathy diagnosis Biometric spoof detection mechanisms Turkish language processing challenges Recommendation system innovations Awards & Recognition : Research Incentive Awards (2020, 2021) Best Paper Award at ICIW 2007 IEEE Senior Member status As an educator, he has supervised numerous thesis committees and taught foundational courses in computer engineering, including CMPE 112 and CMPE 342. His certifications (MCTS, MCITP) reflect technical expertise in Microsoft technologies.
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.
Professor Maria Economidou Kogetsidis is a Professor of English and Applied Linguistics at the University of Nicosia, serving as Coordinator of the MA TESOL Programme in the Department of Languages and Literature. She has been affiliated with the University of Nicosia since 2002. Her expertise spans interlanguage pragmatics, cross-cultural communication, and e-politeness in digital contexts. Education: PhD in Cross-cultural Pragmatics (University of Nottingham) MA in TESOL and Applied Linguistics (University of Leicester) BA in Humanities (University of Bedfordshire) Her research focuses on pragmatic performance of Greek/Greek Cypriot learners of English, e-requests, and methodological comparisons of request data. She has published extensively in journals like Journal of Pragmatics , Intercultural Pragmatics , and ELT Journal , and co-edited the 2012 volume Interlanguage Request Modification . She serves as a reviewer for multiple prestigious journals and is an Editorial Board member of Intercultural Communication Education . Her work emphasizes the intersection of theory and practice, bridging pragmatic research with classroom application. Her studies explore how learners navigate pragmatic challenges in academic and digital communication, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. Recent research highlights longitudinal studies of Japanese learners in UK study abroad contexts and the role of pedagogical intervention in enhancing pragmatic awareness. Despite no formal awards listed, her impactful contributions to the field are evident through her prolific publications and editorial roles. She actively engages in curriculum development, mentoring, and academic administration, contributing to the MA TESOL Programme’s structure and pedagogical innovation.
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.
Despo Ktoridou serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Management at the University of Nicosia's School of Business in Cyprus. She has held academic positions since 1999, advancing from Assistant Professor of Educational Technologies to Associate Professor in 2007 and full Professor in 2019. A Certified Engineer by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), she maintains active memberships in IEEE and ACM while bridging engineering, management, and educational disciplines through her scholarly contributions. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Computer Systems & Networks) from Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (awarded 1991) Master of Science in Engineering (Computer Systems & Networks) from Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (awarded 1993) Doctor of Philosophy in 'Expert Systems in Education' from Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (awarded 1999) Professor Ktoridou's research centers on ICT integration in educational practice, technology and innovation management pedagogies, and open and online distance learning. Her work examines how technological advancements can be effectively incorporated into teaching methodologies and management education, with publications spanning theoretical frameworks to practical applications in higher education settings. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a pronounced focus on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and the metaverse within educational contexts. These studies consistently investigate student perspectives, acceptance patterns, and specialized course development (e.g., intellectual property management for technology students), demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches that merge computer science, business management, and educational theory. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards, prizes, or fellowships documented in provided information Professor Ktoridou has supervised numerous graduate students throughout her academic career and participated in multiple EU-funded and locally sponsored research programs. Her academic service includes guest lecturing at foreign universities, conference session chairing, program committee membership, and editorial review activities. As Department Head since 2012, she demonstrates sustained commitment to academic administration and program development. While specific laboratory facilities are not detailed, her research trajectory indicates leadership in interdisciplinary teams focused on educational technology innovation. Current work explores cutting-edge topics including AI ethics in education and metaverse applications, positioning her contributions at the forefront of technology-enhanced learning research.
Dr Nicos Philippou is a Lecturer at the Department of Communications, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Cyprus. His research focuses on queer art subcultures, visual culture, and the interplay between formal/informal institutions in post-conflict urban contexts like Nicosia. He explores critical theory, gender studies, and media archaeology, often linking local Cypriot narratives to broader European modernity frameworks. Key research areas: Queer Theory, Subcultural Studies, Post-War Urban Development Notable projects: Queer art in divided Nicosia, instant photography’s role in Cypriot identity His publications emphasize spatial politics and heteronormative critique, with a 2021 book chapter analyzing artistic spatial strategies in Cyprus. While no explicit awards are listed, his work is cited in major databases like Scopus with an h-index of 40. He actively contributes to academic discourse through peer-reviewed chapters and journal articles.
Andreas Athenodorou is an associate research scientist at the Computation-based Science & Technology Research Center (CaSToRC) of The Cyprus Institute. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics from the University of Oxford (2004–2008) and has held postdoctoral positions at DESY Zeuthen, Swansea University, and the University of Cyprus. Prior to his current role, he was a Marie Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellow at the University of Pisa (2019–2021). He currently leads a work package in the NI4OS-Europe project. His research focuses on theoretical and computational aspects of particle physics, including lattice gauge theories, large-Nc limits, hadron structure, and beyond Standard Model physics. He specializes in applying high performance computing (HPC), data science, and machine learning to solve complex problems in quantum field theory. Notable areas include confinement dynamics via effective string theory, glueball spectroscopy, and topological susceptibility studies in QCD. His computational work spans lattice QCD simulations, development of reproducible open science workflows, and application of machine learning to phase transition analysis. He has contributed to understanding mass hierarchies in strongly-coupled systems and the neutron electric dipole moment using advanced simulation techniques. Key contributions include advancing effective string theory descriptions of flux tubes, analyzing Z_N gauge theories, and exploring β-function behaviors in SU(2) adjoint fermion systems. His work bridges fundamental theory with computational innovation, addressing both particle physics questions and methodological challenges in large-scale simulations.
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 .
