The University of Cyprus (UCY) is a major academic and research institution in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with a strong strategic role in advancing education, training, and capacity building within the IFIGENEIA project. Through its established excellence in research, innovation, and higher education, UCY contributes substantially to the project’s objectives of strengthening accelerator-based radioisotope production, nuclear medicine, and particle therapy applications.
Established by law in 1989 as a body governed by public law, the University of Cyprus admitted its first students in 1992 and has since developed into a comprehensive higher education institution offering undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational programmes across all study cycles (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD).
The University is structured into six Faculties and includes a fully operational Medical School, supporting interdisciplinary research and education at the interface of physics, engineering, medicine, and life sciences.
UCY’s academic quality and international standing are reflected in its consistent presence in major global ranking systems, including the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (401–500), QS World University Rankings 2025 (389), Shanghai Ranking ARWU 2024 (701–800), and U.S. Best Global Universities Rankings 2024–2025 (678).
As of September 2024, UCY employs 355 academic staff members and 60 Special Teaching Staff, supported by 986 postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, academic researchers, and Special Scientists, as well as 498 administrative staff members.
The University is an active participant in European academic collaboration, serving as a partner in the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance, which promotes innovation-driven education, research mobility, and societal engagement across Europe.
UCY’s organisational entities are distributed across its main campus and several locations in and around Nicosia, including premises of the former Pedagogical Academy, the Shacolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine (former Faculty of Nursing), a section of a building complex in Latsia, and buildings within the walled city, as well as additional facilities across the wider Nicosia area. The University hosts advanced research infrastructure, including dedicated Research Centres, two Centres of Excellence, and shared facilities that support both fundamental and applied research with high societal impact. Additional facilities, such as a modern Data Centre, Library and a fully equipped Athletic Centre, contribute to a comprehensive academic and research environment conducive to excellence and international collaboration.
Within the IFIGENEIA project, the University of Cyprus serves as the Lead Partner for Work Package WP6: Mentorship (Capacity Building and Mentorship). Under WP6, UCY will provide mentorship to the partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organise an Accelerator School, deliver Master Classes dedicated to Particle Therapy, and support the implementation of a Virtual Interactive Radioisotope Production Unit, in coordination with the relevant Task Leaders (the respective project partners). Beyond WP6, UCY actively contributes to additional work packages, supporting the integrated and multidisciplinary implementation of the IFIGENEIA project objectives.
