Cyprus’ Chief Scientist, Demetris Skourides, accompanied by High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, has completed a week-long programme of high-level meetings in Australia to advance research and innovation (R&I) cooperation and position Cyprus as a gateway hub to Europe.
Canberra meetings
On the week of September 2, Mr Skourides met with Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet, to present Cyprus’ Research and Innovation Strategy 2024–2026 and outline the country’s growing R&I ecosystem.
The two Chief Scientists exchanged views and best practices, with discussions focused on cooperation in climate change and sustainability, ocean science, robotics, AI and emerging technologies. Australia’s strong record in research – with more than 90% of output rated above world standard – was acknowledged as a key strength.
As part of his focus on holistic solutions for emergency response and fire management, Mr Skourides also met Lori Mancel and Benedict Lyons to discuss federal best practices, including the use of drones in prevention and response systems.
At the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), he was hosted by Head of Aquawatch, Dr Janet Anstee, and Dr Stefanos Xenarios. Dr Anstee presented an end-to-end overview of Project Aquawatch, which is developing a world-class integrated water quality monitoring and forecasting system using sensors, earth observations and advanced technologies. Discussions centred on how European best practices could enhance Aquawatch and identified opportunities for cooperation.
Mr Skourides also held talks with Dr Katherine Woodthorpe, President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), and Dr Peter Derbyshire, Director of International Affairs. He provided an overview of Cyprus’ rising R&I ecosystem, explored synergies with Australia’s strategies, and identified partnership opportunities in agrifood, agritech, climatetech, health and MedTech. The visit concluded with a meeting with Tina Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
Melbourne engagements
On September 3, Mr Skourides and High Commissioner Mr Sammoutis took part in meetings organised by George Georgiou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia, in collaboration with James Demetriou AM, a prominent Greek Cypriot diaspora leader, at the University of Melbourne.
Hosted by Dr Ruth Park-Jones, Chief Director of Commercialisation, Mr Skourides presented the Cyprus R&I ecosystem and studied best practices used by Australia’s top universities to operationalise and commercialise research in MedTech, Sportstech, Agritech and Envirotech.
He also met Professor Michelle Foster, Dean of Melbourne Law School, as well as Simon McKeon AO – 2011 Australian of the Year and former Chair of Macquarie Bank – alongside other distinguished figures in the legal and corporate sectors. Melbourne Law School, ranked among the world’s top 15 law schools (QS 2025), is a pioneer in integrating AI into education and judicial training.
Mr Skourides also visited Monash University, where he was welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), Professor Cecilia Hewlett. He attended presentations from leading academics across medicine, nursing, health sciences, information technology, sustainable development, advanced environments for research and intelligent computing.
Monash University’s Tech Transfer Office demonstrated how it applies global best practices to turn research excellence into successful ventures, highlighting spin-outs such as Seaport Therapeutics (neuropsychiatric medicines), Electralith (clean lithium refining), and Juniper Ionics (green ammonia production using water, air and renewable energy).
In discussions, Mr Skourides showcased Cyprus’ strengths as a gateway to Europe’s research ecosystem, underlining its high Global Innovation Index ranking and success in securing ERC grants. He expressed particular interest in Monash’s work on artificial hearts, pollination and habitat research, and the university’s integration of research with industry and healthcare. Monash attracts more than $650 million annually in R&I funds and invests $1.7 billion per year in research.
World Chambers Congress and Diaspora Engagement
On September 4, Mr Skourides joined a panel at the 14th World Chambers Congress at Melbourne Convention Centre, chaired by the Chief of Staff of the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI). The panel focused on leadership styles emphasising purpose, empathy, generosity and service.
Building on a newly signed MoU between the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and the Australian-Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, Mr Georgiou hosted a series of meetings with leading Australian tech companies and start-ups, positioning Cyprus as a European gateway. Companies including Hydrogenus Energy, AdvanzPay, Pacific Bio and Mindset Health presented their IP, credentials and growth strategies to the Chief Scientist.
A diaspora meeting, hosted by Mr Georgiou and Marina Papas of Madgwicks Lawyers, brought together South Australia’s Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Andrea Michaels; former minister Theo Theophanous; MP Kat Theophanous; and prominent Australian-Cypriot business leaders and community members. Mr Skourides presented Cyprus’ role as a European entry point, highlighting the country’s presidency initiatives and the “Minds in Cyprus” programme.
Among the participants was Dr Nic Lucas, a pioneer in Brain Neuromodulation Therapy, whose SOZO Brain Centre now operates in both Nicosia and South Melbourne, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of Cyprus–Australia collaboration.
The visit opened dialogue at the highest level, prioritised areas of cooperation, and identified two Australian start-ups and tech companies that will explore establishing a European presence in Cyprus in the coming months.
