The Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) of The Cyprus Institute received the Innovation Award by Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) - Ομοσπονδία Εργοδοτών & Βιομηχάνων (ΟΕΒ) in the field of Social Innovation for developing a process to characterize artworks using innovative analysis and documentation technologies, aimed at studying, protecting, and showcasing cultural heritage.
This distinction was part of an outstanding recognition for The Cyprus Institute, which won three out of the ten awards presented at the Cyprus Innovation Awards by OEB and the Cyprus Research Awards by RIF.
In particular, CyI researchers won:
- Innovation Award in the Social Innovation category (awarded by OEB) to the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs). Professor Nikolas Bakirtzis, Head of APAC Labs received the award on behalf of the entire team.
- Distinguished Researcher of the Year Award 2024 in the category “Physical Sciences and Engineering” (awarded by RIF), to Professor Jean Sciare, Director of the Research Center of Excellence for Climate and Atmosphere (CARE-C).
-Young Researcher Award 2024 in the category “Physical Sciences and Engineering” (awarded by RIF), to Simone Bacchio.
The Award Ceremony took place on Thursday, March 26, 2025, at the Nicosia Municipal Theater, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides who presented the awards.
The Cyprus’ Research and Innovation Awards are Cyprus most important awards in their respective fields, recognizing and rewarding individuals and organizations that stood out the previous year, contributing substantially to the promotion of research, scientific excellence, technological development and innovation.
The awards are the latest testament to the excellence, innovation, and leadership that define CyI’s mission in strengthening Cyprus' vision for the formation of a dynamic and innovative research environment, competitive on both the local and international level.
