Limassol:European Commission representatives have expressed their satisfaction with the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) during a tour of its facilities under construction in Polemidia, Limassol district. These facilities are set for completion in 2027.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the delegation was in Cyprus for a two-day visit, which included the evaluation of the fifth reporting period of the EXCELSIOR project. Alberto Fernández-Wyttenbach, Director of Research Programmes at the European Commission's European Research Executive Agency, highlighted the centre's strategic importance for Cyprus and Europe, emphasizing its role in space observation and satellite telecommunications.

Fernández-Wyttenbach underscored that the ERATOSTHENES Centre is a flagship project for Cyprus, supported by substantial political investment. He also noted that Cyprus has become an associated member of the European Space Agency, further enhancing its capabilities in the international space community. The centre is pivotal for Cyprus to remain at the forefront of European Space Agency member countries.

Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, CEO of the ERATOSTHENES Centre, mentioned that the site visit was part of the EXCELSIOR project evaluation, funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Commission with 38 million pounds. Although European funding ends in December, the centre will continue with other funding sources, including the Republic of Cyprus.

The new facilities will combine the resources of CUT's Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, aiming to enhance research and innovation. The centre will consolidate its staff, currently spread across multiple locations, into a single site to reduce rental costs and improve collaboration.

CUT's Vice-Rector for Financial Planning and Development, Vangelis Akylas, reaffirmed the university's support for the ERATOSTHENES Centre. He noted that the construction of new student residences, with a capacity of 500 beds, is also progressing, with completion expected in 2027.

The European Commission delegation also visited the EarthView Cyprus station in Pera Oreinis, operated by a consortium including the ERATOSTHENES Centre and CYTA, and concluded their visit at the ERATOSTHENES Centre's CARO atmospheric observatory in Limassol.