Nicosia: The International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Symposium in Nicosia has consolidated COSPAR’s role as an international platform for dialogue in space science as well as Cyprus’s growing influence in the global space sector, a COSPAR press release says.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the 6th COSPAR Symposium, which concluded this month in Nicosia, brought together over 300 scientists, agency leaders, and industry pioneers from more than 50 countries. Hosted by the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) under the auspices of Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides, the event featured key highlights such as the Space Agency Leaders Roundtable, the release of the Heliophysics Guidelines, and the introduction of COSPAR’s Space Exploration Roadmap. Ground-breaking scientific announcements included AI-driven bioinformatics discoveries for astronaut health and new insights on space weather risks.
The symposium saw the official release of the COSPAR Heliophysics Guidelines, which are unified global principles for the scientific study of the Sun and its effects. Heliophysics, which studies solar and magnetospheric physics, space physics and aeronomy, and space weather, poses significant threats to modern life. The guidelines aim to create a “common language” for scientists and space agencies worldwide to share data, coordinate observations, and improve forecasting of dangerous solar events.
Jean-Claude Worms, COSPAR Executive Director, emphasized the global necessity of understanding space weather, highlighting the guidelines as a critical step in building a united front to protect the planet. The initiative is supported by a consortium including China’s National Space Science Center, the Space Studies Board of the US’ National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and other leading institutions.
The symposium also featured the Bioinformatics Workshop and Press Conference, spotlighting COSPAR’s International Space Innovation Centre in Cyprus. Eija Tanskanen from the University of Oulu presented a discovery challenging conventional wisdom on space weather, revealing that the most severe space hazard effects occur during the declining phase of the solar cycle. This has implications for the safety of satellites and the planning of future human exploration missions.
George Spyrou, from the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, introduced “computational drug repurposing,” using AI to analyze genetic changes caused by microgravity in human cells. This research aims to protect astronauts from health risks and has direct applications for patients on Earth.
The symposium fostered global partnerships with MoUs signed between CSEO and Japan’s IHI Corporation, focusing on satellite-enabled technology for sustainable shipping, and between CSEO and India’s Pixxel, for developing advanced Earth Observation solutions for the EU market. Public engagement was emphasized with the Nicosia Space Science Street Festival and a Public Outreach and Education Weekend.
At the Closing Ceremony, COSPAR medals were awarded to CSEO President George A. Danos and Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides for their leadership. The symposium’s success in advancing space science and collaboration was highlighted by Jean-Claude Worms. The event concluded with a handover to Italy for the upcoming 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in 2026.
Meanwhile, Cyprus News Agency reports that the symposium’s focus on actionable partnerships resulted in two landmark MoU signing ceremonies, representing strategic achievements for Cyprus and its international partners. Public engagement activities culminated in the Nicosia Space Science Street Festival, organized in partnership with the Research and Innovation Foundation and Cyprus Comic Con.
CNA was the media sponsor of the COSPAR event.