Kyoto: Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) Demetris Skourides and its Director General Theodoros Loukaidis held meetings with ‘prominent figures’ in the international field of Research and Innovation, within the framework of the Science and Technology in Society Forum 2025, which took place between 5-6 October in Kyoto, Japan, according to an RIF press release.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the RIF officials engaged in discussions with Marcia McNutt, President of the American Academy of Sciences, focusing on the need to redesign research evaluation systems. They also conversed with Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, about the new EU framework programme, the budget for cutting-edge research, and support actions for young scientists. Additionally, discussions with Alexandra van Huffelen, President of the Executive Board of Radboud University in the Netherlands, revolved around collaborations in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience.
The RIF representatives participated in a high-level meeting of the Research and Innovation Funding Agencies, which extensively discussed the development of human resources specializing in artificial intelligence and the role of organizations in enhancing talent. During a roundtable discussion, they exchanged good practices with Tsuyoshi Sugino, President of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and several other key figures from global research councils and foundations.
Brief meetings were also held with influential leaders such as Professor Mari Sundli Tveit from the Research Council of Norway, Lars Hultman from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, and Fulifhelo Nelwamondo from NRF South Africa, among others. These interactions aimed to foster collaboration and exchange insights on strategic research initiatives.
In addition to these engagements, Skourides held discussions with Edward Screven of Ampere Computer Holdings, Dr. Harrick Vin of Tata Consultancy Services, and other notable figures in the field of science and technology. The event also provided the RIF representatives with opportunities to attend lectures and participate in discussions on academia-business cooperation, retraining in the era of Artificial Intelligence, and the application of AI solutions in the public sector and green energy.