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HARVARD
University and the Cyprus government have come reached an initial agreement
to set up an international Research and Technology Institute in Cyprus.
Commerce
Minister George Lillikas announced yesterday this was the first time Harvard
had agreed to have its name linked to such a project, calling the institute
an “associated institute with Harvard University”.
The government is in the process of working out the details of a plan to set
up a regional research centre in Cyprus in co-operation with the Harvard
School of Public Health (HSPH).
The institute will offer training and research and have direct links with
regional policy-makers in the fields of environment and issues affecting
public health.
Scientists from Harvard will work alongside Cypriots, postgraduate and
doctorate students and other professionals from around the world,
researching the latest in advanced technologies in environment and public
health.
The two parties are currently in the second stage of negotiations, with
March in sight as a closing date, after which, cabinet gives the final
go-ahead.
The institute will comprise laboratories, training facilities, library,
computer systems and offices, providing new opportunities for research into
environmental technologies and public health. Its main functions will be to
provide research, training and education, and providing consultation
services.
Research will cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa, supported by the
wealth of academic resources at Harvard University and the University of
Cyprus. The institute will provide regional players with technological
knowledge on the environment and public health.
It will receive funding from a number of sources, including the Cyprus
government, but aims to become self-sufficient within 10 years.
Lillikas stressed that the opportunity was a great one for Cyprus, giving
Cypriot scientists abroad and at home the chance to co-operate with the
Institute, as well as local industries, making it an important regional
research centre.
HSPH Dean of Finance and Administration Dr John Lichten said the school was
involved in research in 58 countries around the world but that this was
institute was a unique opportunity to combine training with research as well
as outreaching policymakers. The school is currently researching the effects
of the first Gulf War on the health and psychology of Kuwaitis.
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