Academic Partnerships and Cultural Exploration Drive the UCy-UKent Meeting held at the University of Cyprus
In a significant step towards strengthening international academic ties, Felipe Fantuzzi and his student Jacob Sands from the KAIROS group at the University of Kent, joined forces with researchers from the University of Cyprus (UCy) for the UCy-UKent Meeting in Nicosia. The event showcased ongoing collaborative research projects between the groups led by Panayiotis Koutentis of UCy and Felipe Fantuzzi, emphasising the power of cross-border academic partnerships.
The gathering featured a series of insightful presentations, highlighted by contributions from Andreas Kalogirou from the European University Cyprus, and Maria Koyioni and Georgia Zissimou, both PDRAs from the Koutentis group. Alongside with Jacob and Felipe, students from the Koutentis group also presented their research. Jacob detailed his master’s research on the computational description of Blatter tri-radicals, while Felipe showcased the diverse projects of the KAIROS team, covering topics ranging from boron-based biradicals to sustainability and space science.
During his visit, Felipe also engaged in strategic discussions with Antonis Zorpas from the Open University of Cyprus and Agapios Agapiou from the University of Cyprus. These meetings aimed to explore and expand the scope of potential academic and research collaborations between the universities in Cyprus and Kent. Such dialogues underscore the commitment to fostering strong international partnerships that can significantly enhance educational and research outcomes across institutions.
The visit to Cyprus was not just about academic exchange; it also included cultural immersion, which began in Paphos. The team explored the city’s archaeological sites and enjoyed the coastal beauty before heading to Limassol to experience its sandy beaches and tranquil waters. The week culminated in Nicosia, the continent’s only divided capital, where the history of the island was as much a part of the experience as the academic activities.
The UCy-UKent Meeting meeting day began at 10 am at UCy, where the KAIROS members were warmly received. After the series of talks, the group enjoyed a local culinary experience at lunch, visited the Nicosia Museum, and ended the day with a spirited bowling session. The day concluded with discussions about future collaborations and a surprise birthday celebration for Jacob, complete with a traditional Cypriot meze and cake, underlining the warm hospitality and lasting friendships formed through this initiative.
This UCy-UKent meeting not only highlighted the promising potential for future collaborations but also showcased the KAIROS strategy of blending academic rigour and cultural exchange that characterise successful international partnerships.