New Zebrafish Laboratory at University of Nicosia opens doors to research partners

The University of Nicosia’s Zebrafish Laboratory recently began full scale operations. Last week, the laboratory team hosted an information session for University of Nicosia faculty and partners to outline the facility’s research goals and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Led by Associate Professor Konstantinos Voskarides and Assistant Professor Annita Achilleos, the facility supports a wide range of biomedical research and teaching activities. The team also includes Mrs Rotem Badash as a laboratory and research technician.

The zebrafish is a globally recognised model organism for investigating human health and disease and it is routinely used in many biomedical disciplines including Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Regenerative Medicine, Genetics and Gene Editing, Environmental Toxicology, Infectious Diseases, Pharmacology and Evolutionary Biology.

The lab is currently engaged in two projects in collaboration with faculty from UNIC Medical School and UNIC Veterinary School, with independent projects in development.

The facility is equipped with a Techniplast Active Blue Stand Alone rack comprising:

  • 65 self-cleaning tanks with automated control of temperature, pH, and conductivity
  • Environmental enrichment features (gravel-mimic tank bottoms)
  • Capacity for up to 1,000 adult zebrafish
  • Daily husbandry by a trained technician

All procedures comply with EU Directive 2010/63/EU and Cyprus Law N.55(I)/2013, overseen by the institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

CONTACT AND COLLABORATION

The Zebrafish Laboratory welcomes research proposals and collaboration inquiries from academia, healthcare, and industry. Expressions of interest may be sent to: