University of Nicosia signs MOU with the Cyprus Geological Survey

The Department of Engineering will collaborate with the Geological Survey Department of the Republic of Cyprus in the area of Geo-Sciences

An agreement was signed this week between the Department of Engineering of the University of Nicosia (UNIC) and the Cyprus Geological Survey Department (GSD), committing both parties to closer collaboration in the broad area of Geo-Scientific research.

The Cyprus Geological Survey is a Department of the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, founded in 1950, to perform scientific research and investigations in geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical, geophysical, seismological, geo-environmental matters and mineral resources.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties underscores their common interest in the field of earth sciences and reflects their commitment to cooperate on a range of issues in this field. The MoU includes, among others: technology transfer; faculty, staff and student exchange; educational and outreach activities; as well as research collaboration.

The agreement was signed during a meeting on campus, with the participation of faculty members from the Oil and Gas Engineering programme. On behalf of GSD, the section heads presented the activities of the Department, underlining the prospective areas of collaboration with UNIC. The ensuing discussion focused on the expertise and research interests of the faculty of Engineering, highlighting the benefits from the collaboration for both the governmental department and the academic community, including the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The MoU was signed by Dr Stelios Neophytou, Head of the Department of Engineering at the University of Nicosia, and by Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, GSD Acting Director.

Commenting on the development, Dr Neophytou said: “We are very pleased to begin our official collaboration with the Geological Survey Department and look forward to working together, exchanging expertise and investigating possibilities to expand our research potential in the process. I am sure that both parties will take full advantage of this agreement to provide added value to their activities”.

On his part, Mr Hadjigeorgiou thanked UNIC and the Department of Engineering for their invitation for cooperation. “We always believe that working with academia can result in a win-win situation”. He added that GSD has signed numerous agreements with universities around the world that expressed interest in the geological uniqueness of Cyprus. “We are very glad to have University of Nicosia on board and look forward to a fruitful collaboration”, he concluded.