Press Releases

I am delighted to be with you here today for the ceremony celebrating the establishment of the A.G. Leventis Chair in Archaeological Sciences at The Cyprus Institute. It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of the Institute’s President, Professor Costas Papanicolas, to address this important event.  In my capacity as Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, I oversee the work of the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus, which is responsible for the management and protection of our rich cultural heritage. In order to carry out its mission in the most effective manner possible, the Department cooperates closely with a multitude of stakeholders.

Within this framework, I became acquainted with the exciting work of STARC (Στάρσί) - The Cyprus Institute’s Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center, especially in the fields of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage research. The close and fruitful collaboration between STARC and the Department of Antiquities is framed through a Memorandum of Understanding and extends to an array of activities. I should mention in particular the preparation of important European Research proposals such as the SIMDAS (Σίμντας) TEAMING proposal for the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Simulation and Data Science in Cyprus.

The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Cyprus Dendrochronology Laboratory at STARC, which also involves collaboration with Cornell University, is another significant step in our joined efforts.

Overall, STARC and The Cyprus Institute contribute greatly to the study, analysis, preservation and protection of the rich cultural heritage of our island. STARC’s foundation and impressive growth has been and continues to be aligned with the needs of specialists of the field. It supports and enhances the work of responsible authorities such as the Department of Antiquities, our museums, cultural foundations, institutions and foreign archaeological expeditions. More specifically, STARC has been a pioneer in Cyprus, in the fields of Archaeological Sciences, Digital Cultural Heritage, Scientific Visualization, Bioarchaeology and Art Characterization. Its work has significantly strengthened research in the island, offering opportunities to young researchers and students. It thus contributes directly to our efforts to transform Cyprus into an economy driven by knowledge and innovation.

Special mention should be made to the development of Dioptra: The Edmée Leventis Digital Library for Cypriot Culture, an important platform for the management of data that allows the dissemination of the treasures of Cypriot heritage across the globe.

Following and building on these successes, the founding of the A.G. Leventis Chair in Archaeological Sciences is of exceptional importance. The Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation has always been a steadfast supporter and contributor to the growth, vision and development of STARC. The critical role of the Leventis Foundation in the preservation, protection and study of Cypriot cultural heritage is indisputable. The unwavering commitment and generous support of the Foundation towards all aspects of cultural life and education in the island, including the Department of Antiquities, has been of fundamental significance. Allow me to sincerely express the deep appreciation of the Cyprus Government to the Foundation and its Chairman, and Trustee of The Cyprus Institute, Dr. Tassos Leventis for this particularly important donation.

The establishment of the Leventis Chair in Archaeological Sciences is of great significance for further enriching STARC’s activities as it will enable the expansion of research into fundamental areas of archaeological scientific research such as metallurgy, ceramic production, and glass.

I want to congratulate The Cyprus Institute for attracting Professor Thilo Rehren (Τίλο Ρέρεν) who will assume the Leventis Chair in Archaeological Sciences as the Director of STARC. Professor Rehren is a scientist of international caliber, with a substantial track record of research in the region, and a well-developed regional network. I am certain he will be welcomed warmly by our local archaeological and academic community. His research has underlined the importance of the material and the natural sciences in shedding light on the achievements of past societies. Especially in understanding the technological processes related to the manufacture of metals, glass, glazes and ceramics. I am confident that under his leadership STARC will continue growing into a Center of Excellence. Serving both as a national and regional resource, attracting advanced research activity and competitive funds to Cyprus.

I will conclude by expressing my warmest wishes and congratulations for the installation of Prof. Rehren at the A.G. Leventis Chair in Archaeological Sciences at The Cyprus Institute. I also wish to express my great appreciation to the Leventis Foundation and its Chairman, Mr. Leventis, for this very important gesture of support and engagement. On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, I want to assure you of the continuing support of the government and myself, in the Institute’s future growth. Looking forward to an even closer collaboration between STARC and the Department of Antiquities I wish you every success in your fascinating and praiseworthy work.

(ΔΚ)