ii

Foreword

Professor
Edouard Brzin
Chair, Board of
Trustees

Harnessing the energy coming

ics actively pursued at the Cyprus Institute.

from the sun through photovolta-

The Cyprus Institute was founded with the goal of conduct-

ic panels or mirrors to concen-

ing research that is relevant both to the needs of the coun-

trate the rays, combining energy

try, and considering the geographic location of the island, of

production with desalination, un-

regional significance and international visibility. This goal

derstanding the regional signifi-

was very ambitious: it is always a challenge to build ab initio

cance of the coming climate

a new research Institute, and even more so in a country

change and analyzing the risks

where the scientific infrastructure is still very young. Howev-

of its consequences for human

er this summary of the recent research conducted at the

health, monitoring the environ-

Institute illustrates how much it has succeeded to fulfill its

ment with tiny unmanned air-

mission in its short lifetime.

planes, understanding how to make a more efficient use of

The ambition of the founders was right: their vision has led

the precious water resources, using the best science to ana-

to an exceptional success. This short non-technical research

lyze, protect and reconstruct the exceptional cultural herit-

report will enlighten every inquisitive and honest mind who

age of Cyprus, and building the most modern state of the

would like to know more about the Cyprus Institute.

art computing facilities are some of the many research top-

Dr Andreas
Pittas
President of
the Executive
Committee

Recently, I came across a very ele-

the Cyprus Institute and its international partners is de-

gant publication authored by Dr

scribed.

Pavlos Flourentzos, the former di-

Renewable energy sources (solar in particular), energy stor-

rector of the Cyprus Department of

age, research on future climate changes and their conse-

Antiquities, and published by the

quences, environmental research, water resources and their

Republic of Cyprus (Ministry of

management, technology at the service of archaeology,

Communications and Works) on

protection of archaeological sites and analysis of archaeo-

the

sarcophagi

logical findings, supercomputers for the region are topics

found in Larnaca with the title:

included amongst others in the research/development

Two exceptional sarcophagi from

programme of the Cyprus Institute for the period 2010-

Larnaca. In no less than 72 out of

2011.

the 119 pages of this book, the

Work, which solely on its own merit, puts Cyprus on the

two

impressive

scientific work done on the sarcophagi in collaboration with

world research map as an emerging region.

Foreword

Professor
Costas N.
Papanicolas

This publication presents, in non-

In this report, the various research projects carried out dur-

technical terms, the research ac-

ing 2010 - 2011 are grouped together, and presented ac-

tivities of the Cyprus Institute for

cording to overall research themes.

the last two years. Research con-

The Institute just completed four years of operation. The

ducted at the Institute is focused

achievements are nothing short of impressive, as can be

on key issues facing Cyprus and

objectively assessed using indicators widely accepted by the

the region, some of which have

scientific community. I believe that the investment of the

global significance (e.g. climate

Republic of Cyprus in the Cyprus Institute, and the impres-

change, solar energy, energy

sive support of the international scientific community, both

storage, preservation of cultural

for which we are grateful, are vindicated by the activities

heritage).

and achievements hereby presented.

CyI President

The Cyprus Institute is an interna-

the University of Illinois/National Center for Supercompu-

tional science and technology re-

ting Applications (UIUC/NCSA).

search and post-graduate educa-

It cannot be emphasized enough that the Board of Trustees

tion organization, in pursuit of re-

and the Scientific Advisory Council specifically designed the

gional and inter-regional problems

programme of the Institute to augment and complement

in the Eastern Mediterranean often

the research and employment opportunities of traditional

of global significance. In the past

universities in the country and the wider region, rather than

four years, it has grown rapidly fill-

duplicate their place in society. In other words, filling gaps in

ing an important niche in national,

expertise and employment opportunity has been a standard

regional and European research

operating principle of the Institute.

and targeting some key societal

The period 2010 to 2011 was not an easy one for Cyprus,

needs.

the Government, and the Cyprus Institute. Amidst a global

There are three Centres currently in

and regional political and economic crisis, uncertainty and

operation at the Institute: the Energy, Environment and Wa-

drastic reductions in government funding and facility allot-

ter Research Centre (EEWRC), the Science and Technology

ment has resulted in a highly variable operating environ-

in Archaeology Research Centre (STARC) and the Computa-

ment especially for the Cyprus Institute.

tion-based Science and Technology Research Centre

It is due to the dedication of our staff as well as the extraor-

(CaSToRC). Each Centre was developed in partnership with

dinary quality of our partners that despite these difficulties

leading international research institutions: EEWRC in part-

the Institute has achieved remarkable recognition and made

nership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

important contributions to Cyprus and the region that are

Professor
Leonard Barrie
Vice President
of Research

(MIT) and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry; STARC,

highlighted in this report.

in partnership with the Centre de Recherche et de Res-

The achievements and progress documented in this report

tauration des Muses de France (C2RMF), headquar-

speak for themselves; they also amply demonstrate the

tered in the Louvre; and CaSToRC in partnership with

quality and potential of our Institute.

ii

Research
Highlights
2010 2011
Contents
Harnessing the Power of the Sun to Generate Electricity
and Water ........................................................................................................................2
Eastern Mediterranean: A Climate Change Hot Spot ..........................................4
Environmental Monitoring Takes Off ......................................................................8
Research on the Effective Use of Water Resources .......................................... 10
Searching for Coastal Freshwater through Remote Sensing
and Surface Measurements...................................................................................... 12
Towards a Zero-Energy Building: The Cyprus Presidential Palace ............... 13
3D - 4D Scientific Visualization: A New Look at Old Artifacts ....................... 14
Digital Libraries: The Libraries of the Future ....................................................... 16
People of Cyprus and the Region: New Awareness of the Past
through Science and Technology ........................................................................... 17
Research on the Protection of Cypriot world-class Heritage Sites ............... 18
Colours: Analysis of Painting Matter in Antiquity ............................................... 19
A Supercomputer for Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Europe ...... 20
An Imaging Facility for Cypriot Archaeology and Cultural Heritage ........... 22
A Leader in Scientific Computing and Data Intensive Applications .............. 23
High Performance Simulations: Advancing Fundamental Research ............. 24
Capturing and Storing Solar Energy: CyIs First Patent ..................................... 25
PhD programs and Educational Activities ............................................................ 26
External Funding Track Record for 2010-2011 ................................................... 28
Partnerships and Collaborations ............................................................................. 29
Externally Funded Projects Active During 2010 - 2011 .................................... 30

Harnessing the

Power of the Sun to Generate

Electricity and Water

ADDRESSING
WATER AND
ENERGY
NEEDS
IN CYPRUS

Harnessing the power of the sun

to generate electricity at competitive prices is one of the grand
challenges of the 21st century, and
is pursued worldwide. The exploitation of solar energy is a significant step in an effort to reduce
worldwide CO2 emissions and mitiThe solar PV collectors of the PV-RO Fraunhoffer desalination
experiment at Pentakomo

gate climate change impacts.

Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean are often suffering
from water shortages, which are projected to intensify as a

reservoir where it is stored. The stored heat is subsequently

result of climate change. Desalination of Sea Water (DSW) is

used to drive a turbine for the generation of electricity and

the only viable, long-term, solution for increasing the fresh

to power a thermal desalination plant. A methodology for

water supply, however this process is very energy (electricity)

optimal use of the available heat, as well as integration of the

intensive. Current electricity production in Cyprus relies over-

power and desalination cycles to increase the overall efficien-

whelmingly on fossil fuels (currently heavy oil; natural gas in

cy of the plant, was established in the design phase of the

the future) and the electricity de-

project.

mand is continuously increasing.

economic study has been produced,

European Union directives, already

examining the technological feasibil-

in effect, are penalizing Cyprus for

ity of the scheme and its economic

its CO2 emissions through a car-

viability.

bon tax.

The study also revealed the need to

However, Cyprus is blessed with

improve the efficiency of certain

an abundance of sunshine, and

critical components of a CSP-DSW

has a solar potential similar to that

plant. The following interrelated

of southern Spain, a region fa- Work at the Desalination Laboratory: testing a Multiple

research projects are being pursued:

Effect Distillation (MED) module (K. Charalambous and

mous for its booming solar indusA. Bonanos)

a) a new heliostat is being designed

try. The Cyprus Institute is active in

thorough

techno-

with the ability to track the sun with

this area of research, specifically the utilization of solar ener-

high accuracy, having an optimized mirror for increasing the

gy for electricity production and desalination. Principal

amount of heat captured from the sun, and suitable for de-

among its initiatives is its proposal for a novel concept for

ployment in the hilly terrain of coastal Cyprus; b) an innova-

the co-generation of electricity and Desalinated Sea Water

tive design has been proposed for integrating the receiver

(DSW) via Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), which is tai-

and storage systems into a single device, in a concept

lored to the environmental conditions in Cyprus. In the

termed Integrated STOrage and Receiver (ISTORE), which

co-generation project (CSP-DSW), specialized mirrors

simplifies the operation of a solar-thermal plant significantly;

(heliostats) track the motion of the sun redirecting its

and c) a Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) system for sea water

light onto a target the central receiver. The receiver

desalination, also driven by thermal energy, has been con-

is heated and transfers this heat to a large thermal

structed and is being tested to increase the efficiency of the

2

Harnessing the

Power of the Sun to Generate

Electricity and Water

process and to minimize or even eliminate auxiliary electrical energy needs, so that desalination is driven solely with
thermal energy.
A Solar Energy Desalination Laboratory has been established at the Athalassa Campus, where a Multi-Effect Distillation experiment for sea water desalination is currently being conducted. At Pentakomo, a Solar-Thermal Processes
Laboratory is being established for the testing of various
solar-driven systems under realistic conditions. A parallel
project, also aiming to address potable water needs
through desalination, is being carried out in collaboration
with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Our novel approach for the cogeneration of electricity and desalinated water using solar energy was highlighted in the exhibition Water
Wars: fight the food crisis at the Science Museum in London

(Germany). This project employs an entirely different tech-

gas emission reductions in order to align with European

nology (photovoltaics and reverse osmosis, PV-RO) and

Directives, which demand that by 2020, 13% of Cyprus total

involves a pilot plant which has already been installed at

energy consumption is derived from renewable sources. At

Pentakomo, and will be used to demonstrate under realistic

the same time, this project promises to develop new tech-

conditions the economic and technical performance of this

nologies capable of dramatically reducing the cost of sup-

particular technological approach. Its operation is expected

plying the population with clean fresh water, which can aug-

to commence before the summer of 2012.

ment the gains from management and conservation of wa-

Water and energy are both critical and mutually dependent

ter resources in Cyprus. The research pursued at CyI is of

resources, so it makes sense to pursue innovative ways to

relevance not only to Cyprus, but also to other coastal and

manage them in tandem - the so called energy-water nex-

island environments of the region. It has placed Cyprus on

us. Increasing the penetration of solar energy in Cyprus

the frontier of solar energy research in Europe as one of the

energy portfolio contributes towards the energy security

few places that addresses the challenge of the energy-water

and independence of the country, and satisfies greenhouse

nexus.

A panoramic view of the Pentakomo solar test facility

Related Projects : CSP-DSW (Cyprus Govt); MED-CSD (FP7); STEP-EW (INTERREG GR-CY)
CyI People: A. Bonanos, J. Georgiadis, M. Lange, K. Michail, I. Mitra, C. Papanicolas, M. Tsampas, P. Tsiartas, G. Tzamtzis
Key Partners: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US); University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (US); Electricity Authority of Cyprus
Selected Publications: The Cyprus Institute, Research and development study for a concentrated solar power desalinated sea water (CSP-DSW)
project, Project Final Report, 2010.
A. Ghobeity, C. Noone, C. Papanicolas, and A. Mitsos, Optimal time-invariant operation of a power and water cogeneration solar-thermal plant, Solar
Energy, Vol. 85, pp. 2295 2320, 2011.

Eastern Mediterranean: A
CYPRUS AS
A CLIMATE
CHANGE
HOT SPOT

Climate Change Hot Spot

The Eastern Mediterranean and the

Middle East is made up of two dozen
countries with some 400 million inhabitants. After many years of intense industrialization, rapid population growth, and extensive land con-

version, the region is expected to become a global climate

change hot spot based on model results from global climate simulations. To understand the implications of shifting weather patterns and changing climate conditions for
this region, we have carried out studies using regional cli-

Increasing daytime summer temperatures by mid-century. A rise

of three to five degrees may be expected

mate models with a much finer spatial resolution com-

Greece, and Southern Italy. Most of the decrease in rainfall

pared to global models. Results from our regional climate

will be evident in the spring and summer seasons.

models can provide insight into likely changes for the 21st

Looking in more detail at model results for Cyprus over

century, confirming and underlining the notion of the re-

the period 2020 to 2050, one of the most striking changes

gion as an evolving hot spot, with much dryer and warm-

is the increase, by an additional two weeks per year, of

er climate conditions in the years to come.

extremely hot summer days with maximum temperatures

exceeding 38C. In addition, the region will experience
warm 'tropical' nights with minimum temperatures above
25C for an additional one month, as compared to current
conditions. By the end of the century, the number of hot
days per year in Nicosia will increase by two months, resembling conditions currently experienced in cities like
Cairo and Bahrain.
The need for air-conditioning and space cooling during

The change in the number of dry days/year by mid-century

the days but also at nights will increase, causing higher

consumption of electricity on the island. Climate change in

More specifically, our model output indicates mean tem-

Cyprus is expected to result in additional reductions of

perature rises of about 1 to 3C over the next three dec-

rainfall of 10-15% over the 2020 to 2050 period, continu-

ades, 3 to 5C by mid-century, and 3.5 to 7C by the end

ing the decreasing trend observed over the last three dec-

of the century, placing the Eastern Mediterranean and

ades. This will cause additional demand for potable and

the Middle East ahead of most other places on the

irrigation water, thus necessitating additional seawater

globe in terms of projected temperature changes. To

desalination plants and placing an emphasis on enhanced

make matters worse, precipitation is expected to de-

water-use efficiencies.

cline with reductions in mean annual rainfall of 10-

Extended periods of hot summer days will give rise to an

50% in northern parts of the Middle East, Turkey,

increasing number of summer heat waves, which will have

4

Eastern Mediterranean: A

Climate Change Hot Spot

particularly grave consequences for the majority of the

But there are additional potential impacts of climate

populations living in ever-growing cities. This will increase

change. Milder winters in the north may lead to lengthen-

the risk of heat strokes and other heat-related illnesses,

ing of the growing season. The apparent positive conse-

posing a major threat to public health in the countries of

quences for agricultural production are likely to be over-

the region. Changes in climate and weather patterns are

shadowed by the increasing number of hot days and de-

likely to cause increases in vector-borne parasitic and viral

creasing soil moisture, leading to reduced agricultural

diseases, adding additional stress to local and regional

yields. Marine ecosystems and commercially viable fish

public health authorities.

stocks will be affected by decreasing nutrient availability,

The Mediterranean and Middle East are hot spots of ozone air pollution

Other public-health concerns linked to the anticipated

changes in climate in the region are related to increased
air pollution. As is already evident today, hot summer
months generally cause the deterioration of air quality,
and are responsible for high ozone levels that regularly
exceed EU health protection limits, particularly in urban
environments. Moreover, anthropogenic activities and a
growing number of episodes of Sahara-dust transport to
northern parts of the Mediterranean region, lead to increases in atmospheric mineral dust and aerosol concentrations. The associated increase in the number of cases
of respiratory illnesses is progressively recognized as a
A dust storm carrying dust from the Sahara to the Eastern Mediterranean

serious public health concern, both in Cyprus and the

region.

Eastern Mediterranean: A

Climate Change Hot Spot

and an overall deterioration of marine food webs. With the

Results of our climate modeling work are combined with

Mediterranean attaining conditions more similar to tropical

appropriate biomedical and public health expertise to assess

or subtropical oceans, we will see an enhanced influx of

climate-change-related threats to human well-being. This

tropical marine species, with as yet poorly known effects on

supports the management and possible containment of as-

existing marine ecosystems.

sociated risks to public health. Our initial results, derived

The atmospheric and climate modeling group at the Energy,

from model exercises on both the global and continental

Environment, and Water Research Center (EEWRC) of the

scale, indicate an increase in premature mortality with en-

Observed (black) and model-calculated (red) temperature trends in selected Eastern Mediterranean capitals

Cyprus Institute addresses the complex interactions between

atmospheric chemistry and climate in order to better understand the phenomena described above. Scientific tools employed by the group comprise sophisticated Earth system
models, data from ground-based, air-borne and satellite
measurements, as well as meteorological observations. In
addition, we are using a host of environmental observations
helping us to assess the impacts of climate change on Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Our results to date
indicate that a large part of the observed summer air pollution in Cyprus is related to trans-boundary transport of
key chemical substances and the atmospheric circulation
In an article and related video, CNN has prominently featured CyIs

of the region, which is controlled by distant climatologi-

work on climate change impacts on Cyprus

cal regimes such as the Indian Monsoon.

Eastern Mediterranean: A

Climate Change Hot Spot

hanced pollutant concentrations (ozone and particulate

By the end of the century, the

matter).
Increasingly, our global and regional climate modeling tools

climate in Nicosia is predicted to

and results provide clues and insight into the likely impacts
of climate change on Cyprus and in the region. By assessing

resemble conditions currently

these impacts and quantifying their economic and social

"costs", we aim to provide guidance and advice to Cypriot

experienced in cities like Cairo or

policy makers in their efforts to employ effective and com-

Bahrain

prehensive adaptation strategies to address the pressing

problems of climate change in the region.

Cairo by night. Urban air pollution is particularly severe in emerging megacities

Related Projects: C8 (FP7/ERC); CLIMRUN (FP7); DARECLIMED (FP7); COMBINE (FP7)
CyI People: M. Astitha, C. Barlas, T. Christoudias, A. De Meij, A. De Vries, M. Abd El-Kader, M. El Maayar, P. Hadjinicolaou, C. Hannides,
S. Kerkezian, K. Klingmller , M. Lange, J. Lelieveld, Z. Levin, C. Oikonomou, A. Pozzer, Y. Proestos, L. Smoydzin, M. Tanarhte, P. Tsoutsanis, E. Tyrlis, J. Waldock, G. Zittis
Key Partners: Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
Selected Publications: Hadjinicolaou, P., Giannakopoulos, C., Zerefos, C., Lange, M.A., Pashiardis, S., and Lelieveld, J. (2011), Mid-21st
century climate and weather extremes in Cyprus as projected by six regional climate models, Reg. Environ. Change, 11, 441-457;
de Meij, A., and Lelieveld, J. (2011), Evaluating aerosol optical properties observed by ground-based and satellite remote sensing over
the Mediterranean and the Middle East in 2006, Atmos. Res., 99 (3-4), 415433
Christoudias, T., A. Pozzer and Lelieveld, J. (2011), Influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on air pollution transport, Atmos. Chem.
Phys., 12, 869-877.
Lelieveld, J., Hadjinicolaou, P., Kostopoulou, E., Chenoweth, J., El Maayar, M., Giannakopoulos, C., Hannides, C., Lange, M.A., Tanarhte,
M., Tyrlis E., and Xoplaki, E. (2012), Climate change and impacts in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, Clim. Change, doi:
10.1007/s10584-012-0418-4.

Environmental Monitoring Takes Off

The Earth's environment is always in a state of flux and continuously changes. Today, however, we are witnessing
changes at an unprecedented pace and extent compared to
previous developments. This applies primarily to climate and
environmental changes, but has repercussions to other
parts of the Earth system, and to humanity at large. To devise measures that will help us manage and adapt to the
changes that are bound to occur, we need to have a better
understanding of the Earth system. Therefore, a major prerequisite for gaining more insight

An APAESO plane in flight

would be to obtain extensive

However, both the spatial detail of the observations as well

observations of the surrounding

as the availability of measurements for a particular time and

environment.

place are hampered by restrictions inherent to satellite op-

Traditionally, such observations

erations. The employment of manned airplanes has partly

have been carried out through

reconciled this deficit. However, airplanes are expensive to

direct field measurements. Alt-

operate and pilots can only fly so many hours. Thus, the

hough very reliable, this requires lots of time and patience

spatial and temporal coverage of airborne observations also

A
UNIQUE
MONITORING
TOOL
FOR CYPRUS

leaves significant gaps.

Unmanned airplanes, also called "unmanned aerial vehicles",
or "unmanned aerial systems" (UAV or UAS, respectively)
offer a promising alternative to manned airplanes. They are
very flexibly utilized and quite versatile in terms of the instruments they can employ and the missions they can carry
out. In fact, they can go where manned airplanes would
hardly fly, namely at extremely low altitudes, in stormy, dangerous weather, or in volcanic ash clouds, to name but a
few examples. Moreover, they can be flown autonomously
through an autopilot system, enabling precise flights along

An APAESO plane on show at the "Environment Week" of the

Grammar School in Nicosia

predefined transects and over long hours.

yet still leaves significant gaps in the coverage of quanti-

The APAESO ("Autonomous Flying Platforms for Atmos-

ties to be known and places to be monitored. The advent

pheric and Earth Surface Observations") project at the Cy-

of the satellite era opened a new chapter in the science

prus Institute's (CyI) Energy, Environment and Water Re-

of Earth observations. Satellites have provided unprec-

search Center (EEWRC), funded by the Cyprus Research

edented observations of environmental parameters

Promotion Foundation aims at addressing two distinct, but

on a global scale and over long stretches of time.

related observational tasks: (a) to carry out detailed meas-

Environmental Monitoring Takes Off

during the operation of the APAESO platforms. This enables
us to be very flexible in operating the airplanes almost anywhere on the island.
However, our plans are going even beyond this already exciting prospect. We are currently taking steps to develop the
APAESO project into an operational CyI UAV Facility, which
will be unique to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.
Once implemented, the "sky is the limit" as far as possible
applications are concerned. They range from repeated surveys of air chemistry and aerosol characterizations, to moni-

CyI Researcher C. Keleshis at the controls of the APAESO Control

and Operation Facility during a mission

toring of changes in land vegetation and contaminant detec-

urements of atmospheric parameters and to understand

tions in water reservoirs or the ocean, to forest fire monitor-

basic processes related to weather and climate on the one

ing and to the assessment of health and growth of cultivated

hand and (b) to monitor and detect changes in Earth surface

plants and trees for precision farming operations. With such

conditions through remotely sensed observations over Cy-

a facility, unmanned airplanes and their employment will

prus and the adjacent near-coastal seas, on the other.

serve to safeguard Cyprus' natural environment and to ena-

To that end, four UAVs have been procured and have been

ble the sustainable and effective use of arable lands. In addi-

equipped with a variety of instruments to carry out these

tion, carrying out adaptation and miniaturization of exceed-

observational tasks. Now that these instruments have been

ingly specialized instrumentation, their integration into au-

expertly integrated into the platforms, the time has come to

tonomous measurement modules as well as their seamless

start flying. In addition, we designed and realized a Control

integration into unmanned airplanes represents a unique

and Operation Facility, a dedicated, fully autonomous vehi-

opportunity to boost the high-tech industry in Cyprus.

cle (trailer) that serves as our mobile mission control unit

Instrumentation to be flown on APAESO planes. From left to right: condensation particle counter, cloud droplet probe, gimbal
camera system. On the far right, a 3D rendering showing the proposed placement of these instruments on the plane

Related Projects: APAESO (RPF), COST Action ES 0802 "Unmanned Aerial Systems in Atmospheric Research"
CyI People: L. Barrie, S. Ioannou, C. Keleshis, M. Lange, Z. Levin, A. Teller
Key Partners: Max-Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz (Germany); CNE Technology Ltd. (Cyprus)
Selected Publications: Lange, M. A., Teller, A., Ioannou, S., and Keleshis, C., Employing Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Assessing
Changes in the Hydrological Regime in the Eastern Mediterranean, US-Egypt Workshop on Space Technology and Geo-information
for Sustainable Development, Cairo, Egypt, 14-17 June, 2010

Research on the Effective Use of

Water Resources

Water is a key ingredient for the development and prosperity of the arid and semi-arid countries of the Mediterranean basin. Rainwater, which represents the primary
source of replenishment for most of the region, is highly
variable in space and time, while climate change is posing
additional challenges. Water scarcity paired with uncertain
rainfall occurrences have already affected the livelihood of
rural families, forcing many of them to migrate to the regions ever growing cities. These changes are threatening
the landscape, cultural heritage, and food security of the

Professor N. Mihalopoulos and PhD student H. Djuma on a field

trip at the Peristerona watershed

region, leaving land and water

WATER RESEARCH:
GAINING
UNDERSTANDING,

managers, urban planners and

land surface and its vegetation cover (green water). The

policy makers with a complex

terms green and blue water have been recently introduced

set of problems.

in global water research to shift our thinking from a supply

Since

its

independence

in

-driven focus on water resources to a more holistic think-

PROVIDING

1960, Cyprus has undertaken a

ing about precipitation as the primary water source, with

ADVICE

concerted effort to develop

both green water and blue water providing society with

and harness its water resources

the necessary ecosystems services and resources.

to ensure water availability and to support its economic

We developed a detailed model that computes the green-

development. More than 100 dams and reservoirs have

and blue-water consumption of 87 crops cultivated in 431

been built, irrigation-water-use-efficiency programs have

communities in Cyprus, in relation to the varying local

been implemented, thousands of kilometres of pipelines

weather conditions for the years 1981 to 2009. Our results

have been installed and five permanent desalination plants

indicate that during this period green water, which comes

have been commissioned. Our water research aims to an-

at a zero price tag, contributed on average 340 million

alyze the various sources of water and their utilization in

cubic meters per year (Mm3/yr), providing 64% of all water

order to contribute to the development of climate-resilient

consumption for crop production. In comparison, blue

water management strategies for Cyprus and the Mediter-

water demand averaged 190 Mm3/yr. Thus, agriculture

ranean region.

requires almost three times the water consumptions in

The water sector has traditionally focused on the devel-

private households. But while the irrigated area covered

opment and exploitation of water from dams, streams,

only 23% of the cultivated land on Cyprus, it yielded 65%

lakes and groundwater bodies (so-called blue water). In

of the total crop production. The annual crop production

semi-arid environments, however, 80-90% of the rain

derived from green water peaked at 535 000 tons in 1988,

that falls on the land does not end up as blue water,

whereas the production from blue water reached a maxi-

but returns back to the atmosphere through evapo-

mum of 490 000 tons in 1995. The analysis clearly showed

ration and plant transpiration from the Earth's

that the water productivity (crop per drop) of irrigated

10

Water Resources

Research on the Effective Use of

crops was higher and more stable than that of rain-fed

the local water and sewage authorities. We found that

crops. But it also indicated that rain-fed crops are very

during the hydrologic years 2003/04-2008/09, the rain

effective water users! The different crops in the different

falling on the city accounted for more than twice the pota-

seasons and communities showed highly variable water

ble water supplied to the town. The main water losses in

productivities, indicating that there are various opportuni-

Limassol were surface runoff, which constituted 30% of all

ties for adapting agriculture and water management sys-

outflows from the city, and evaporation from paved areas

tems to climate change, which is being addressed in on-

and roofs, which made up another 22% of the water lost.

going studies.

The model includes an interactive water savings applica-

To assess the water uses, losses and inefficiencies of the

tion, which indicated that the implementation of house-

Water use
(million m3)

Water productivity
(kg/m3)

700

3.00

600

2.50

500

2.00

400
1.50

300
1.00

200
100

0.50

0.00

Green water, rain-fed crops

Green water, irrigated crops

Water productivity, rain-fed crops

Water productivity, irrigated crops

Blue water, irrigated crops

Green and blue water use for crop production in Cyprus during the past 29 years and the water
productivity of rain-fed and irrigated crops

ever growing towns and cities in Cyprus and the region,

hold water saving measures and devices, rainwater har-

we developed the Urban Water Flow Model. The model

vesting and grey water use could reduce potable water

quantifies and visualizes all sources and users of water

demands by 50%. The model can be applied to any other

entering and leaving an urban area. The model was tested

city in Cyprus, thus providing useful insight and advice to

and applied to the town of Limassol, in cooperation with

water authorities and city managers.

Related Projects: CLICO (FP7); AGRICLIM (Cyprus University of Technology/Agricultural Research Institute)
CyI People: A. Bruggeman, K. Charalambous, M. Lange
Key Partners: Cyprus Meteorological Service; Cyprus University of Technology; Water Development Department; Agricultural Research
Institute; Water Board of Limassol; Sewage Board of Limassol Amathus.
Selected Publications: Bruggeman, A., C. Zoumides, S. Pashiardis, P. Hadjinicolaou, M.A. Lange and T. Zachariadis. 2011. Effect of climate variability and climate change on crop production and water resources in Cyprus. Report.;
Charalambous, K., A. Bruggeman and M. A. Lange. 2012. Assessing the urban water balance: the Urban Water Flow Model and its
application in Cyprus, Water Science and Technology, in press.

11

Searching for

Coastal Freshwater through Remote

Sensing and Surface Measurements

A large fraction of the worlds freshwater is found in underground aquifers. Water from coastal formations is sometimes lost to the ocean either by seepage through porous
layers overlying the aquifer or directly through off shore
sub-sea springs. In some places, it may be possible to tap
this water for the benefit of both domestic and agricultural
needs. Countries like Cyprus are already notorious for
freshwater scarcity, and proper management of freshwater
resources is a high priority. Yet, the existence of Subsea
Groundwater Discharge (SGD) sites and their volume output are poorly known for Cyprus.

CyI Researcher S. Ioannou and MIT student K. Olesnavage on

board a data acquisition flight along the Cyprus coast

magnetic spectrum. IR cameras have been flown recently

on a manned airplane in waters off the western coast of
Cyprus. Once a promising location had been identified,
standard oceanographic measurements of salinity gradients
across such spots were carried out. The observations were
conducted by Katy Olesnavage, a graduating senior in the
Department

of

Mechanical

Engineering

at

MIT

(Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) under the supervision of Prof. C. Chryssostomides. Supported by scientists from EEWRC, Katy carried out pioneering work that
earned her the 2012 Dean A. Horn Award for Undergraduate Study in Marine Research by the MIT Sea Grant ColSubsea groundwater discharge has been known since antiquity;
the picture above is from a gravure taken from Le fond de la
mer by Lon Sonrel (1880)

lege Program. The prize was given for her senior thesis,
entitled, The Design and Testing of a Procedure to Locate

One promising way of detecting and quantifying SGD relies

Fresh Submarine Groundwater Discharge in Cyprus.

on the differences between the usually warmer and saltier

This study is seen as a precursor to much more extensive

surface water compared to SGD. Local differences in

investigations that will rely on the employment of CyI's un-

ocean-surface temperature can be detected through im-

manned aerial vehicles to develop and test methods to

aging in the infrared (IR) bandwidth of the electro-

map the coastal waters around Cyprus for detecting SGD.

Related Projects: SGD (Internal Funding)

CyI People: A. Bruggeman, S. Ioannou, C. Keleshis, M. Lange
Key Partners: MIT (Prof. C. Chryssostomides, Katy Olesnavage)
Selected Publications: Katy Olesnavage, The Design and Testing of a Procedure to Locate Fresh Submarine Groundwater Discharge
in Cyprus, Senior Thesis, MIT 2012 Dean A. Horn Award for Undergraduate Study in Marine Research

12

Towards a

Zero-Energy Building:

The Cyprus Presidential Palace

Concerns regarding the shortage of energy, rising de-

cept the standing stonewalls. The Public Works Department,

mands, and the effect of irrational use have made the topic

and the Philippou Brothers architectural firm restored the

of energy savings and sustainable design almost ubiquitous.

Presidential Palace in 1977. Since then, it has been continu-

Sustainable design and historic preservation offer opportu-

ously used to house the official office and residence of the

nities of mutual development: re-using materials, rediscov-

Republics President.

ering and capitalizing on buildings sustainable attributes,

The buildings energy performance and indoor environ-

and installing new, more efficient systems.

mental quality were evaluated via monitoring and simula-

The Cyprus Institute undertook an energy study and pre-

tion. The monitoring included the following measurements:

sented design interventions to the Cyprus Presidential Pal-

Indoor air quality measurements using tracer gas; Particu-

ace. The objective was to develop solutions to retrofit the

late matter measurements; Indoor temperature and relative

historically and politically important building towards Net-

humidity measurements; outdoor climatic conditions; ther-

Zero-Energy-Buildings (ZEB), i.e., a building that applies

mal imaging of the building envelope; indoor illuminance

intensive

energy-

measurements;

conservation measures

collection

and uses its own re-

consumption bills and

newable

data.

energy-

of

and
energy

generating sources to

In the end, ten energy

produce, over a certain

efficiency measures for

period of time, the

the Presidential Palace

same power it con-

project were selected

sumes.

and tested. The integra-

The

project

evaluated a series of
high

An in-door illuminance analysis of the Presidential Palace

energy-efficient

tion and combination of

these

solutions

in

innovative technologies and measures in the Cyprus Presi-

carefully designed manner led to the desired ZEB, and the

dential Palace and documented the proposal generation of

proposed architectural interventions, measures, and scenar-

the retrofit solutions for this historic monument.

ios were analyzed and tabulated in a final report.

The complex was seriously damaged on July 15, 1974 during the coup. Most of the structure was burned down, ex-

CyI People: L. Kalisperis

Key Partners: Professor Ute Poerschke (Penn State University, USA); Professor Mattheos Santamouris & Dr. Anastasia Spanou
(University of Athens )
Selected Publications: Greening the Republic of Cyprus Presidential Palace, Report of Architectural Design Strategies, April 2010
Poerschke, U., Kalisperis, L., Santamouris, M., Spanou, A., Design Approaches for Upgrading Historically Significant Architecture
Toward Zero-Energy: The Republic of Cyprus Presidential Palace. PLEA Presses Universitaires de Louvain July 2011

13

3D-4D Scientific Visualization:

A New Look at Old Artifacts

STARC has been active in supporting and promoting innovation in the development of technologies and methodologies
for the implementation of scientific visualization (including
3D) aspects of research and communication of Cultural Heritage. By securing approximately half a million Euros for a period of 6 years via a number of EC funded initiatives, STARC is
conducting internationally recognized, innovative research in
defining new paradigms in Cultural Heritage. We are developing research methodologies that take full advantage of
existing visualization technologies, developing new ones or
adapting existing ones, and training young researchers and
PhD candidates in a highly innovative research environment.
This is of high relevance for Cypriot society: it improves and
modernizes the research and presentation of its history and
the remains of its past, which in turn supports tourism. In Cyprus, heritage and culture are a main attraction for visitors
according to the World Tourism Organization. STARC has laid

STARC contributed to an exhibition of Cyprus Cultural Heritage

artefacts at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, USA.
The artefact shown here, an extremely fragile model of an ancient

the foundation in Cyprus for the creation of virtual museums

boat, was scanned (top) to create a 3D model, which then, with

with the rich material available in museums, monuments,

the help of the Department of Antiquities, was used to recreate a

churches and archaeological sites on the island. The strong

3D replica (bottom)

cooperation in this field with leading institutions in the world,

3D scientific visualization is an efficient method of visualizing

among them NCSA at the University of Illinois, Fraunhofer

a large amount of heterogeneous data, thus enabling visual

IGD Institute of Germany and CNR-ISTI in Italy will lead to the

problem-solving. Because it is possible to visualize concepts

development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative

and ideas (translated into a quantifiable and measurable geo-

research methodologies and visionary technologies in the

metric language) and archaeological facts, visualization is an

field of archaeology and cultural heritage.

ideal means for validating hypotheses, running tests, per-

A digitally reconstructed vessel from the Late Bronze Age. The vessel was found in Pyla - Kokkinogremmos (Vassos
Karagiorgis excavation) in a state so fragmented and fragile, that archaeologists could only partly reassemble it. Due to its
condition, a different approach was employed based on cutting edge digital technologies
14

3D-4D Scientific Visualization:

A New Look at Old Artifacts

forming predictions and simulating behavior under different

allows a visual juxtaposition of the fragmentary archaeo-

circumstances and processes in a given period. It enables the

logical evidence and the researchers mental model of this

connection between the world based on our intuition, previ-

reality with the reality virtually reconstructed. In this sense,

ous knowledge or imagination, and the world of science,

3D scientific visualization serves as an interactive, multi-

that is what we observe, measure and quantify and is also an

disciplinary research platform, where hypotheses regarding

ideal tool for analyzing virtually recreated cultural material in

our reconstructed interpretation of the past may be validated.

its presumed real diachronic or chronologic context. It also

Our 3D visualization capabilities were instrumental in the creation

of the sculpture Clepsydra 2009 by prominent Cypriot artist
Theodoulos Gregoriou which adorns the new Larnaca airport

CyI Researcher S. Hermon using innovative 3D laser scanning

technologies for the documentation of Cultural Heritage
exhibits at the Cyprus Museum

3D visualization of the Hellenistic-Roman Theatre in Paphos. Fieldwork included a complete documentation of the site using laser scanners and digital cameras attached to a balloon (left). The generated 3D model of the site was then analysed (center) resulting in the virtual 3D reconstruction of the ancient theatre (right)

Related Projects: 3DCOFORM (FP7); V-MUST (FP7), Analysis and Intelligent Search for Cypriot Works of Art (NSF)
CyI People: N. Amico, A. Artusi, U. Damnjanovic, R. Georgiou, S. Hazan, S. Hermon, G. Iannone, D. Pitzalis
Key Partners: Department of Antiquities; CNR; FORTH; Fraunhofer IGD; Penn State University; University of Sydney
Selected Publications: Georgiou, R., Hermon, S., A Londons Charter Visualization: The Hellenistic Roman Theatre in Paphos,
Proceedings of Short and Project Papers, VAST 2011, Prato, Italy, pp. 53-56.
Niccolucci, F., D. Beacham, S. Hermon, H. Denard, (2010), Five years after: The London Charter revisited. In Artusi, A., M. Joly, G. Lucet,
A. Ribes and D. Pitzalis (eds.) Proceedings of VAST2010: 11th International Symposium on Virtual Reality, Archaeology and Cultural
Heritage, Eurographics, Aire-La-Ville., vol. 2, 101-104.

15

Digital Libraries: The Libraries of the Future

Digital Libraries
Europeana

texts themselves (Ancient Greek and Latin) accompanied by

(Europes

translations in Modern Greek, detailed commentaries, lists of

Digital Portal and Li-

different manuscript readings of the texts, a rich Bibliog-

brary for Cultural Her-

raphy, and an Index. The Archaia Kypriaki Grammateia cor-

itage) are at the heart

pus consists of 3603 pages in total and comprises the liter-

of EUs Digital Agenda.

ary work of sixty four Cypriot or, in some cases, thought to

Research

be Cypriot writers as well as seventy two epigrams com-

related

to

this topic include as-

posed by various authors.

pects

The benefits and outcomes of research in the domain of

of

knowledge

representation,

STARC staff working on the digital database (N. Kyriakou & E. Christophorou)

and

digiti-

digital libraries for Cultural Heritage are numerous and go

zation of Cultural Her-

well beyond a restricted scientific community. Firstly and

itage

assets,

data

most obviously, activity in this domain is cross-disciplinary,

harmonization

and

bridging between arts and sciences, social sciences and in-

building

ontologies

formatics,

human-computer

for specific Cultural Heritage domains. In this context, we

interaction and cognitive sci-

have received a private grant of US$ 150 000 from the Le-

ences.

ventis Foundation, aimed at the creation of the Archaia Kyp-

structure of The Cyprus Insti-

riaki Grammateia Digital Corpus. The project aims at the

tute served as a model of inter-

creation of a new searchable digital library of Ancient Cypri-

action between scientists of

ot Literature ( ), the impres-

various disciplines and has fos-

sive six-volume corpus led by Profs. Patroklos Stavrou and

tered collaborations with major

Antreas Voskos and published by the Leventis Foundation

Cultural Heritage stakeholders

between 1995 and 2008. This digital library will be prepared,

in the region, creating a unique

The

inter-disciplinary

Book cover of Volume 1 of

and wide research network with the printed edition of
Ancient Cypriot Literature

hosted and maintained by STARC. The corpus covers the

ancient Cypriot literary production in a time span of c. fif-

an extraordinary momentum for

teen centuries (from 7th century BC to 5th-6th century AD)

future activities. Finally, the add-on value to the worldwide

and examines it through its wide range of literary genres

citizen is priceless, providing him with access to a huge

(epic, lyric and dramatic poetry, epigram, prose etc.). Each

amount of knowledge about Cypriot Cultural Heritage fol-

volume contains a sketch of the history of each genre, in-

lowing rigorous, scientific based standards that is easily un-

formation on the writers and their works, as well as the

derstandable by all.

Related Projects: AKGDC (The Leventis Foundation); CARARE (CIP-ICT-PSP); LINKED HERITAGE (CIP-ICT-PSP)
CyI People: N. Bakirtzis, E. Christophorou, U. Damnjanovic, S. Hermon, N. Kyriakou, F. Nicolucci, P. Ronzino, V. Vassallo, K. Yiakoupi
Key Partners: Leventis Foundation; Dept. of Antiquities; CNR; FORTH; Fraunhofer IGD; Penn State University; A. Georgiadou (Univ. of Patras)
Selected Publications: Damnjanovic, U., Hermon, S., (2011), Connecting Information as Navigation Paths for Exploring Digital Video Collections, Proceedings of Short and Project Papers, VAST 2011, Prato, Italy, pp. 21-25.
Pitzalis D., F. Niccolucci, M. Theodoridou, M. Doerr (2010), LIDO and CRMdig from a 3D Cultural Heritage Documentation Perspective. In A.
Artusi, M. Joly, G. Lucet, A. Ribes and D. Pitzalis (eds.) Proceedings of VAST2010: 11th International Symposium on Virtual Reality, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Eurographics, Aire-La-Ville, 87-96.

16

People of Cyprus and the Region: New Awareness

of the Past Through Science and Technology

A NEW
FOCUS ON
PAST
PEOPLE

Bioarchaeology, a new research domain focusing on people and their remains, is available in Cyprus through
the Cyprus Institute. It concerns itself
with the past peoples of Cyprus and the

surrounding regions, focusing on health status, diseases,

demographic structure, mortality rates, diet, residential mobility, and effects of cultural practices on the body.
The competitive funds awarded for this research domain are
a validation of its importance for Cyprus. Collaboration in the

Sampling for isotopic analyses in The Cyprus Institute Bioarchaeology Laboratory (K. Lorentz)

field is coupled with cutting edge laboratory analyses (e.g.

isotopic analyses for diet and residential mobility, palaeopar-

using mass spectrometry) project uses isotope ratio analysis

asitology) and education through field schools and laborato-

of dental enamel to explore the hotly debated questions of

ry training.

population mobility in prehistoric Cyprus. The impact of this

Recent collaborations with the Department of Antiquities

bioarchaeological research domain is manifold, from the

(Cyprus) include analyses of human remains from the finely

creation of crucial knowledge on past inhabitants of Cyprus

decorated Larnaca-Liperti sarcophagi (see section on

and the surrounding region to enhancing capabilities on

Colour), and Psematismenos-Trelloukkas, the largest Early

human remains analyses, and from archaeological investiga-

Bronze Age Cypriot population known to date. To the sur-

tions (e.g. by the Department of Antiquities) to forensic work.

prise of archaeologists, our results show that the temple-

Health is a crucial aspect of wellbeing of individuals, popula-

shaped sarcophagus contained the burial of not one, but

tions, and societies - understanding the health and disease

two individuals, a 20-22-year-old female and a foetus/

history of Cypriot populations benefits society today. Under-

perinatal infant, allowing new insights into the events pre-

standing population movements in the past helps to put into

ceding the use of these sarcophagi. At Psematismenos-

context the cultural and genetic variety and richness present

Trelloukkas the human bioarchaeological analyses form a

in Cyprus today.

new, unique picture of Early Bronze Age burial practices.

Our MIDAC-OSTA (Migration or Indigenous Development
in Ancient Cyprus: Oxygen and Strontium isotope Analyses

Related Projects : MIDAC-OSTA (RPF), STAR-LAB (RPF)

CyI People: K. O. Lorentz, A. Nafplioti
Key Partners: Cyprus Department of Antiquities; Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Isotope Geosciences Laboratory (NIGL),
UK; Oriental Institute, University of Chicago (US); University of Cambridge (UK); SUERC (Scottish Universities Environmental Research
Centre) (UK); C2RMF (France)
Selected Publications: Lorentz, K.O. 2011 The human remains in G. Georgiou, J.M. Webb and D. Frankel, Psematismenos-Trelloukkas:
An Early Bronze Age Cemetery in Cyprus. Nicosia: Department of Antiquities, Cyprus, pp. 313 - 336
Lorentz, K.O. 2011 Cyprus in N. Marquez Grant & L. Fibiger (eds.) The Routledge Handbook of Archaeological Human Remains and
Legislation: An international guide to laws and practice in the excavation and treatment of archaeological human remains. New York:
Routledge, pp. 99-112

17

Research on the

Protection of Cypriot World-Class

Heritage Sites

STARC is committed to the

laborations (Columbia U., UC Davis, U. Minnesota, TEPAK,

study and protection of Cypriot

Fulbright), with the efforts of Nicosia Municipalitys interna-

Heritage sites, including world

tionally renowned Nicosia Master Plan team, which over

famous archaeological sites, as

the past decades has been working towards the bi-

MONUMENTS

well as, endangered historic

communal rehabilitation of the divided city of Nicosia and

AND HISTORIC

cities and religious monuments.

the protection of its historic monuments.

The interdisciplinary exploration

Nicosia, as well as other medieval sites and Byzantine reli-

of their architecture, archaeolo-

gious monuments in Cyprus, are the focus of the Marie Cu-

gy and history leads to new knowledge that contributes to

rie project Tracing Identity in the Eastern Mediterranean,

their preservation for future generations. Furthermore, it

supported by the European Commission until 2013. CyI has

promotes tourism and educational interest in the island,

assumed the responsibility to support the sub-project that

thus contributing to job creation and education. STARCs

examines the architectural heritage of Cyprus through the

research is based on partnerships with local authorities, en-

application of digital technologies that can contribute to

hanced through high-level international collaborations, dis-

research, education, and promote religious tourism.

NEW
KNOWLEDGE
FOR

CITIES

seminated in presentations/ publications and, co-funded

through competitive, private and internal funding.
Of primary significance is the collaborative project with the
Department of Antiquities for the preparation of Management Plans for the World Heritage Sites in Cyprus
(Choirokoitia, Paphos, Troodos painted medieval churches).
The project (2011-2014) has, and will continue to receive
partial UNESCO financial support. Its implementation was
necessitated by Cyprus obligation to meet UNESCOs requirements for the stewardship of archaeological sites,
while maintaining their recognition as sites of international
cultural value. STARC offers scientific skilled staff, as well as,
unique technological capabilities (e.g. through STAR-LAB).

The study of the famous painted churches of Troodos, such as the

Church of Panagia at Arakas, offer great potential for educating
local and international students (N. Bakirtzis)

STARC is also directly engaged, through an array of col-

Related Projects: TIEM Marie Curie Grant; Cyprus UNESCO World Heritage Sites (collaborative project supported by UNESCO)
CyI People: N. Bakirtzis, R. Georgiou, L. Kalisperis, W. Hanson (CyI Fullbright Scholar).
Key Partners: Cyprus Department of Antiquities; Cyprus Technical University; University of California, Davis (US); University of Minnesota (US); Columbia University (US); University of Illinois (US); Penn State University (US)
Selected Publications: CyI, Dept. of Antiquities, and Choirokoitia French Archaelogical Mission, (2012), Choirokoitia Management
Plan: Preserving and Promoting Archaeological, Environmental and Scientific Heritage, Collaborative report to be submitted to
UNESCO in Spring 2012.
Bakirtzis, N. (2012) Architecture and the Monastic Experience, Cambridge World History of Religious Architecture, ed. Richard Etlin
(Cambridge University Press: Accepted and reviewed for publication)

18

Colours: Analysis of Painting Matter in Antiquity

Colours and painted decoration

ly by the RPF Polychromy project (STARC). This research

were an important aspect of mate-

effort illustrates the need to bring analytical research instru-

rial culture in the past. Using cut-

mentation to archaeological objects (rather than bringing the

PRESERVING

ting edge scientific and technologi-

objects to the laboratory, a near impossibility in the case of

CYPRIOT

cal means, STARC, in association

these heavy marble sarcophagi with delicate decoration) a

with C2RMF (Louvre), is accessing

need that will be met by STAR-LAB, a mobile archaeology

information regarding the subs-

laboratory being developed at STARC and funded by the RPF.

tances and technical procedures

STAR-LAB is devoted to on-site and in-museum digital data

used in creating colours in Antiquity in Cyprus and the sur-

acquisition, geophysics, data processing and archaeometry

rounding region.

(natural and material science applications to archaeology), in

Following a request from the Department of Antiquities Cy-

order to research, document, conserve and preserve the cul-

prus, STARC analyzed the pigments, tints and colorants used

tural heritage of Cyprus.

in the finely painted, high artistic quality, Larnaca-Liperti sar-

The origin of the white marbles used in the sarcophagi was

cophagi. Non-invasive characterizations (X-Ray Fluorescence;

investigated through petrographic observation of thin sec-

multispectral analyses [infrared, ultraviolet light, false colour]),

tions examined by Optical Microscopy, complemented by

and analyses of several micro-samples (micro-Raman spec-

PIXE analysis (Proton Induced X-ray Emission). The results

troscopy; scanning electron microscopy; elemental analyses

were published in collaboration with the Department of Anti-

ANALYZING
AND

CULTURAL
HERITAGE

From left to right: Detail of the upper part of the torso on the lid of the anthropomorphic sarcophagus; Scene depicting several human
figures on the lid of the temple-shaped sarcophagus; XRF analysis of the anthropomorphic sarcophagus head; Multispectral analyses of
the temple-shaped sarcophagus

on the accelerator system AGLAE of C2RMF at the Louvre,

quities (Lorentz et al. 2011), and disseminated during the In-

France), identified the different pigments used. Further ana-

ternational Congress on Archaeological Sciences in the Eas-

lyses were undertaken to investigate the possible origin of

tern Mediterranean and the Near East (ICASEMNE, Paphos,

the marble used, as well as the human remains discovered

April 2010) organized by STARC of The Cyprus Institute.

within the sarcophagi. The research was supported partial-

Related Projects: POLYCHROMY (RPF), STAR-LAB (RPF)

CyI People: K. O. Lorentz, M. Menu, F. Niccolucci, D. Pitzalis
Key Partners: C2RMF (France); Cyprus Department of Antiquities
Selected Publications: Lorentz, K.O., S. Pages-Camagna, Y. Coquinot and D. Pitzalis 2011 Natural and material sciences applied to the
analysis of the Larnaca-Liperti Tomb 128 painted sarcophagi and human remains in P. Flourentzos Two Exceptional Sarcophagi from
Larnaca, Nicosia: Department of Antiquities, Cyprus, pp. 45-119.

19

Supercomputer for Cyprus, the Eastern

Mediterranean, and Europe

The distribution of computational resources closely follows

the technological and industrial development of a country.
In other words, computational power is an indicator of
technological advancement. All the fields of science and
engineering, as well as finance and some of the humanities
require access to world-class computational facilities to
remain competitive. The Eastern Mediterranean region is
particularly lacking in this area: with a population approximately equal to that of the United States, it has just 1% of

The recently inaugurated Cy-Tera supercomputer is the only

computational facility in Cyprus of regional significance.
(P. Fitzhenry)

the worlds computational

capacity compared to 43%

COMPUTATIONAL

for the United States.

fore Cyprus has the opportunity to lead.

The

Computation-based

With the funding provided through this project, the Cy-

Science and Technology

Tera supercomputer, the largest supercomputer for non-

REGIONAL

Research Center (CaSToRC)

military usage in the region was installed in 2011 and inau-

SIGNIFICANCE

of the Cyprus Institute as-

gurated in January 2012. The machine is open to all Cypriot

pires to cultivate the use of

Universities, Research Institutes, and Industry through a call

RESOURCE OF

high performance computing in Cyprus and the Eastern

for proposals issued on December 1st, 2011.

Mediterranean region and to serve the needs of the scien-

Exploiting the Cy-Tera infrastructure, CaSToRC secured a

tific community for computational power and data intensive

European funded infrastructure program of a total budget

computing.

of 2.5 million to lead the development of high perfor-

CaSToRC has secured a 1.1 million strategic infrastructure

mance facilities and computational science in the Eastern

project to develop a national computational facility similar

Mediterranean. The project with the name Linking Scientific

to the ones that most European countries have established

Computing in Europe and in the Eastern Mediterranean

decades ago. The University of Cyprus as well as the Syn-

(LinkSCEEM) includes two computational facilities in Egypt

chrotron Light Source Facility SESAME in Jordan are participating in the project. The aim of the project is to provide all
Cypriot scientists as well as industry, a competitive infrastructure for large computation as well as training and
educational programs in the usage of supercomputers.
With the creation of universities in Cyprus, such a national facility is crucial for supporting research and innovation. Furthermore, technical expertise in operating and

Participation per country to the Winter Training School at

CaSToRC, Jan. 2011, funded by LinkSCEEM and PRACE

using such facilities is scarce in the region and there-

20

Supercomputer for Cyprus, the Eastern

Mediterranean, and Europe

in addition to Cy-Tera. The Cy-Tera machine with peak performance of about 35 Tflop/s is the largest of the three computers. It also has an innovative architecture being a hybrid
computer. Among other activities, the project funds training
programs for scientists in the region. The first training school
was organized in January 2011 by CaSToRC personnel. It
funded scientists from the region but also from around Europe since it was coupled to European training programs,
positioning CaSToRC within the European landscape and
The DEEP Project consortium is involved in constructing tomorrows computers for grand challenge applications such as climate
modelling

establishing it as a bridge between Europe and the Eastern

Mediterranean.

participate in relevant competitive European projects.

The creation of a National

In order to construct computers optimally suited for climate

Computational Center with an

studies, CaSToRC is leading code development for a new

generation of computers within an innovative EU infrastruc-

infrastructure of regional

ture project entitled Dynamical Exascale Entry Plat-

significance is a landmark not

form (DEEP), the European response to the Exascale chal-

only for CaSToRC and CyI,

lenge. The project involves leading European institutions and

large computer companies. A senior scientist and a doctoral

but also for the whole of Cyprus

student will be funded by the project to work with companies

Since 2008, CaSToRC represents Cyprus in the Pan-European

in designing the most suitable computer for climate studies.

infrastructure project PRACE, the Partnership for Advanced

With its strategic alliance with the Julich Supercomputer Cen-

Computing in Europe. Along with 20 other European coun-

ter (JSC), Europes largest computational facility that leads

tries, PRACE aims to provide a common computer infrastruc-

PRACE and its founding agreement with the National Super-

ture across Europe. CaSToRCs participation opens up the

computing Center (NCSA) of the University of Illinois, CaS-

opportunity to all Cypriot researchers to access the largest

ToRC is ideally positioned to assume a leading role for com-

available supercomputers currently being operated in Ger-

putational science and engineering.

many and France. The Cy-Tera facility, in combination with

high-level expertise of JSC and NCSA to Cyprus and the re-

training programs designed by CaSToRC, provide higher

gion, and acts as a portal to their high-end resources that

level training for machines more powerful than Cy-Tera

include some of the most powerful computers in the world.

enabling the Cypriot community to take advantage of the

The EU views this role very positively, as manifested by the

European infrastructure available through PRACE and

CaSToRC brings the

funding that has been granted to the Center.

Related Projects: Cy-Tera (RPF), LinkSCEEM-2 (FP7), PRACE (FP7)

CyI People: C. Alexandrou, T. Christoudias, D. Drikakis, S. Erotokritou, P. Fitzhenry, F. Georgatos, K. Klingmller, H. Merx,
C. Nicolaou, D. Saparilla, N. Sinanis, G. Tsoulouppas, P. Tsoutsanis
Key Partners: NCSA University of Illinois (US); JSC (Germany); University of Cyprus; SESAME (Jordan)

21

An

Imaging Facility for Cypriot Archaeology and

Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage research and practice is increasingly aided by, and dependent on, digital media. In the last decade,
the use of digital media technologies has improved the
documentation, management, understanding, and communication of cultural heritage. The Cyprus Institute is
spearheading, through its two centres CaSToRC and
STARC, developments in digital imaging applications for
national and regional research in Archaeology and Cultural
Heritage. These efforts invest on the rich cultural landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, for which research
initiatives of the European Union recognize the need to
develop digital libraries that will function as user-friendly

The PTM Dome installed and operated at CyI by R. Georgiou is

part of the Innovative RTI Imaging Center at CaSToRC within the
LinkSCEEM project

access points. CaSToRC and STARC are implementing this

strategic goal contributing to the European landscape of

equipment has been developed in partnership with the

Digital Libraries as they offer a portal to Europeana, the

National Centre for Super Computing Applications for 3-D

EU's digital libraries initiative to make all European cultural

analysis and presentation of cultural heritage objects and

heritage resources accessible to all, and preserve them for

other scenarios, such as climate patterns. Furthermore, a

future generations.

prototype imaging center for archaeological objects and

works of art, using RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging) technology has been completed in collaboration with
partners from U.S. academic institutions. It is comprised of
a 360 degree camera and a polynomial texture mapping

RTI imaging technology can be used to study archaeological

artefacts such as a cylindrical seal (left), resulting the high resolution image (right)

(PTM) dome which will shed new light to Cypriot cultural

heritage as early activities have shown. Training courses
have been held for Cypriot partners, pilot applications

CaSToRC is supporting these efforts, with the use of infor-

have been completed, and collaborative projects are al-

mation technologies and tools, as well as, visualization and

ready planned with several cultural authorities and institu-

virtual reality methods in support of research activities in

tions, such as the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, the

archaeology and cultural heritage in the context of the

Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, and the Cyprus

European Project LinkSCEEM-2 led by CyI. Specifically, a

Department of Antiquities.

rear projected stereoscopic display with its associated

Related Projects: LinkSCEEM-2 (FP7)
CyI People: A. Artusi, N. Bakirtzis, R. Georgiou, L. Kalisperis, D. Pitzalis
Key Partners: NCSA University of Illinois (US); University of California, Davis (US)
Selected Publications: A. Artusi, F. Banterle, D. Chetverikov, Computer Graphics Forum, 30 (2011) 2208;
F. Banterle, A. Artusi, K. Debattista and A. Chalmers Advanced High Dynamic Range Imaging Theory and Practice, CRC Press (AK
Peters) ISBN: 978-1-56881-719-4, March 2011.

22

Leader in Scientific Computing

and Data Intensive Applications

The computing technology revolution has undergone a

computing where the sheer volume of data is the major

major change: instead of faster and more sophisticated

performance issue, such as in remote sensing and sensor

CPUs, chips with thousands of simpler cores and graphical

networks, high-throughput chemistry and biology, or large

processing units (GPUs) are being built. This requires a

collections of text and other artifacts. The creation of

change in the programming paradigm if the algorithms

Climate and Cultural Heritage data repositories is being

used in scientific applications are to take advantage of the

advanced, notably through LinkSCEEM-2. Data repositories

larger number of cores and harvest the power of modern

for other applications from biosciences will follow. The

computers.

processing of data that will be produced by the SESAME

CaSToRC is leading the development of codes for many-

facility, where Cyprus is a member country, is also being

core chips in applications of relevance

supported by LinkSCEEM-2.

to CyI and Cyprus such as climate

To

change

capabilities

studies,

simulation

of

fully

take

advantage

offered

in

of
an

the
HPC

desalination processes, etc. Many-core

environment, one has to balance the

chips, with hundreds of simple cores on

computational load of the underlying

the chip, have been shown to be

application. For certain classes of

attractive for a number of technical

applications, specialized software is

computing

being

applications,

with

developed

utilizing

graph

performance increases of more than

partitioning algorithms.

100 times being obtained in some

An industrial partnership project on

compute-intensive applications. Related

HPC systems development funded by

research interests in this area include

RPF

parallel

approved to start in 2012. The

programming

environments

and software tools to facilitate the

development

of

scalable,

parallel

applications.

A prototype cluster containing eight

Fermi graphics cards was installed at
CaSToRC in the summer of 2011 and
funded 50% from the PRACE-1IP project

and

IBM

Cyprus has

been

University of Cyprus and the Swiss

Supercomputing Center are partners in
the project.

An additional area of research interest

is in the development of techniques for data intensive

Related Projects: PRACE-1IP (FP7), PRACE-2IP (FP7), SciComp (RPF), FSI (RPF)
CyI People: C. Alexandrou, A. Abdel-Rehim, G. Koutsou, I. Moulitsas, A. O'Cais, A. Strelchenko
Key Partners: JSC (Germany); NCSA, University of Illinois (US); CSCS (Switzerland)
Selected Publications: C. Alexandrou, D. Christaras, A. O'Cais, A. Strelchenko, Exact calculation of disconnected loops, PoS
LATTICE2010 (2010) 035
I. Moulitsas, Mesh Partitioning and Fill Reducing Ordering for Domain Decomposition Problems, Proceedings, 9th World Congress on Computational Mechanics and 4th Asian Pacific Congress on Computational Mechanics.

23

High Performance Simulations:

Advancing Fundamental Research

The development of computer infrastructure has revolution-

tists involved in the SimLab are providing domain expertise

ized the approach to fundamental research in the sciences.

and user support and participate in the scientific computing

Simulation has come to be regarded today as the third

activities described above. In particular, they participate in

pillar of scientific enquiry, augmenting the traditional

prototyping activities within PRACE with the aim to use ac-

branches of experiment and theory. Ab initio calculations in

celerators, such as many-core graphic cards, to speed up

physics, chemistry and biology provide fundamental insights

computations.

into the complex processes occurring in these areas and

lead to deeper understanding of a wide range of phenomena. Recently, for example, the Biophysics group at the University of Cyprus and their collaborators used additional
computer resources at CaSToRC to perform molecular dynamics simulations to uncover a new structure that may
lead to the design of a new drug.
CaSToRCs goal of developing this research direction is to
build technical expertise that complements research carried

The shape of the omega particle calculated by CaSToRC

researchers using simulations of the fundamental theory of
the strong interactions

out at local Universities and which is needed for large scale

simulations. This expertise will help researchers at local Universities and regional institutions to develop codes for large-

CaSToRC introduced the first cluster in Cyprus based on

scale computers and be competitive on the European scale.

NVIDIA graphics cards that is being used for scientific appli-

CaSToRC has initiated fundamental research in the compu-

cations. Scientists at CaSToRC are leading in Cyprus and the

tational methods in physics utilizing the expertise of its staff.

region the development of codes for these prototype com-

An advanced Simulation Lab (SimLab) has been created in

puters, which are expected to become the future main-

partnership with JSC, the only Simulation Lab that JSC is

stream computers. These activities, at the cutting edge of

developing in partnership with a non-German Institution.

computational basic sciences, offer training for scientists and

The inauguration of the Lab took place in November of

students in state-of-the art computing and services and pre-

2010 focussing on high-energy physics, which is regarded

pare them for using the computers of the future.

as a field at the forefront of computational science; scien-

Related Projects: PRACE-1IP (FP7); PRACE-2IP (FP7); Flavor Singlets (RPF); LQCD on GPUs (RPF)
CyI People: C. Alexandrou, G. Koutsou, K. Schilling, M. Petschlies, Y. Proestos, A. Vaquero
Key Partners: University of Cyprus; JSC (Germany); DESY-Zeuthen (Germany)
Selected Publications: C. Alexandrou, T. Korzec, G. Koutsou, J. W. Negele, and Y. Proestos, The electromagnetic form factors of the
Omega in lattice QCD, Phys. Rev. D82, (2010), 034504
C. Alexandrou, E. Gregory, T. Korzec, G. Koutsou, J. W. Negele, T. Sato, A. Tsapalis, The (1232) axial charge and form factors from
lattice QCD, Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 (2011) 141601

24

Capturing and Storing Solar Energy:

CyIs First Patent

The largest technical and financial obstacle in the deploy-

sively increasing volume. In ISTORE the cavity is in direct

ment of Solar Energy (and of wind power as well) is its inter-

thermal contact with the heat storage medium (e.g. molten

mittent behavior. Its inability to dispatch energy when it is

salt or oil). Fins, constructed from a high-thermal conductiv-

needed, e.g. during cloudy days or after the sun sets, has

ity material, increase the interfacial area between the cavity

been called The dark side of solar energy. This deficiency

and the storage medium.

can be alleviated through the use of an energy storage sys-

In ISTORE the storage medium is completely contained and

tem. However, current energy storage technologies are ei-

prevented from coming into contact with the atmosphere,

ther too inefficient or too expensive. Since its cost repre-

thus allowing the employment of storage materials, which

sents up to 25% of the total, the thermal storage requires

are sensitive to oxidation (e.g. graphite), flammable or toxic.

more aggressive advances in performance improvements

It also allows the receiver to be placed at the top of a tower

and cost reductions.

or at the bottom of a hill in a beam-down optical configura-

The Cyprus Institute has developed a novel approach to

tion.

address this problem for

Typical operation of a solar

Concentrated Solar Power

thermal power plant re-

(CSP) systems.

We have

quires the generation of

integrated

steam as the motive fluid

receiver/storage system in

for a turbine. In collabora-

the form of a black body

tion with its partnering in-

(cavity) receiver integrated

stitutions, the Cyprus Insti-

into a heat storage tank,

tute is examining a design

called Integrated STOrage

in which the exchanger is

patented

an

and REceiver (ISTORE). In

The black body cavity concept integrated in a molten salt receiver tank

this concept, as soon as

also integrated into the

storage unit. Such a design

solar energy is harvested, it is converted into thermal energy

will eliminate the requirement to circulate hot fluid over

by the Receiver and stored as such in a thermal battery.

long distances and minimize thermal losses to the environ-

The stored thermal energy is subsequently used to generate

ment, thus increasing the thermodynamic efficiency of the

electricity when needed.

overall process.

A simplified embodiment of ISTORE, which shows all the

Further technical developments and commercialization ef-

essential elements of the device is shown in the figure. As

forts are being pursued.

in all CSP plants, the solar input is harvested by an array

of mirrors (heliostats) and focused onto the receiver.

The inability to dispatch energy

The black body receiver shown here, consists of a small

when needed has been called

aperture leading into a much larger cavity, created for

The dark side of solar energy

example by a train of hexagonal chambers of progres-

CyI People: A. Bonanos, C. N. Papanicolas, G. Tzamtzis

Patent: Integrated Solar Receiver - Thermal Storage System, US patent pending (US 13/245179)

25

PhD Programs and Educational Activities

In April 2010, The Cyprus Institute was recognized as a Pri-

the construction of mathematical models and numerical

vate School of Tertiary Education (PITE) in accordance with

solution techniques by using computers to analyze and

the Laws of the Republic of Cyprus. The school is licensed

solve complex scientific, social scientific and engineering

by the Ministry of Education and Culture to offer three Doc-

problems. In practical use, it typically uses the application of

toral programs in Computational Sciences (CoS), Digital

computer simulation and other forms of computation to

Cultural Heritage (DCH) and Environmental and Atmos-

problems in various scientific disciplines. The program in

pheric Sciences (EAS). The programs are highly competitive,

Computational Sciences is also offered as a dual-degree

intensive, rigorous, and demanding. A limited number of

program with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

applicants are admitted using selective admissions criteria,

(UIUC) as part of the bi-lateral agreement between CyI and

after having completed their Masters degree.

UIUC.

The program in Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences

The multi-disciplinary program in Digital Cultural Heritage

takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis of sus-

integrates the areas of technology, computer science, social

tainable systems, integrating strong scientific engineering-

science and humanities, keeping in mind that "Heritage", at

based

approaches

with

its most broad definition,

insights from the social

deals with anything individ-

sciences to develop appli-

uals in a given society de-

cable action-oriented, poli-

cide it is important to pre-

cy-relevant responses to

serve and transmit to future

long-term

generations.

environmental

and social issues. Students

The duration of the doctor-

in the program address

al programs is three years

science, technology, eco-

(6 semesters for full time

nomic and policy issues PhD Students H. Djuma (left) and K. Charalambous (middle) with

study), and should be com-

related to major national, Research Scientist A. Bruggeman (right)

pleted within a maximum of

regional or global challenges in the fields of energy, envi-

seven years from initial registration. Students with a Masters

ronment, climate and water.

degree must complete 180 ECTS, 50 from the academic

The program in Computational Sciences aims to cultivate

and 130 from the research part of the program. Upon ac-

the use of high performance computing (HPC) in Cyprus

ceptance students may be offered a Student Research As-

and the Eastern Mediterranean region and to serve the

sistantship that is renewable subject to satisfactory perfor-

needs for HPC and data-intensive computing in fields

mance by the student.

such as climate change modelling, high-energy and

Upon admission, students are assigned to a supervisor and

plasma physics, materials science, chemistry, 3D visuali-

their Comprehensive Examination Committee is established.

zation, computational biology and financial and eco-

This Committee is chaired by the Program Director and

nomic modelling. Students in the program work at

includes the students advisor and other faculty from the

26

PhD Programs and Educational Activities

research centers. For the first two semesters, students must

The Cyprus Institute is also involved in corollary educational

take mandatory courses and for the remaining semesters

activities. For example, CaSToRC is active in educational

they can select from electives courses offered. At the end of

activities through the Atlantis Program, a joint research

their second semester, they must successfully complete a

project between the US Department of Education and the

Comprehensive Examination and have their proposed doc-

EU Education Directorate to promote cross-Atlantic educa-

toral thesis approved in order to proceed to PhD candidacy.

tional activities. Partners include the German Research

A student is expected to accumulate the necessary credits

School for Simulation Sciences, Bergische Universitt Wup-

and successfully defend his/her thesis to the Dissertation

pertal, Jlich Supercomputing Centre, the National Center

Committee that is chaired by the advisor and includes at

for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois

least one external faculty. Students are offered access to the

at Urbana-Champaign, and the Shodor Foundation.

electronic libraries and resources and are asked and/or en-

Summer schools, workshops and training programs have

couraged to attend doctor-

been organized by EEWRC,

al seminars/lectures, work-

CaSToRC and STARC with

shops and colloquia orga-

a number of educational

nized by CyI or other Insti-

institutions such as the Max

tutions in Cyprus.

Planck Institute for Chem-

Currently, nine students are

istry, Mainz, Germany, the

enrolled in the PhD pro-

University

grams offered by CyI. Six

the University of Illinois at

are in the Environmental

Urbana-Champaign,

and Atmospheric Sciences

the University of Minneso-

PhD students M. Georgiou (middle) and G. Zittis (right) along with E.

(EAS), two in the Digital Krakhmalnikov, graduate student from the University of Minnesota
(left), during a fieldwork exercise at the archaeological site of Kourion

Cultural

Heritage

(DCH)

of

Edinburgh,

and

ta.
Finally, CyI was awarded an

and one in the Computational Sciences (CoS) program. The

ERASMUS Standard University Charter and has signed Eras-

new Graduate School programme is expected to undergo a

mus co-operation agreements with other institutions. It has

routine evaluation by a team of experts appointed by the

also secured mobility funds for 2012 for student, staff and

Ministry of Education and Culture in 2012.

instructor mobility within the Erasmus project.

27

External Funding Track Record for 2010-2011

From the beginning of its operations in 2007 until the end

gional Cooperation Programme (INTERREG), whilst only

of 2011, the Cyprus Institute (CyI) has secured 12 million

0.19M, or 7%, came from projects funded by the Research

Euros (M) from competitive research projects through na-

Promotion Foundation. This is a low percentage of the total

tional, European, or corporate programmes extending

external funding received by CyI. Externally funded projects

through 2015. For 2010-2011, CyI has received a total of

from other sources brought in an additional 90,000 which

2.73M of which 89% are from European Union pro-

amounts to 4% of the total.

grammes, by far the largest source of external funding since

The ratio of total annual inflow of research funds from ex-

the Institutes creation.

ternally sponsored projects to total annual expenditures was

22% for 2010 (including scientific equipment but excluding
civil construction). For 2011 this figure is 15%, however it
excludes reimbursements for the purchase of scientific
equipment not sent in time by the funding agencies. Upon
receipt of the reimbursements in 2012, this percentage is
expected to rise to 38.5%.
It is also worth noting that in 2010, 14% of the total funding
from FP7 projects to Cyprus were secured by CyI (data for
2011 are not yet available), a remarkable success for its size
given that it only has about 5% of the research workforce of

The external funding of CyI per funding source, for the period

Cyprus. CyI has been particularly successful in the FP7 Ca-

2010-2011 (already received funds). The overwhelming majority

pacities programme (under Infrastructures) securing 2.5 M

of the funding is dominated by EU sources

since 2007, which amounts to 59% of the total funds se-

Over this period, twenty one externally funded projects

cured by all Cypriot institutions.

were initiated at the Institute: thirteen from the European

Union, six from the Research Promotion Foundation, and
two from other funding sources. For FP7 proposals submitted to EU for funding, the success rate for CyI was 44.4%
which is higher than the EU average, and comparable to
that of high-level research organizations, such as ENEA
(Italy) or the Weizmann Institute (Israel), and is indicative
of the high scientific caliber of the Institute.
For 2010-2011, more than 2 M came from FP7 projects,
0.31M came from the EUs Competitiveness and Inno-

External funding receivable by the end of 2012 (from contracts

already signed)

vation Framework Programme (CIP) and the Interre-

28

Partnerships and Collaborations

Since its foundation, The Cyprus Institute has strongly em-

sciences and cultural heritage.

phasized international partnerships and collaborations. In

Other agreements for collaboration in this period have

particular, it has formed a founding partnership with world-

been signed with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy

leading institutions for the growth and development of

Systems for joint activities in the field of solar energy and

each of its individual centres (the Massachusetts Institute of

desalination in September 2011; The University of Athens,

Technology (MIT) for EEWRC, the University of Illinois at

providing a framework for future joint research and educa-

Urbana-Champaign

(UIUC)

tional activities in March 2010;

for CaSToRC, and the Centre

and

de recherche et de restaura-

formalizing existing collabora-

tion des muses de France

tion in cultural heritage and

(C2RMF) for STARC).

high-performance

Other strategic partnerships

in July 2010.

have been formed for the

The Cyprus Institute also joined

consolidation of its position in

the European Energy Research

the chosen priority fields of

Alliance (EERA) (October 2011),

research (such as with the

a major European network in

Max

Planck

Institute

for

Chemistry, in climate science).

The Institute has also formed

Signing of the framework agreement for cooperation between The Cyprus Institute and Tel-Aviv University by Prof.

Bibliotheca

Alexandrina,

computing

the field of energy research,

and will participate in its Joint

Costas N. Papanicolas, President of CyI, and Prof. Yossi

programme on Concentrated

research collaborations with

Klafter, President of Tel Aviv University. Standing are Mr.

Solar Power (CSP).

various institutions, and, at

Demetris Christofias, President of Cyprus, and Mr. Shimon

On the national front, the Cy-

the National level, created

Peres, President of Israel

prus Institute has signed an

links and joint activities with a

agreement of cooperation with

number of Cypriot research

the Cyprus Employers and In-

organizations

other

dustrialists Federation (OEB) in

stakeholders for the explora-

June 2011, whilst it collaborates

tion of synergies and com-

closely on joint research activi-

mon goals for the develop-

ties through a collaboration

ment of Cyprus as a whole.

agreement (January 2006) with

The years 2010 and 2011

the University of Cyprus. Field-

were important for the further

specific collaboration has also

development of this network,

been established with public

with the signing of a Memo-

stakeholders such as the Cyprus

and

randum of Understanding

Meteorological

Service,

the

for joint cooperation in re-

Signing of the collaboration agreement between CyI and the

Department of Antiquities, the

search and education with

Library of Alexandria by Prof. Costas N. Papanicolas, Presi-

Geological Survey, the Public

the Max Planck Society in

January 2011 and a frame-

dent of CyI and Prof. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library

of Alexandria

Works Department and the

Ministry of Health (through the

work agreement for cooperation with Tel-Aviv Universi-

State General Laboratory). The Cyprus Institute also actively

ty in March 2011, with promising perspectives for rap-

collaborates with the A.G. Leventis Foundation.

id implementation in the fields of environmental

29

Externally Funded Projects

Active During 2010-2011

Project title
1

3D Collection Formation

Archaia Kipriaki Grammateia

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Acronym

Funding

CyI Role

Start - End Date

3DCOFORM
AKGDC

Agency
EC
Leventis

Partner
Coordinator

01/12/2008 - 30/11/2012
01/09/2010 - 31/08/2013

Dorot

Partner

01/09/2011 - 31/08/2012

Foundation
RPF

Partner

01/06/2011 - 30/05/2014

Foundation

A Web application based on the annotated films 'A Human Sanctuary' and

HUMAN

'Rebirth'
Accelerating FSI solvers using General Purpose Graphical Processing Units

SANCTUARY
FSI

(GPGPUs)
Access to cultural heritage networks across Europe
Analysis and conservation of polychromic archaeological artefacts and Byzantine

ATHENA
POLYCRHOMY

EC
RPF

Partner
Coordinator

01/10/2008 - 30/9/2010
01/11/2010 - 30/10/2011

paintings
Archaeolandscapes: Using aerial imagery to study the archaeological landscape
Assessment of the impact of environmental change on plankton dynamics in the

ARCLAND
EMEDZOO

EC
RPF

Partner
Coordinator

15/09/2010 - 14/09/2015
01/02/2009 - 31/01/2011

eastern Levantine Basin

Autonomous Flying Platforms for Atmospheric and Earth Surface Observations

APAESO

RPF

Coordinator

15/12/2008 - 14/12/2012

Climate Change and Impact Research: the Mediterranean Environment

Climate change, hydro-conflicts and human security
Climate Local Information in the Mediterranean region: Responding to

CIRCE
CLICO
CLIMRUN

EC
EC
EC

Partner
Partner
Partner

01/06/2007 - 01/06/2011
01/01/2010 - 31/12/2013
01/03/2011 - 28/02/2014

User Needs
Co-generation of electrical power and desalinated water using concentrated

CSP-DSW

CY

Coordinator

01/09/2008 - 28/02/2010

solar power
Combined solar power and desalination plants: technico-economic potential in

MED-CSD

Government
EC

Partner

01/12/2008 - 30/11/2010

Mediterranean Partner Countries

Comprehensive Modelling of the Earth System for Better Climate Prediction and

COMBINE

EC

Partner

01/05/2009 - 30/04/2013

Projection
Connecting Archaeology and Architecture in Europeana

CARARE

EC

Partner

01/02/2010 - 31/01/2013

Consistent computation of the chemistry-cloud continuum and climate change

C8

EC

Coordinator

01/12/2008 - 30/11/2013

in Cyprus
Cy-Tera High Performance Computing Facility for Cyprus
Data Repositories and Computational Infrastructure for Environmental and

CyTera
DARECLIMED

RPF
EC

Coordinator
Coordinator

31/03/2011 - 30/03/2015
01/02/2011 - 31/01/2013

Climate Studies in the Eastern Mediterranean

Digital Cultural heritage Network
Dynamical Exascale Entry Platform
Effect of climate variability and climate change on crop production and water

DC-NET
DEEP
AGRICLIM

EC
EC
Agric. Research

Partner
Partner
Subcontrac-

01-01-2011 - 30/11/2011
01/10/2011 - 30/09/2014
01/03/2011 - 30/05/2011

resources in Cyprus
Graph Partitioning Methods for Scientific Computing Applications
High Performance Computing Opportunities
Lattice QCD on GPU Architectures
Linked Heritage - Coordination of Standards and Technologies for the enrich-

SciComp
HiPoP
LQCD on GPUs
Linked

Institute
RPF
EC
RPF
EC

tor
Coordinator
Coordinator
Coordinator
Partner

01/12/2008 - 30/11/2012
01/09/2009 - 31/08/2011
01/02/2009 - 31/01/2011
01/04/2011 - 30/09/2013

27

ment of Europeana
Linking Scientific Computing in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean

Heritage
LinkSCEEM

EC

Coordinator

01/04/2008 - 30/01/2010

28

Linking Scientific Computing in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean - Phase 2

LinkSCEEM-2

EC

Coordinator

01/09/2010 - 30/08/2014

Making local and regional content accessible through the European Digital

EDLocal

EC

Partner

01/06/2008 - 30/05/2010

Library
Migration or Indigenous Development in Ancient Cyprus: Oxygen and Srontium

MIDAC-OSTA

RPF

Coordinator

01/12/2011 - 30/11/2014

isotope Analyses using mass spectrometry

Mobile Archaeological Lab
Optimization of a Thermal energy Storage system with integrated

STAR-LAB
OPTS

RPF
EC

Coordinator
Partner

01/11/2010 - 31/10/2014
01/10/2011 - 30/09/2014

Steam Generator
PRACE Second Implementation Phase Project

PRACE-2IP

EC

Partner

01/09/2011 - 31/08/2013

PRACE 1IP First Implementation Phase Project

Science and Technology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Eastern

PRACE-1IP
STACHEM

EC
EC

Partner
Coordinator

01/07/2010 - 30/06/2012
01/11/2008 - 30/04/2010

Mediterranean
Solar Thermal Production of Electricity and Water

STEP - EW

INTERREG

Coordinator

10/10/2011 - 09/10/2013

GR-CY
RPF

Coordinator

03/10/2011 - 02/10/2014

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

Study of Flavor Singlets in Lattice QCD on Multi-Core Computers

Flavor Singlets

38

Tracing Identity in the Eastern Mediterranean

TIEM

EC

Coordinator

01/11/2008 - 31/10/2012

39

Virtual Museum Transnational Network

V-MusT.net

EC

Partner

01/02/2011 - 31/01/2015

Vulnerability, Adaptation and Mitigation of Lebanon's Second National

UNDP-

UNDP

Partner

15/06/2009 - 14/06/2010

Communication

LEBANON

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Published by
The Cyprus Institute
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Editing and Layout
Pavlos Tsiartas
Content Editors
Leonard Barrie, Anastasia Constantinou, Costas N. Papanicolas,
Anna Sakkalli, George Tzamtzis, Michalis Yiangou
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June 2012
Copyright 2012 CyI

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