The Cyprus Institute establishes a charitable foundation in the USA

And this for three main reasons. The first was related to the presentation of the achievements of the Cyprus Institute in the three main areas – research, education and innovation – by the President of the Institute, Professor Stavros Malas.

The second was with the video messages of Professors Ernest Moniz, former US Secretary of Energy, C. L. Max Nikias, former President of the University of Southern California (USC) and Harris Pastides, former President of the University of South Carolina.

The third was related to the discussion that followed and which came to shed light on various aspects of higher education in Cyprus which, as Dr. Mallas said, includes 12 Universities (3 state and 9 private), 2 research Institutes, 1 public research Institute and 7 European centers of excellence.

The Cyprus Institute holds a prominent position, which was founded two decades ago and today in 2025 holds a prominent position among the best universities in Europe and worldwide.

The event took place on the evening of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Greek restaurant "Anassa Estiatorio" in Manhattan and those present had the opportunity to taste Greek dishes and halloumi accompanied by Greek wines.

On the podium was the Bishop of Dioclea and also the Primate of the Holy Archdiocese of America, Mr. Nektarios. Photo: Memories / Dimitris Tsakas.
The event was attended by the Bishop of Dioclea and also the Primate of the Holy Archdiocese, Mr. Nektarios, the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Michalis Firillas, representatives of all Cypriot organizations as well as Cypriot and Greek businessmen.

The coordination and presentation of the event was undertaken by the President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations of America, Kyriakos Papastylianou, who referred to the work of the Institute and, among other things, emphasized that Professors Ernest Moniz, Chrysostomos Nikias and Haris Pastides have been awarded both by the Federation and by the Cypriot American Chamber of Commerce.

President Stavros Malas presented the pioneering role of the Cyprus Institute in promoting research and innovation, while highlighting Cyprus as a global center of scientific excellence and international cooperation.

He made extensive reference to the strategic partnership with leading universities and the opportunities for partnerships between the US and Cyprus in the academic and research sector.

Referring to the establishment of a non-profit foundation under the name "Cyprus Institute Research and Education Foundation" (CYI-REF), he pointed out that it is part of his mission to strengthen the international presence and promote transatlantic cooperation.

This initiative, as he pointed out, aims to strengthen the Institute's collaborations with leading American universities and research centers, with the support of philanthropic and business grants from US donors.

“The CYI-REF Foundation will promote joint educational programs, student and academic exchanges, as well as collaborative research, essentially functioning as a bridge between Cyprus and the United States in the promotion of scientific and technological innovation,” noted the President of the Cyprus Institute, Dr. Stavros Malas.

After his lecture, a fruitful dialogue followed, which concerned both the Institute and the non-profit Foundation.