November 2024

UNIC Health’s faculty is engaged in a wide range of research projects, utilising interdisciplinary approaches to tackle clinical, environmental, and public health challenges, and enhance health education. These efforts promote sustainable practices through collaborations with both local and international partners. The active involvement of our faculty underscores UNIC Health’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and contributing meaningfully to global health initiatives.

Research Projects

Relationship of Air Pollution with Cow’s Microbiome and Heavy Metals in Milk for Human Consumption (AIRCOMM)

The AIRCOMM project is a pioneering study in Cyprus that investigates the impact of air pollution on cattle microbiomes and milk quality using a ‘One Health’ approach. The study aims to understand whether exposure to poor air quality or adverse environmental conditions, such as dust storms, increases the risk of microbiome disruption in cattle and contamination of milk with heavy metals. (Dr Despo Ierodiakonou, Dr Daphne Mavrides)

Breath IN: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Higher Education Institutions

The Breath IN project addresses the critical issue of indoor air quality within higher education institutions (HEIs), recognising that a significant portion of individuals’ lives is spent in such environments. The project aims to measure indoor air pollutants, assess their impact on health, and promote eco-friendly interventions like natural ventilation and the use of potted plants to improve air quality. This is an Erasmus+ funded programme. (Dr Souzana Achilleos)

Effect of Probiotics on Cognitive Functioning of Patients with Early Alzheimer’s Disease

This project explores the potential of probiotics to enhance cognitive functioning in patients with early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). With AD being a major cause of cognitive decline among older adults, the study seeks to determine whether modifying the gut microbiome through probiotics can reduce inflammation and improve brain function. This is a programme funded by the Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant New to the Field – AARG-NTF. (Dr Nicoletta Nicolaou)

Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment for Europe (GESEA4EU)

The GESEA4EU project aims to standardise surgical training across Europe, particularly in gynaecological endoscopy and robotics. The project builds on the GESEA Educational Programme, which has already certified over 3,200 surgeons, and seeks to develop standardised training modules that can be implemented across Europe, ensuring that healthcare professionals have consistent skills and knowledge. This is an EU4Health programme (2021-2027). (Prof Vasilios Tanos)

Healthy Lifestyle Practices of Breast Cancer Survivors in Cyprus (HEROES)

The HEROES project focuses on improving the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer survivors (BCS) in Cyprus through lifestyle medicine. The project aims to identify the association between these practices and QoL as well as biological health status indicators in BCS. (Prof Constantina Constantinou)

1HEALTH-GUTBIOME: One Health Approach to Investigate the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Gastrointestinal Disease Transmission in Cyprus

The gut microbiome has various roles in health and disease with those relevant to the function of the host immune system featuring prominently. Using a combination of fieldwork, epidemiological data collection, molecular biology and bioinformatic analyses, this research project investigates the gut microbiome and identify specific eukaryotic pathogens as well as the interplay of the latter two in dairy cattle and humans living in Cyprus. (Dr Eleni Gentekaki and Dr Danny Alon Ellenbogen)

Vaccelerate

This is a pan-European initiative designed to accelerate phase 2 and 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials. The project aims to connect European stakeholders involved in vaccine development, providing a platform for the design and conduct of clinical trials. The project seeks to streamline the vaccine development process and ensure efficient, effective, and safe vaccines reach the public swiftly. This is a Horizon 2020 funded project. (Prof Zoi Dorothea Pana)

VHEalthLAb: Virtual Health Labs in Higher Education

The VHEalthLAb project addresses the growing need for accessible and effective virtual laboratory (VL) tools in biology education. Designed to equip students with essential 21st-century skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking, the project responds to challenges highlighted during the pandemic, when physical lab closures disrupted STEM education at secondary and tertiary levels. By creating curriculum-aligned, freely accessible VLs, the initiative aims to overcome limitations in existing resources, ensuring students can develop vital competencies without requiring physical lab access. This is an Erasmus+ funded programme. (Dr Persoulla Nicolaou)

ViR-MEd: Transforming Clinical Communication Skills through AI and VR Technologies

The ViR-MEd project leverages Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise clinical communication training in medical education. Using affordable VR goggles paired with smartphones, ViR-MEd aims to make high-quality, scalable medical training accessible to a broader audience, ensuring future healthcare professionals are equipped with essential communication skills. This is an Erasmus+ funded programme. (Dr Achilleas Pavou)

Research Infrastructure Funding

EXELU: Pioneering Neurological Research and Therapeutic Evaluations

The Experimental Electrophysiology Unit (EXELU) is at the forefront of neurological research, utilising cutting-edge technology to study nervous system functions and develop new therapies for neurological disorders. The facility supports a range of translational research projects and aims to attract industry partnerships for innovative neurological research that could have broad implications for global health. (Dr Nikolas Perentos and Prof Avgis Hadjipapas)

Zebrafish Research and Educational Facility

The Zebrafish Research and Educational Facility at UNIC Health is a significant addition to the university’s biomedical research and education infrastructure. Zebrafish, due to their genetic similarity to humans and their transparent embryos, provide an excellent model for studying various aspects of human biology and disease. The facility will support research in developmental biology, neurobiology, cancer, genetics, and pharmacology. Additionally, it will serve as an educational resource, offering students hands-on experience with complex biological processes. The facility aims to foster interdisciplinary research and enhance the educational experience at UNIC Health, contributing to its goal of becoming a leader in biomedical research. (Dr Constantinos Voskarides and Dr Annita Achilleos)

For more information about the projects mentioned above, please contact [email protected]