The first public presentation of the “Cyprus Doctoral Dissertation Archive” (CDDA) took place on February 16, 2026, at the University of Cyprus. The CDDA is a unified portal for recording and accessing doctoral research conducted in Cyprus. The CDDA, which functions as a repository and aggregator of records (metadata), brings together doctoral dissertations that have been completed at Cypriot universities and research institutions. At the same time, there are plans to gradually incorporate data on doctoral dissertations currently in progress.

The main objective of CDDAis to enhance the visibility, interconnection, and utilization of doctoral research. By gathering and systematically recording research output, CDDA aims to serve as a reference point for doctoral research in Cyprus, contributing significantly to linking knowledge with the needs of society, the economy, and the labor market, as well as to the development of collaborations and the dissemination of research in Cyprus and abroad.

Welcoming this important event, the Rector of the University of Cyprus and President of the Rectors’ Conference, Professor Tassos Christofides, stated that “knowledge should be neither distant nor inaccessible; open access to it and the ability to utilize it makes society stronger in an environment that requires the establishment of a culture of flexibility and adaptability.” Mr. Christofides highlighted the philosophy and core of the CDDA , emphasizing that it is a repository that honors the work of every doctoral candidate and highlights their contribution to scientific knowledge. The Cyprus Archive of Doctoral Dissertations, he added, demonstrates in practice that the universities of Cyprus are engaged in meaningful collaboration, focusing on promoting the rich Cypriot research output and, above all, the people who produce it.

During the presentation of the new national platform, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the University of Cyprus and Coordinator of the CDDA Implementation Team, Professor Tatiana-Eleni Synodinou, emphasized that “knowledge acquires real value when it is visible, traceable, and openly accessible,” noting that CDDA fills a critical institutional and functional gap in the country. Knowledge is the fundamental pillar of scientific progress, social development, and the democratic structure of modern societies, he said, adding that the production of new knowledge, and in particular research activity at doctoral level, constitutes the highest stage of academic creation, where original research contributes significantly to expanding the boundaries of science.

The Deputy Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr. Georgios Komodromos, who emphasized, among other things, that the CDDA will contribute to the implementation of the “National Research and Innovation Strategy” goal to create a “National Repository of Scientific Publications and Research Data” and will enhance the dissemination of knowledge produced for the benefit of society and the economy. As a government, he said, we support and promote open access to knowledge, recognizing that research must be accessible for the benefit of society, the economy, and citizens.

The Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth, Dr. Terpsa Konstantinidou, pointed out that the creation of the CDDA is an “institutionally mature intervention” that strengthens the institutional cohesion of the Higher Education system. The collective participation of all universities and research centers in our country in a single project, she said, demonstrates the maturity of the academic landscape in Cyprus and reflects the common understanding that progress in research is achieved through synergies and not through individual efforts.

The knowledge produced in public and private universities is the most valuable national resource, said Professor Andreas Katsiotis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Library Consortium, in his speech. He pointed out that this wealth was scattered, inaccessible, and “locked away” in physical archives. Now, with the creation of the Archive, he said, we are building a bridge to connect the past of research with the future of innovation and we are enhancing the accessibility and extroversion of Cypriot scientists in the international community. “This is an important moment for the Cyprus Library Consortium, because ideas that are formulated and discussed among members, and the close cooperation between us, can be realized when there is willingness and support.”

Presenting the progress of the project, the Director of the University of Cyprus Library, Ms. Elena Diomidi-Parpouna, highlighted that the CDDA was designed as a single electronic portal for recording, promotion, and access to doctoral research in Cyprus, bringing together all completed doctoral dissertations, with the gradual inclusion of dissertations currently in progress. As she explained, the project implementation process included systematic mapping of the current situation, selection of interoperable technological infrastructure compatible with European open science standards, and coordination of all participating institutions, ensuring quality control, metadata uniformity, and continuous updating of entries.

The functions of this valuable tool, which constitutes a new benchmark for doctoral research in Cyprus and a collective investment in knowledge, cooperation, and the future of science in the country, were presented by the Director of the TEPAK Library, Mr. Marios Zervas, and Ms. Sylvia Koukounidou, Head of the Digitization and Archives Office of the University of Cyprus Library. This was followed by a discussion with the attendees, which was moderated by the Press Officer of the University of Cyprus, Ms. Doxa Komodromou.