Cyprus’ world distinctions welcomed by the President of Cyprus Rectors’ Conference
The president of the Cyprus Rectors’ Conference (CyRC), Rector of European University Cyprus, Professor Kostas Gouliamos, described Cyprus’ 5th placed ranking in Science and Technology field of the Good Country Index as a “global recognition that illustrates the significant achievements of the country’s scientific community.”
The survey and ranking conducted by The Good Country Index is an attempt to measure what each country contributes to the common good of humanity and the planet. Overall among 163 countries Sweden was ranked first as the best country to live in while Cyprus secured 15th position. The study, which can be found here is based on 35 qualitative indicators.
“This international ranking for Cyprus constitutes a substantial step in the collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Universities themselves to designate our country as an international regional center of higher education of the highest standard,” Rector Gouliamos remarked. Specifically, with regard to the 5th position secured in Science and Technology, Professor Simon Anholdt, who oversaw The Good Country Index took into account a series of parameters and criteria, among which, the number of foreign students studying in a country, the number of articles published in scientific journals, the number of patents secured etc., all relative to the size of the economy of each country.
According to the president of the Cyprus Rectors' Conference (CyRC) “the result of this distinguished assessment is shaped by the complex and persevering scientific work conducted within most universities in Cyprus and which is now being recognized at an international level”. It is for this reason, he added “that we need to safeguard the strategic goal of making Cyprus an international regional center for higher education with an ecosystem of quality and excellence and not resort to ad hoc sensationalist actions or actions that allude to studies under a flag of convenience at convenient prices”.
Concluding his intervention, Rector Gouliamos stressed that the “current competitive climate in education requires a specific policy to promote Cyprus as an attractive study destination and endorse the possibilities for studying for international students. It is, therefore, necessary the prompt formation of an authorized national office which would be tasked to stimulate and support Cyprus as an international nucleus for Higher Education”. “Knowledge,” he went on, “constitutes a significant lever for growth and social development”.