The main driving force behind the establishment of the Research Unit and its envisioned development into a worldwide recognized Materials Research Center is the lack of such an infrastructure in Cyprus. The very nature of Materials Science and Engineering requires a multi-disciplinary approach, which translates into several disciplines working together in order to develop the best material for a given application. At the core of this approach, one needs to address all aspects of materials development, both from the fundamental and the applied perspective. This requires the ability to combine the design and development of a material system with rigorous and accurate characterization, and to complement these activities with state-of-the-art modelling and simulation. While there exist isolated efforts dealing with certain particular aspects of materials research, to the best of our knowledge no single entity exists in Cyprus that deals with all pertinent multiphysics issues and research methodologies under one roof. In most cases, emphasis is given on the characterization and measurement of physical properties, but the required materials samples are grown, processed and developed elsewhere, usually abroad, while modelling and theoretical support are lacking. In some cases, materials development does takes place, but in-depth characterization and simulation are lacking.

In order to achieve our research objectives the Research Unit encompasses three major integrated and interrelated research directions, see Figure. The three pillars of the proposed Unit functioning in a synergistic way are:

1. "Computational and Simulational Materials Science". Research at the highest level within this activity will focus on modeling and design of advanced innovative materials for applied science and engineering applications, using a multiscale methodological approach coupling the atomistic to the macroscopic level. Various computational techniques will be used ranging from atomistic Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations, at the empirical, tight-binding, and ab initio level, to continuum micromechanical modeling. This activity is essentially non-existent within the Cyprus research community. Examples of applications include nanomaterials, thin films and coatings, smart composites, etc.
2. "Synthesis of Nanoengineered Materials". Research will focus on the development and growth of nanostructured thin films with significant engineering applications including hard coatings, solid lubricants, wear-resistant layers for environmental protection, new coatings for solar energy applications, biocompatible coatings for implants and other medical applications, etc. Initially, this activity will be based on the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method. Both the Plasma-Enhanced and the Low-Pressure variations will be installed. Complementary activities in this pillar include nanomaterials growth using Pulsed Laser Deposition and Magnetron Sputtering at partner institutions.
3. "Nanoscale Characterization", an activity also very limited in the Cyprus scientific community. Research will concentrate on the determination, testing, characterization and nanoscale control of materials properties. Examples of techniques to be employed include nanoindentation, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. These will be complemented by a number of other characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and X-Ray reflectivity, spectroscopic ellipsometry, etc. It should be mentioned that the synergistic approach between the three mentioned research directions is only found in a handful of materials research centers worldwide.