Dear Students and Colleagues,

This is a milestone year for Cyprus University of Technology as students, researchers, academics and administration staff jointly commence the development of a new organizational culture. A culture of mutual respect, transparency and freedom of expression.

We are now more determined than ever to shape and implement an innovative development program which will directly benefit our students, the University as a whole and society. Our ideas have been introduced and thoroughly discussed during the open and honest public discourse of the previous months. We collectively formed and eventually presented the four action pillars that our focus will be laid upon:

• Structural Change, Administrative Reform and Development
• Education, Students and on Campus Quality of Life
• Research and Academic Excellence
• Industry liaison and Stakeholders’ Relations

We are now commencing a series of structured dialogue meetings with Academic Departments, Student Organizations and Administration Services in order to finalize our comprehensive strategic plan for the years ahead.

Dear Friends,

I have recently referred to the need for the Rector to be solely and firmly dedicated to serving the University and its people. This is a matter of outmost importance, an issue of academic and public service ethics. Holding a public office, let alone that of the Rector of a public university, involves trust, integrity and impartiality.

I would like to inform you that, as one of my key pledges, a few days ago I handed in my resignation as a Member of the Board of Directors of the RISE Research Centre (TEAMING). I have also given up the post of Director of the Social Computing Research Centre (SCRC) and initiated the due processes to withdraw from any research projects I am leading as Principal Investigator.

Happy New Year to all! I am confident that together we will achieve great things!

Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris

Rector

Cyprus University of Technology