At a particularly important time for higher education, research and the health sector in Cyprus, the inauguration of the new premises of the Medical School and Health Sciences "Nicos C. Shacolas" of the University of Cyprus took place. The inauguration was performed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of members of the Shacolas family, the state and political leadership, representatives of the academic and medical community, as well as a large number of guests.
In his greeting, President Christodoulides said that the new facilities are not "just another building project", but an investment in knowledge, scientific excellence, research and, above all, people. He said that the project started in 2022 thanks to a €9 million grant from the Nicos and Elpida Shacolas Foundation, as well as the financing of the Republic of Cyprus through a loan from the European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank. The President said that Health and Education are the areas in which the Government invests the most money, "because it is simply an investment in the future of our country, in the young generation". Referring to university clinics, he noted that the goal of making Cyprus a regional center of education, research and innovation in the health sector cannot be achieved as long as the relevant bill is not approved by the House of Representatives. "There is absolutely no excuse," he said, adding that the issue had been discussed for many years. At the same time, he called on all sides to join forces so that the bill can be approved by the end of the year.
The President of the Council of the University of Cyprus, Tasos S. Anastasiou, addressed the event, thanking the State for its long-term support, but also the Nikos and Elpida Shacolas Foundation for the donation of nine million euros. The Medical School of the University of Cyprus, he said, managed to establish itself in very high positions in the world rankings and for this it deserves congratulations. "We believe that if the issue of university clinics is added, then the quiver of weapons that will lead the Medical School even further will be completed."
The Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides, described the day as a historic milestone, noting that the School of Medicine is now acquiring its own roof in the heart of the Campus. He also stressed that the public Medical School of the University of Cyprus has already proven its significant contribution to education, research, health and society, while he thanked the great benefactor Nikos K. Shacolas for his long-term contribution to the University and the country. He thanked the State for its financial support as well as the European Investment Bank and the Development Bank of the Council of Europe. The new building, he said, with a total area of 8,825 square meters, is a modern center for education, research and innovation, designed to serve the needs of the students, academics and researchers of the School. At the same time, it stands out, as he mentioned, for its bioclimatic design and securing the international LEED Platinum certification, the highest distinction for sustainable development buildings.
On behalf of the Hope and Nikos Shacolas Foundation, Mrs. Marina N. Shacola addressed a greeting, who, among other things, pointed out that for her father, the creation of a Medical School was a dream and a promise of life, due to some experiences that deeply shocked him. A special moment of the evening was the musical interlude of the Music Academy of the University of Cyprus, under the Artistic Direction of conductor Mr. Petros Stylianou. The young musical talents presented works by Brahms, Jenkins and David Weiss, giving a particularly moving character to the event.
This was followed by the unveiling of the inauguration commemorative plaque by the President of the Republic, officially marking the opening of the new building and a new era for the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Cyprus. He was flanked by the Minister of Health, the President and the Rector of the University of Cyprus as well as Ms. Elpida Shacola and Ms. Marina Shacola.
The project was implemented thanks to a grant of nine million euros from the Nicos and Elpida Shacolas Foundation, while it was also financed by the Republic of Cyprus through European loans from the European Investment Bank and the Development Bank of the Council of Europe. The architects of the project are Antonio Gordon and Antonio Liñán from Spain, who collaborated with the local Gavrielides-Formit Architect office. Construction Company A. Aristotelous Construction. The building has an easy-to-read typology and is characterized by high aesthetics and functional organization.
