Brief Profile & Role
The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE) constitutes a leading research and development entity in the fields of Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Geoinformatics in Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. The Centre was established in 2020 within the framework of the "EXCELSIOR" project, a strategic program (Horizon 2020 Teaming) aimed at creating a world-class research infrastructure. Its establishment was built upon the long-standing experience and expertise of the Remote Sensing & Geo-Environment Lab of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), which has been operating since 2007.
The mission of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is the development and utilization of advanced geospatial technologies and satellite data for understanding the environment, protecting natural resources, supporting operational decision-making, and promoting sustainable development. The Centre aims to become a Hub of Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Centre of Research Excellence for Earth Observation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, yielding significant economic and social benefits for both Cyprus and Europe.
To achieve its goals, the Centre relies on two main infrastructures:
- A satellite data reception ground station.
- An atmospheric remote sensing ground station.
Its activities cover a wide range of thematic areas, such as climate change monitoring, the marine and coastal environment, agriculture, natural disaster risk analysis, urban development, and atmospheric observation. At the same time, the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence actively participates in international research projects, collaborates with universities, organizations, and businesses, and enhances entrepreneurship through innovation actions.
The Centre plays a significant role in the education and training of the new generation of scientists, as well as in the dissemination of scientific knowledge to society. Through awareness actions, scientific events, and educational programs, it promotes the importance of geospatial data and environmental monitoring.