The SEMEDFIRE project, “South Eastern Mediterranean Excellence Development In FIre REsearch,” was proudly showcased as one of five selected initiatives at the France Alumni Day event in Cyprus. The prestigious event, held on June 6, 2025, at the Cyprus Institute amphitheatre in Nicosia, celebrated the achievements of graduates from French educational institutions and collaborating organisations, under the theme “Talents That Change the World.”
The evening event, inaugurated by the Ambassadress of France in Cyprus, Mrs. Clelia Chevrier Kolačko, highlighted innovation, scientific research, and social inclusion. It also aimed to strengthen French-Cypriot cooperation, particularly in knowledge exchange and best practices.
SEMEDFIRE was presented by Dr. George Boustras, Professor in Risk Assessment at the European University Cyprus and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Risk & Decision Sciences (CERIDES), who is also the coordinator of the Horizon Europe programme. He was joined by Mr. Iason Senekkis, European Projects Manager at Nîmes Métropole, France, a key partner in the project. Their presentation underscored how the SEMEDFIRE research program stands as a remarkable example of cross-border collaboration and shared efforts in addressing global challenges related to fire research. Dr. Boustras and Mr. Senekkis presented the latest actions of the project, focusing on the knowledge and experience exchange actions between Cyprus and France during the last eight months. The exchange visits included short-course training events, one field exercise, simulator and mission coordination courses and participation in the Nicosia Rick Forum 2024. They took place in Nicosia, Larnaka, Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Nimes between October 2024 and May 2025 and were attended by Cypriot authorities and helicopter pilots, Greek Canadair pilots, the Jordanian Civil Protection Directorate and independent experts and trainers. Additionally, Dr. Boustras presented exclusive details about the first prescribed burning training that took place in Cyprus in March 2025, under the scope of the SEMEDFIRE activities.
The French Embassy, the French Institute of Cyprus, and Campus France Cyprus organised this third edition of France Alumni Day. The event focused on alumni advancing sustainable production, initiatives fostering sustainable living and consumption, and a greater understanding of global challenges—all themes that resonate strongly with the objectives of the SEMEDFIRE project. The project’s inclusion as a guest of honour and its presentation at such a high-profile event underscore its significance in promoting Franco-Cypriot excellence and its potential to drive progress toward sustainability and address critical global issues.
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