The vision of the Department is to evolve and establish itself as an internationally recognized research and education center in the field of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science. The primary objective is to produce and disseminate the scientific knowledge and technologies necessary for the rational and sustainable development of the Cypriot rural economy (including fisheries-aquaculture), biotechnology and the food industry within the new concept of bio-economy which is based on knowledge. The above objective will be achieved through scientific research and the training of high-level scientists who can serve these areas but also through the wider social and economic development of the island.

Objectives of the Department

The objectives of the Department are:

• To attract and retain students as well as academic and supportive staff of the highest possible level.
• To provide its students with the most advanced scientific training in agronomic sciences, biotechnology and food science, and offer high quality undergraduate and postgraduate academic education, attracting students from Cyprus, neighboring countries and from European Union countries.
• To carry out innovative high level applied research and to provide consulting services aimed at the cultivation and scientific redefinition of agronomic sciences, biotechnology and food science, and in general the wider scientific field of bio-economy.
• To establish and maintain close ties of cooperation with local and international manufacturing and processing of agricultural products towards becoming an international research and education center in this field.
• To promote rational and sustainable rural development in relation to natural and biological resources, biodiversity and the environment.
• To facilitate and expand international cooperation and educational mobility and student and academia mobility, especially in the European space.
• To provide the basis for promoting lifelong learning

 

In particular, the Sector of Science and Technology of Plant Production of the Department focuses on quantitative and qualitative upgrading of plant production aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in basic products and to improve their competitiveness at national, European and international level. The cultivation of scientific knowledge and the research effort of the Sector will focus on two main axes:

• The improvement of cultivated plants (fruit and vegetables, ornamental and grown plants) through the creation and promotion of new, improved varieties and cultivation techniques.
• The development and promotion of new methods of plant production and plant protection, which are effective but also environmentally and socially acceptable.

The Sector of Animal Production Science and Technology focuses  on the scientific research and high-level education of students on genetic improvement, reproduction, nutrition, hygiene and management of productive animals (cows, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry) as well as aquatic organisms (fish, shellfish, etc.). The promotion of basic and applied research to develop the necessary know-how and technology that will contribute to the profitability and competitiveness of Cypriot livestock farming, as well as to the qualitative upgrading of livestock products, is a top priority of the Sector.  

The Sector of Food Science and Technology   focuses on scientific research and high-level education to ensure the production of healthy, safe and quality food and effective quality control at all stages of the food chain (fork to farm). Research will seek to promote innovations and new practical processes that offer significant benefits to consumers, industry and society. The main thematic priorities of the Sector are:

• Food process engineering and bio-processing,
• Chemistry, Food Physics and Microbiology,
• New product design and quality management.