Nicosia, Cyprus. The University of Cyprus has appointed professor Constantine Dovrolis as the first holder of the XM Chair in Artificial Intelligence, formally launching a 10-year initiative funded by XM Group worth more than €1 million.
Ten-year funding and aims
The appointment was announced this week following the creation of the chair through a donation by XM Group, which will finance the position for the next decade. The initiative is intended to strengthen research, education and innovation in artificial intelligence while linking academic expertise with business needs and Cyprus’ wider technology ambitions.
Research partnerships and training opportunities
Through the XM Chair, the University of Cyprus said it aims to promote AI research, develop partnerships with research centres and universities abroad, and create internship, training and specialisation opportunities for students and professionals.
University leadership statements
At the event, University of Cyprus chairman Tasos Anastasiou congratulated Dovrolis and said XM’s decision to establish the chair in Cyprus rather than at a major institution abroad was an “important vote of confidence” in the university. Anastasiou said he expects the collaboration to establish the chair as “a point of reference” for artificial intelligence and to help Cyprus become, within its capabilities, a pioneer in the field, with tangible results for research, technology, academic excellence and entrepreneurship.
Rector Tasos Christofides described the establishment of the AI chair as “a significant contribution and investment in the future,” saying it would support cutting-edge research and teaching in artificial intelligence. He said Dovrolis’ appointment is expected to bring substantial benefits at both research and teaching level and to strengthen the university’s mission by connecting it more directly with future technological developments.
XM Group comments
XM group Co-CEO Stavri Morti welcomed the appointment, saying the filling of the chair gives “substantial content and direction” to the vision behind its creation. Morti said artificial intelligence is “undoubtedly the most transformative technology of our time,” affecting and reshaping almost every aspect of life and the economy.
What impact do you expect the new XM Chair in Artificial Intelligence to have on research and training in Cyprus?