Christodoulides Attends Groundbreaking for Tepak Marine Sciences School in Larnaca

Larnaca, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides pledged on Friday to channel further investment into higher education, research and innovation, as he took part in the foundation stone ceremony for the new school of marine sciences of the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak).

Procedures completed

In his address, Christodoulides welcomed the fact that the financial, institutional and legislative steps required for the project to move forward had been finished. “The planning has progressed and today we are here for the groundbreaking of the project,” he said.

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Part of a wider strategy

The president called the new school a significant step for Larnaca as well as for higher education in Cyprus. He said it was part of the government’s wider approach to strengthening research and innovation and building closer ties between universities, society and the economy. He also praised Tepak for the pioneering part it plays in this effort.

Link to Larnaca and the sea

Christodoulides recalled that the government decided in March 2025 to go ahead with the project. He noted that the history and identity of Larnaca are closely tied to the sea, and said it carries particular symbolism that the city will host a university school devoted to marine sciences, technology and sustainable development.

Need for specialised personnel

The president pointed to the growing demand for trained staff to help safeguard the marine environment of Cyprus and respond to challenges such as climate change. He said the presence in Larnaca of the Cyprus institute for the sea and maritime affairs, together with the potential for cooperation with other research and production bodies, creates conditions for a substantial ecosystem of knowledge and research centred on the sea.

Student accommodation

Christodoulides also raised the prospect of building student accommodation close to the new school. He noted that land is available in the area for the construction of student residences.