RIF opens 2026–2027 Researchers in Schools programme to Cyprus schools

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has invited researchers and research organisations across Cyprus to express interest in joining the 2026–2027 “Researchers in Schools” programme.

The initiative will bring pupils into closer contact with people working in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, including through visits to schools and, for the first time, research organisation facilities.

School and facility visits

RIF is seeking researchers available to visit primary, secondary and technical and vocational schools during the coming academic year.

Research organisations will also be able to host groups of pupils at their facilities, allowing students to observe research environments and activities at close range.

Participating researchers will be asked to present their work in a simple and accessible manner, using creative or interactive demonstrations where possible. The use of portable equipment and research tools that can be safely transported to schools is encouraged.

Programme aims and timetable

First introduced during the 2022–2023 school year, the programme aims to strengthen interaction between Cyprus’ research community, students and teachers. It also seeks to demonstrate how research affects everyday life and encourage young people to consider careers in science, research and innovation.

Visits will be organised around international days linked to the five areas of the STEAM educational approach.

Science-focused visits are scheduled for November 9 to 13, 2026, around World Science Day on November 10. Engineering visits will take place from March 1 to 5, 2027, followed by mathematics activities from March 15 to 19.

Arts-related visits will be held from April 12 to 16, while technology activities are planned for May 17 to 21.

Matching process

After receiving expressions of interest, RIF will match researchers with schools seeking to host visits or visit research organisations. Individual arrangements will be finalised around three to four weeks before each visit.

Schools from almost every district, including semi-mountainous, mountainous and remote areas, are expected to take part. The matching process will consider researchers’ preferences and availability, as well as the order in which schools submit requests.