He highlighted the leadership skills of 35 Cypriot women who excelled in governance, research, entrepreneurship, technology, security, and innovation at the conference “Women Who Built Europe” in Brussels
The Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Dimitris Skouridis, participated in a high-level discussion at the “Women Who Built Europe” Conference, organized by the Council of the European Union on March 17, 2026, in Brussels.
The conference, organized by European Female Founders and hosted by MEP Ms. Tsvetelina Penkova, was coordinated by EU Female Founders President Ms. Monika Stanisheva. It gathered top women innovators, entrepreneurs, and founders from across Europe. Attendees included MEP Ms. Penkova, former ministers Milena Stoycheva and Lilyana Pavlova, Startup Portugal’s Executive Director Mr. Miguel Aguiar, European Commission’s Startups and Scaleup Businesses Working Group member Ms. Andreea Ticheru, and representatives from the European startup and scaleup ecosystem.
Empowerment policies and tangible results
In his keynote speech, the Chief Scientist presented policies implemented by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) to empower female researchers to take on leadership roles. From 2023 to 2025, RIF announced 90 calls for proposals and signed contracts worth a total of €100 million. These initiatives led to the creation of 739 new jobs in cutting-edge sectors, with 209 filled by women. During this period, 372 businesses were supported, 187 collaboration networks were created, and 184 companies collaborated with research organizations.
The measures introduced by RIF within postdoctoral research funding programs resulted in increased female participation. Specifically, 61.16% of submitted proposals had female coordinators compared to 29.67% in previous calls, while 76.4% of funded projects were awarded to women compared to 23% in previous programs. Alignment with the European Commission’s White Paper on Artificial Intelligence was also mentioned.
Mr. Skouridis also highlighted Cyprus’s strong performance regarding gender representation, noting that women represent 42.3% participation in science, engineering, and STEM fields and 29.3% in ICT sectors. Additionally, he mentioned women’s representation at 37% in the Cabinet. He explained that this progress is based on the Cypriot Government’s strategic commitment to promoting gender equality and cited examples of inspiring leaders within the government. Mr. Skouridis analyzed how the Chief Scientist’s Office collaborates with the Communications Commissioner to actively support this agenda through initiatives like “Women for Tech” and “Women for Cyber,” which collectively gather over 670 active members.
In his speech, Mr. Skouridis referred to examples of pioneering women whose intelligence and resilience have inspired many others to follow their paths. For over 200 years, women have played a crucial role in advancing programming languages and exploring concepts such as intelligent systems, cryptography, cybersecurity, intrusion detection systems, and quantum technologies. Such examples include pioneering figures Ada Lovelace, Agnes Meyer Driscoll, Dorothy Denning, Parisa Tabriz, Maddie Stone, and Lisa Mathews.
Acknowledging the paradox between high performance and limited funding, Mr. Skouridis referenced research showing up to a 35% higher return on investment (ROI) for companies funded by women. He linked this phenomenon with leadership characteristics observed in Fortune 500 companies led by women. He shared examples of leaders who demonstrated resilience and persistence, a strong sense of purpose, continuous learning and self-improvement, empathy, collaboration, risk-taking ability to make tough decisions under pressure while prioritizing values; qualities that have made them powerful role models.
The Chief Scientist emphasized that bridging the gender gap requires both structural policy changes and cultural transformation. He argued that meaningful progress depends on gender collaboration and a shared commitment to reshaping mindsets and promoting inclusive growth. Referring to government progress in this area Mr.Skouridis explained how leadership choices contribute towards addressing gender gaps as well as how female leaders actively promote next-generation female leadership.
The Chief Scientist also mentioned an intervention by Gender Equality Commissioner Ms.Josi Christodoulou who emphasized renewed EU commitment towards promoting women’s rights through upcoming Gender Equality Action Plan alongside EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 & EU Women’s Rights Roadmap.Her statements were made during event “For Renewed EU Action Plan for Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment In EU External Action” organized by European Commission & European External Action Service.Mr.Skouridis highlighted importance leadership mindset showcased dynamic group thirty-five Cypriot women whose stance inspires others across public entrepreneurship innovation research security retail healthcare sectors.
Outstanding Cypriot Women
The Chief Scientist referred strong group thirty-five Cypriot women with leadership skills shaping public life innovation research.In governance standout leaders included Deputy Minister President Ms.Eirini Piki Speaker House Representatives Ms.Annita Demetriou Deputy Minister European Affairs Ms.Marilena Raouna Deputy Minister Social Welfare Ms.Klea Chatzistefanou-Papaellina Deputy Minister Shipping Ms.Marina Chatzimanoli Minister Education Sports Youth Dr.Athina Michailidou Deputy Minister Culture Dr.Lina Kasianidou Minister Agriculture Rural Development Environment Ms.Maria Panagiotou.Also notable were Gender Equality Commissioner Ms.Josi Christodoulou Data Protection Commissioner Ms.Marina Manoli Christofidou Legislation Commissioner Republic Cyprus Ms.Sophia Kleopa Chatzikyriakou Administration Human Rights Protection Commissioner Ms.Maria Stylianou-Lottidi Child Rights Protection Commissioner Ms.Elena Perikleous Financial Ombudsman Republic Cyprus Ms.Valentina Georgiadou.
In Cyprus STEM ecosystem he mentioned leading figures like Maria Militsopoulou internationally recognized Global Thought Leader founder WEWiL Dr.Antigoni Komodiki CEO Junior Achievement Cyprus (JA Cyprus) President Executive Board Junior Achievement Europe (JA Europe) Eugenia Herodotou CEO co-founder EnergyIntel Member LDES Council Rina Houllioti Financial Director Zara Director Inditex Chrystalla Charalambous Executive General Manager Larnaca Famagusta Hospitals Christiana Aristeidou Technology Lawyer Head National Representation Blockchain ISO/TC307 Evangelia Athanasiou Research Associate Neo-Move CCAPPS research groups.The list Cypriot leaders completed Elena Strouthou co-founder CTO Cocoon Creations Board Member CITEA Georgia Solomides CEO OSPHERA founder President Women4Cyber Cyprus Tania Romaniuka General Manager TechIsland Head Women Tech Cyprus Monica Ioannidou Polemitis Partner CEO TKI EMEA President ICC Cyprus Women Anna Pitali Commercial Director Intergaz Ltd President WISTA Cyprus Dr.Margarita Zachariadou Scientist Cyprus Institute Neurology Genetics founder Women Mathematical Sciences Cyprus National Ambassador Women Mathematics Maria Stylianou Technology Leadership Consultant founder Google Developer Group Cyprus mentor Girls STEM Academy mentor Young Female Academy.
The Chief Scientist also mentioned inspiring researchers entrepreneurs including Dr.Kyriaki Michailidou Associate Professor Head Biostatistics Department Cyprus Institute Neurology Genetics leading member Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) Evidence-Based Network Interpretation Germline Mutant Alleles (ENIGMA) Dr.Marianna Prokopi-Demetriadi co-founder Theramir / Promed Ltd Dr.Despo Fatta-Kassinos Professor Chair Civil Environmental Engineering Department University Cyprus Professor Dr.Phoebe Koundouri world-renowned mathematical economist member National Research Council pioneered development human-centric interdisciplinary modeling systems sustainable interaction nature society economy Dr.Soula Louca Head Digital Innovation Department University Nicosia Eleni Charitonos first female Analog Astronaut Cyprus.Mr.Skouridis explained there are many more examples however those highlighted demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities such as resilience determination confidence collaboration commitment growth positive approach achieving results.What sets them apart is their ongoing commitment leadership throughout society acting role models inspiring younger generations supporting change leadership mindset.
Concluding his intervention Chief Scientist stressed continuous progress depends showcasing leadership stories enhancing collaboration leveraging global alliances like G100 global network women leaders hundred sectors.He emphasized importance alliance need leverage distinct capabilities potential each gender promote inclusive growth driven innovation.As he noted “Don’t wait invited table.Take your place lead boldly.”
The participation Chief Scientist conference “Women Who Built Europe” further strengthens growing role Cyprus regional hub research innovation technological advancement without exclusion aligned broader national vision country sustainable development international action guided Gender Equality Commissioner Ms.Josi Christodoulou.
