NEWS
Save the Date: FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona!
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and the Spanish Neuroscience Society are delighted to welcome you to the FENS Forum 2026, taking place in Barcelona, Spain, from 6-10 July 2026.
The FENS Forum is Europe’s largest neuroscience congress, covering all areas of neuroscience from basic to translational research. It will feature an exciting programme of plenary and special lectures, scientific symposia, technical workshops, special interest events, career development and networking opportunities and so much more!
Discover more at: https://fensforum.org.
Dr. Phivos Phylactou Discusses Findings on Eye-Based Biomarkers of Brain Excitability at Cyprus Neuroscience Society’s 2nd Research Seminar
The Cyprus Neuroscience Society (C.N.S.) hosted its second research seminar on June 17th, 2025, at the Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol, welcoming attendees in person and online. The featured speaker, Dr. Phivos Phylactou, delivered an engaging talk titled “The Eyes Are the Window to Brain Excitability,” presenting compelling evidence on how pupil size can be used as a novel proxy for brain excitability.
Dr. Phylactou is a cognitive neuroscientist whose research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying working memory and cognitive processes. Currently he is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Western University (Canada), he will soon begin a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellowship at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research combines non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS), functional neuroimaging, and eye-tracking to explore the complex interplay between brain function and behavior.
In his presentation, Dr. Phylactou showcased a series of experiments demonstrating that pupil size dilation—measured through pupillometry—can reliably reflect changes in cortical excitability (CE), an index typically derived from motor system-based responses to TMS. This innovative approach addresses a critical limitation in brain stimulation research: the exclusion of individuals with damage along the corticospinal pathway. His findings offer a powerful, non-motor method for assessing brain excitability, opening new doors for more inclusive and targeted neuromodulation therapies.
We thank Dr. Phylactou for his thought-provoking presentation and all participants who contributed to the lively discussion that followed. The Cyprus Neuroscience Society remains committed to fostering collaboration and advancing neuroscience across the island and internationally.
Stay tuned for more events in our 2025 seminar series. For inquiries about membership or presenting at a future seminar, please contact us at info@cnscyprus.com.
Dr. Adonis Yiannakas presented groundbreaking neuroimmunology research at Cyprus Neuroscience Society’s inaugural research seminar
The Cyprus Neuroscience Society (C.N.S.) successfully hosted its inaugural research seminar featuring Dr. Adonis Yiannakas, a neurobiologist specializing in neuroimmunology and brain physiology. The event, which marked an important milestone for our newly established society, brought together researchers, students, and professionals interested in advancing neuroscience in Cyprus.
Dr. Yiannakas currently serves as a lecturer at the European University of Cyprus School of Medicine in Frankfurt and as Chair of the Research Committee. He is also a Research Associate at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, where he collaborates with Prof. Ari Waisman. His presentation showcased his extensive research journey, which began at the University of Dundee investigating interleukin-6’s role in metabolic regulation and has evolved through postdoctoral work at the University of Haifa, University of Bern, and as a BNF Fellow at the Theodor Kocher Institute.
During his presentation, Dr. Yiannakas shared insights from his research on neuroimmune interactions and discussed his pioneering work in developing cutting-edge tools for brain circuit manipulation, endocannabinoid transport mechanisms and their implications for neuropsychiatric disorders, preclinical studies with Synendos Therapeutics which are now progressing to clinical trials, and novel norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors developed in collaboration with Prof. Jean-Louis Reymond.
This seminar represents the first of many scientific gatherings planned by the Cyprus Neuroscience Society. Our mission is to promote knowledge about the nervous system, support research across all levels of neuroscience in Cyprus, and foster connections between researchers locally and internationally.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Yiannakas for sharing his expertise and to all attendees who participated in this landmark event. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated at this inaugural seminar reflect the vibrant future of neuroscience research in Cyprus.
Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming seminars in our 2025 series. If you’re interested in joining the Cyprus Neuroscience Society or presenting at a future seminar, please contact us at info@cnscyprus.com.
An important lecture on the role of sex and gender in Neuropsychopharmacology research was delivered by Prof. Christina Dalla
On 10 April 2025, the Cyprus Neuroscience Society, in collaboration with the Cyprus Biological Society (organizer), hosted an insightful lecture at the Shacolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine, University of Cyprus. The event featured Dr. Christina Dalla, Professor of Pharmacology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, who delivered a compelling talk titled “The Role of Sex and Gender in Neuropsychopharmacology”.
Dr. Dalla highlighted the critical influence of sex and gender on pharmacological responses, shedding light on their implications for advancing personalized medicine. This topic is vital in Neuroscience and Pharmacology research, as sex and gender differences impact drug metabolism, brain function, and treatment outcomes, enabling more precise and inclusive medical interventions. Dr. Dalla, an esteemed pharmacologist, is widely recognized for her pioneering research on sex-based differences in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Center for Applied Neuroscience Summer Internship Programme 2025: Research Opportunities in Neuroscience
The Center for Applied Neuroscience (CAN) at the University of Cyprus is now accepting applications for its Summer Internship Programme 2025, designed for talented and motivated undergraduate students from Cyprus and abroad who are eager to gain hands-on research experience in neuroscience and related fields.
Interns will work at CAN’s facilities on the University of Cyprus campus under the supervision of internationally recognized academics and researchers. They can engage with labs such as the Neurocognitive Research Lab, Translational Neuropharmacology Lab, and others, or propose their own project (subject to supervision and facility availability). The internship offers a chance to develop skills in cutting-edge research methods, techniques, and lab equipment.
Duration: 4–8 weeks, between 2 June and 29 August 2025 (in-person).
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a strong academic background, interest in cognition, language, and neuroscience research, and proficiency in Greek or English.
Application: Submit a resume and a 500-word letter of interest to can@ucy.ac.cy by 2 May 2025.
New experimental electrophysiology unit established at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) celebrated the inauguration of its new Experimental Electrophysiology Unit on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The ceremony was led by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy.
Advanced research infrastructure
This cutting-edge research unit was established through a collaboration between CING’s Department of Neuroscience, the University of Nicosia, and the Cyprus University of Technology. The project secured funding through the “Research Infrastructures – Small Infrastructures” program of the Research and Innovation Foundation, with a substantial total budget of €737,000 and a planned duration of 30 months.
Under expert leadership
The unit is directed by Dr. Alexia Kagiava, Associate Scientist and researcher at the Department of Neuroscience. Dr. Kagiava presented the unit’s purpose and activities during the inauguration ceremony, highlighting its research capabilities and potential impact.
Significance for Cyprus
The new Experimental Electrophysiology Unit represents a significant advancement for neurophysiological research in Cyprus. It introduces cutting-edge methodologies with direct applications in both basic and clinical research fields. The infrastructure is expected to generate valuable findings on the effects of various innovative treatments, including gene therapy, on the function of both peripheral and central nervous systems.
This facility constitutes a unique research infrastructure at the national level and will be available to research teams and scientists from academic and research centers across Cyprus. The unit’s multiple utilization possibilities will give a new dimension to research in the field of neurophysiology.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the facility will be accessible to the broader research ecosystem, enhancing collaboration and fostering synergies in the neuroscience field throughout Cyprus.
The Cyprus Neuroscience Society congratulates the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and all partners involved in this important achievement that strengthens our country’s research capabilities in neuroscience.
Cyprus Neuroscience Society (C.N.S.) Established on August 1st, 2024
The Cyprus Neuroscience Society (C.N.S.) is a non-profit scientific organization dedicated to advancing neuroscience research and education in Cyprus and internationally. We connect neuroscientists, clinicians, and students to foster collaboration and drive innovation.
Cyprus has made significant progress in neuroscience through institutions such as the Center for Applied Neuroscience, the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, and the University of Cyprus. These efforts have created a growing community of researchers, educators, and practitioners.
C.N.S. supports this ecosystem by organizing scientific conferences, providing educational resources, and promoting research initiatives that expand our understanding of the brain.
Join us in our mission to advance neuroscience and improve human lives.