The official opening of a new medical school building at the University of Cyprus took place in Nicosia. The ceremony was led by the President of the country, Nikos Christodoulides, who emphasized the importance of investing in education and science.
The building has been named after Artemis Hadjipanagis — a doctor who worked abroad for many years but actively supported his homeland. The construction was made possible thanks to a €3 million donation from his family. The project is seen as an important step in the development of medical education in Cyprus, especially amid growing interest in studies related to healthcare and biomedical sciences.
A Modern Academic Building: Technology and Scale
The new medical school facility is an energy-efficient and technologically advanced building designed for intensive academic use. It includes five modern lecture halls, as well as classrooms with a total capacity of approximately 1,700 seats.
Special attention has been given to practical training. The building is equipped with laboratories and dedicated simulation rooms, where future doctors can practice clinical skills in conditions that closely replicate real-life scenarios.
Since September 2025, the building has already been actively used: around 2,000 students from various faculties study here daily. In terms of size and importance, it is the third-largest academic facility at the university.
The History and Contribution of Artemis Hadjipanagis
Artemis Hadjipanagis was born in Kyrenia in 1930. After receiving his education in Cyprus, he continued his career in the United States, where he worked as a doctor for many years and supported the Cypriot diaspora. Despite living abroad, he maintained a close connection with his homeland.
In 2015, he made a major donation of €3 million to support the development of medical education in Cyprus. Later, in 2017, he contributed an additional €50,000 in memory of his mother. The philanthropist passed away in March 2021 at the age of 90. During the opening ceremony, his son noted that his father believed in the importance of education and future generations. According to him, the main goal is to nurture not only professionals but also individuals with values such as compassion, curiosity, and humility.
The Importance of the Project for Cyprus and the Education System
Speaking at the opening, Nikos Christodoulides described the Hadjipanagis family’s contribution as an example of social responsibility and support for higher education. University Rector Tasos Christofides also emphasized that the project was made possible thanks to a person who never lost his connection with Cyprus, despite living abroad for many years.
Today, Cyprus is actively developing its education sector and aims to attract international students, particularly in the field of medicine. New infrastructure projects help universities meet European standards and strengthen the country’s international competitiveness.
The development of the University of Cyprus campus continues. In the coming months, the main medical school building and the "Nicos K. Shacolas" Health Sciences building are scheduled to open.
These projects will strengthen Cyprus’s position as a promising educational hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and create additional opportunities for training healthcare professionals, a field that is becoming increasingly in demand both in Europe and worldwide.