University of Cyprus calls for state to make good on quantum excellence centre funding
Professors at the University of Cyprus have called on the government to take immediate action towards securing funding for the new excellence centre in emerging quantum technology, so as not to let a unique opportunity slip through their finge
Professors at the University of Cyprus have called on the government to take immediate action towards securing funding for the new excellence centre in emerging quantum technology, so as not to let a unique opportunity slip through their fingers.
In a letter to the House president, the deputy research minister and the auditor general, a group of professors expressed their profound disappointment over the finance ministry’s decision to dismiss co-funding the centre.
The professors said the Quantum Computing for Science and Technology (QSciTec) programme was the only one in Cyprus that had been approved by the European Commission for €15 million over the course of six years.
The University of Cyprus was in fourth place on a European level among 130 applicants.
The Republic of Cyprus had agreed, in an official letter to the European Commission, that it would be co-funding the programme equally.
“However, the finance ministry is withdrawing from this commitment, undermining the implementation of a project of strategic importance, which would constitute the first quantum computing unit in Cyprus and the Middle East (apart from Israel). This decision totally contravenes the government statements to support excellence and utilise ‘every cent of European funding’,” the professors said.
The added that if the December 6 deadline passed without the co-funding being approved, it would be the first time that the government did not support the creation of an excellence centre, approved in the framework of teaming programme, thus losing €15 million in European funding.
The professors said that according to information they received, the finance ministry had not taken all aspects into consideration and any withdrawal of interest would “irreparably damage the credibility of Cyprus” and would put any future participation in co-funded projects at risk.
“At the same time, Cyprus is in danger of lagging behind in a crucial sector, when other EU countries are actively investing in quantum technology,” the professors added.
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