SERGCast
SERGCast is the official podcast of the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG), bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals to discuss cutting-edge developments in energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and sustainability. The podcast offers insightful discussions on research-driven solutions and policy implications that shape the future of sustainable energy.
Podcast Format & Schedule
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Frequency: Monthly (12 episodes per year)
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Duration: ~40 minutes per episode
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Hosts: Rotating hosts from the SERG team
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Guest Speakers: Leading researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers
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Discussion Topics: Research findings, project insights, emerging technologies, policy impact
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Episode 16 - How can engineering help shape a more sustainable Cyprus?
September 2026
In this episode of SERGCast, we explore how engineering, research and evidence-based policy can help build a more sustainable and resilient Cyprus.
Mr. Constantinos Constanti, President of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), shares his perspective on ETEK’s role in society, the evolving responsibilities of engineers and the importance of translating research into practical solutions. Together, we discuss housing, energy poverty, climate change, sustainable cities, building renovation and preventive planning. The conversation also highlights collaboration between ETEK, universities and research centres in addressing the challenges that affect citizens’ daily lives.
Episode 15 - The Cypriot Think Tank Ecosystem: Landscape, Influence and Future Prospects
August 2026
In this episode of SERGCast, we explore the role of think tanks in connecting research, policymaking and public dialogue. As independent research organisations grow in importance, they provide evidence-based insights to help institutions and society address complex challenges.
Dr. Constantinos Adamides, Director of the Institute of Studies for Politics and Democracy (ISPD), discusses the evolution of Cyprus’ think tank ecosystem, its contribution to public policy, and the opportunities ahead. Together, we examine how think tanks support informed decision-making, strengthen democratic dialogue and connect academic research with societal needs.
Episode 14 - Building Research Excellence: How Frederick University Drives Innovation
July 2026
In this episode of SERGCast, we explore what it takes to build and sustain a research centre that delivers excellence, secures competitive funding and creates lasting impact across academia, industry and society.
Mr. Alexis Onoufriou, Director of the Research & Interconnection Service at Frederick University, shares insights from his experience supporting one of Cyprus’ most active research ecosystems. Together, we discuss the people, strategies and vision behind a strong research culture; the challenges of competitive funding; and the opportunities created through cross-disciplinary collaboration. The conversation shows how research leadership can turn ideas into innovation for society.
Episode 13 - BEYOND SUN & SEA: Can Research & Innovation Reshape Economic Development of Cyprus?
June 2026
In this episode of SERGCast, we explore what it takes to build and sustain a research centre that delivers excellence, secures competitive funding and creates lasting impact across academia, industry and society.
Mr. Alexis Onoufriou, Director of the Research & Interconnection Service at Frederick University, shares insights from his experience supporting one of Cyprus’ most active research ecosystems. Together, we discuss the people, strategies and vision behind a strong research culture; the challenges of competitive funding; and the opportunities created through cross-disciplinary collaboration. The conversation shows how research leadership can turn ideas into innovation for society.
Episode 12 - The Future of ISO Standards: Cybersecurity, AI & Sustainability
April 2026
In this episode of SERGCast, we discuss the strategic importance of ISO standards in today’s digital and sustainability-focused business environment.
Prof. Paris Fokaides speaks with Ms. Ero Demosthenous, Certification Director at TÜV Cyprus, about how ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 support organisations in improving efficiency, maintaining quality and managing operational risks.
The discussion also examines digital security, the shift to digital management and the value of certification for research-driven organisations. Emerging standards, including ISO 42001 and ISO 22301, are highlighted as frameworks for resilience, continuity and sustainable growth.
Episode 11 - Water Stress & Sustainable Agriculture in Cyprus
March 2026
In this episode of SERGCast, we explore the challenges facing agriculture in Cyprus, with a focus on water scarcity, soil health, and sustainable solutions.
Dr. Panayiotis Dalias, Agricultural Research Officer A’ at the Agricultural Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cyprus, shares valuable insights on how climate conditions affect farming and how resilient crops—such as the carob tree—can contribute to future sustainability. We explore the physical characteristics of soil degradation, evaluating the environmental cost of prolonged drought and water stress on agricultural productivity.
Episode 10 - Circular Bio-Economy and Sustainable Waste Management in Agriculture
February 2026
In this episode, Mr. Savvas Maliotis discusses the structural and economic evolution of the agricultural sector in Cyprus through the lens of the circular bio-economy, with references to the KEDELEA project and its approach to converting olive mill waste into energy and solid fuels. The discussion examines waste-to-energy solutions, smart agriculture practices, and the transformation of agricultural by-products into valuable resources, while also highlighting barriers to innovation, collaboration challenges, and the strategic importance of food security within the framework of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy.
Episode 9 - EU CONEXUS: European Universities and the Future of Coastal Regions - January 2026
In this episode, Professor Byron Ioannou discusses the EU - CONEXUS European University alliance and explores the challenges and opportunities of coastal sustainability in the Mediterranean, with a special focus on Cyprus.
Episode 8 - Green Transitions: Cyprus’ Battle Against Energy Poverty -
December 2025
Dive into Episode 8 of SERGCast, where we explore how Cyprus is tackling energy poverty and accelerating its green transition. Myrto Skouroupathi joins us to discuss the work of the Cyprus Energy Agency, groundbreaking projects like YENESIS and Step-WISE, and the real-world impact these initiatives are having on young people, communities, and vulnerable households.
Episode 7 - Natassa Frederickou: Gender, Education, and the Path to Sustainability - November 2025
In this episode, we welcome Mrs Natassa Frederickou, president of Frederick University Council, for a conversation on gender equality, education, and sustainability. Together we explore how integrating gender perspectives into energy policies can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions, and how education plays a crucial role in shaping a fairer society.
Episode 6 - Building Circularity: Insights from Dr. Flourentzou and INBLANC Project - October 2025
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Flourentzos Flourentzou, an expert in sustainable architecture and building performance. Together we explore how sustainability is shaping the future of the built environment, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in Switzerland’s building stock as well as in Amochostos, Cyprus. Dr. Flourentzou also shares insights from the INBLANC project, which seeks innovative pathways to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and preserve cultural heritage through smarter renovation strategies.
Episode 5 - Bio-circular economy in Europe: BioINSouth point of view -
September 2025
Join host Kyriaki Koumenidou in conversation with Evi Demetriou and Phoebe Vayanou as they discuss the project BioINSouth, an EU-funded project tackling the challenges and opportunities of building a bio-circular economy in southern European member states. Discover how innovative practices, collaboration, and sustainability can reshape local economies while addressing pressing environmental concerns.
Episode 4 - Sophie Dourlens-Quaranta (R2M France) on Smart Readiness Indicator
and the SmarterEPC project - August 2025
Sophie Dourlens Quaranta, Managing Partner of R2M Solution France and coordinator of the LIFE CET project SmarterEPC, joins us to explore the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) for buildings. This episode delves into how the SRI, a key instrument under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), is being implemented across Europe. We discuss SmarterEPC’s role in advancing digital solutions for Energy Performance Certificates supporting public authorities, and integrating SRI into building renovation strategies.
Episode 3 - From Vision to Venture: Scaling Innovation with Gravity Ventures -
July 2025
In this episode, Panicos Philimis and Moyses Moyseos of Gravity Ventures join SERG academic supervisor Dr. Paris Fokaides and share how they’re building a launchpad for Cyprus’s most promising tech startups. As founders with a deep background in innovation and entrepreneurship, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of early-stage investing in a small ecosystem, their mission to cultivate globally competitive ventures from Cyprus, and the importance of founder support beyond capital. Tune in for insights on tech commercialization, and how Gravity is helping redefine what’s possible in the Eastern Mediterranean innovation scene.
Episode 2 - Blue Talks with Dr. Angelos Menelaou -
June 2025
Dr. Angelos Menelaou of Frederick University’s Department of Maritime Transport & Commerce discusses Cyprus’s evolving maritime landscape. From pioneering research and sustainability projects like DECARBONLIM to marine pollution, the Blue Economy, and Limassol’s Mission City journey, this episode offers a deep dive into how education, innovation, and policy are steering the future of maritime affairs.
Episode 1 - Introducing SERGCast and Sustainable Energy Research Group -
May 2025
Welcome to the first episode of SERGCast, the official podcast of the Sustainable Energy Research Group. In this series, we dive into the latest innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability, featuring insights from researchers, experts, and industry professionals shaping a greener future.