Dear friends,

Being given the opportunity to award prizes to Cypriot scientists whose work has distinguished them internationally brings me great joy and satisfaction. This is why I eagerly accepted the Nemitsas Foundation’s invitation to put tonight’s event under my auspices and to award this prize.

The Takis and Louki Nemitsas Foundation was founded as a philanthropic foundation in 2009 with the aim of awarding distinguished Cypriot scientists who have done well both in Cyprus and overseas. I must congratulate the Nemitsas Foundation for taking the initiative of establishing these prizes. It is in this way that we demonstrate our esteem and love to people who, through their work, have represented Cyprus admirably on the world science stage.

Professor Kyriacos Athanasiou is an excellent example of a distinguished Cypriot scientist who has made a contribution to science.

Kyriacos’ research has had important results and has led to medical achievements and technologies that are widely used today on patients around the world.

They have, in this way, saved human lives as well as improved the quality of life of many patients.

The personal history and Curriculum Vitae of the man we, as a state, are honouring tonight, has been extensively referred to by other speakers tonight. I would like to focus on the human side of the scientist we are honouring today. We have amassed the best impressions of Kyriacos Athanasiou— the man–through testimonies from people we know who have travelled to the United States for medical reasons.

On his own initiative and with no personal gain, he has on many occasions helped our fellow people who have travelled to Huston for medical reasons. To me, this is the most reliable letter of credence on the morals and integrity of the man. His selfless offerings to his fellow man are the most important achievement.

This is why the scientific work of people like Kyriacos must first and foremost become a social commodity. Particularly when it comes to medical science. A science that is so human centred and with such a significant contribution to society.

For society to progress, we must recognise that what we produce is social wealth. We must actively help obliterate social inequalities on all levels. This is even more important during times of crises in economy and society such as what we are experiencing now. We ask our scientists to recognize their role as crucial members of the society that educated them and which provided them with ideals and incentives during their first steps.

As a country, we should make use of people and scientists like Professor Kyriacos Athanasiou. We must provide them with all the support they need to bring their expertise and authority back to Cyprus. So that the sector of research and science can really bloom. Sectors that can define the future of our country, creating specialized technologies in many different sectors. Cyprus does no have heavy industry. What gives the country a real advantage are its well trained and highly education scientists in a many different sectors. Particularly in the service sector.

Dear Kyriacos,

The 2012 Nemitsas Prize in Biomedical Engineering is awarded to you today in recognition of your manifold work.

I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. May your creativity never fade.