Marina Neophytou elected first female rector of the University of Cyprus

On October 7, 2026, the University of Cyprus electoral committee announced that Professor Marina Neophytou has been elected as the new rector of the institution. She becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious leadership position in the university’s history.

Dr. Neophytou is a professor of environmental engineering and currently serves as the dean of the Faculty of Engineering for the 2023-2026 term. She is the head of the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (EFM), an Isle of Excellence. Her extensive research portfolio includes leading the UCy-EFML team in three significant EU-funded projects: TRIGGER (Horizon Europe), focusing on climate-induced health threats; CiROCCO (Horizon Europe), dedicated to desert environmental observations; and EnerCMed (Interreg Euro-MED), which examines energy communities and climate resilience. Throughout her career, she has acted as an expert in environmental court cases and provided consulting services to government and municipal authorities regarding air quality and environmental accidents.

Her election marks a milestone for the University of Cyprus, reflecting her established background in both academic leadership and applied environmental science. Her previous roles, including her current deanship and coordination of international research initiatives, have prepared her for this administrative transition to the rector's office.