The Senate of Frederick University held its 200th meeting on 29 September 2026, marking both the first meeting of the University’s new leadership team and of the 2026–27 academic year, providing an opportunity to reflect on significant milestones in the history of the University.

After welcoming the new Vice-Rectors to their first meeting, Rector Professor George Demosthenous stated:

“2027 will be a milestone year for our university community as we prepare to celebrate two decades of academic excellence. Our journey reflects the evolution of an academic institution that has established its position in Cyprus and the international academic community.”

He added: “Over these 20 years, Frederick University has evolved into one of the most prominent and distinctive universities in Cyprus. We continue to serve people and society with a strong sense of responsibility, remaining firmly committed to academic excellence, research and innovation. As the University’s highest academic body, the Senate continues to play a fundamental role in shaping our strategy and making critical decisions to safeguard the quality of education and maximise the University’s societal impact.”

“This is a moment to look back with pride, but above all to look ahead with responsibility and vision,” Professor Demosthenous noted. “We began in 2007 with 17 undergraduate programmes and one postgraduate programme. Today, our University offers more than 80 programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, organised across 13 departments and five faculties. In addition, our Limassol campus is continuing to expand and will be further strengthened by the establishment of the city’s first Medical School, following the landmark collaboration between Frederick University and the University of Manchester.”

Highlighting key milestones in the University’s establishment, the Rector recalled 12 September 2007, when the institution was registered in the Register of the Republic of Cyprus as a university, becoming the only university licensed to operate in two cities, Nicosia and Limassol. He noted that the initial operating licence was granted on 1 October 2007, while the University’s Senate and Council were established on 1 January 2008. The Senate held its first meeting on 24 January 2008.

Since then, the Senate has been at the heart of the University’s most important academic decisions, from establishing its first academic bodies and electing its first officeholders to shaping its academic structure, supporting the development of academic staff and guiding the University’s continued growth.

Concluding his review of these milestones, the Rector recalled that the University’s final operating licence was granted on 1 October 2011.

Referring to the Senate’s institutional role, the Rector emphasised that it is responsible for the University’s academic work, teaching, and quality assurance of its programmes and academic qualifications. It also contributes to developing relationships with academic institutions and organisations in Cyprus and abroad, while supporting the advancement of research and innovation.

The Rector thanked all Senate members who have served the institution over the years.

“The 200 meetings are not simply a number. They represent 200 milestones in a collective journey. They reflect the decisions, discussions, disagreements, proposals and, above all, the people who have worked to make Frederick University what it is today: a democratic, student-centred and people-centred university.

“I would like to thank every member of our community individually. A university is not built solely on buildings, programmes and infrastructure. It is built by people who believe in knowledge, uphold academic freedom and work consistently towards the future.”

The 200th Senate meeting also marked the first meeting for Frederick University’s new Vice-Rectors: Professor Rita Panaoura, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance; Professor Nikleia Eteokleous, Vice-Rector for Teaching, Learning and Educational Strategy ; Professor Haris Haralambous, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation; and Professor Andreas Poullikkas, Vice-Rector for Development, Internationalization and Partnerships.