UCLan Cyprus and Cyprus rTMS marked an important occasion on February 21st, 2024, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the fields of education, training, and research. The signing ceremony solidified the organisations’ commitment to advancing mental health practices and knowledge.
The event, held at UCLan Cyprus, saw the presence of Dr. Nearchos Paspallis, Head of the School of Sciences of UCLan Cyprus, and Dr. George Mikellides, Director of Cyprus rTMS, as the signatories of the MoU. Present at the event were also Dr. Lilia Psalta, Course Leader of the MSc in Forensic Psychology programme and Dr. Vasiliki Christodoulou, Coordinator of the Practical Experience of the MSc in Forensic Psychology programme.
Dr. Nearchos Paspallis stated that “The University greatly values partnerships with the industry, as these provide opportunities for both sides to develop their knowledge and skills. This specific collaboration is important as it provides benefits to both parties: Students at UCLan Cyprus will have access to learning on state-of-the-art methods used in neuropsychiatry. And rTMS staff will have the opportunity to collaborate with staff and students from UCLan Cyprus who can help support and further inform their practice from the psychology perspective. Last but not least, this collaboration is aligned with our vision to contribute to the community and adds to our ongoing effort for promoting mental health.”
Dr. Mikellides expressed that “Our commitment extends beyond the mere application of cutting-edge technology. We are dedicated to fostering collaboration and advancing research in the field of neuropsychiatry. Through partnerships like this, we aim to not only provide relief to those suffering from various mental health conditions but also contribute to the scientific understanding and treatment of these disorders. With the support of esteemed institutions like UCLan Cyprus, we are confident in our ability to make meaningful strides towards improving the lives of individuals in our community and beyond’’.
Dr. Lilia Psalta, representing UCLan Cyprus, noted a shared interest across the two organisations in the application of innovative research and knowledge in the field of neuropsychiatry and Mental Health in general. She expressed her gratification with the collaborative venture, emphasising the potential synergies between Cyprus rTMS and UCLan Cyprus. The Memorandum of Understanding signifies a bridge between the professional expertise of Cyprus rTMS in mental health and psychiatry and the academic excellence of UCLan Cyprus, creating a platform for mutual growth and advancement in research and practice.
Dr. Vasiliki Christodoulou expressed her support for a fruitful collaboration between Cyprus rTMS, aiming to create opportunities for the practical experience of students. She emphasised the importance of students and staff gaining an in-depth understanding of innovations in the field of psychiatry and exploring the emerging synergies between innovative methodologies and psychological interventions.
The agreement between UCLan Cyprus and Cyprus rTMS is poised to deliver new avenues for innovation, research, and knowledge transfer on the topic of mental health education, prevention, and treatment. The collaborative efforts will be beneficial to the students of both institutions but will also support the broader societal well-being by addressing critical mental health challenges through innovative approaches.
UCLan Cyprus, a leading British educational institution, offers individuals a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in current science, engineering, law and business topics, practices, and trends through its wide range of programmes. UCLan Cyprus is further committed to the development and application of social initiatives through its programmes and research projects.
