Dr Styliani Kleanthous, Assistant Professor at the Open University of Cyprus, Co-Director of the Cyprus Center for Trustworthy AI (CyCAT), and an active member of the CEPIS Women in ICT Expert Group, continues to exemplify excellence in women’s participation and leadership in the technology sector through her impactful contributions across Europe.

At the 2nd CEPIS International Conference on Digital Skills and IT Professionalism (ICODSIP), held on 6–7 November 2025 in Spain, Dr Kleanthous played a prominent role as a panelist in the session “The Missing Talent: Aligning Digital Skills with Industry Needs.” Drawing from her expertise in Human–AI Interaction, she emphasised the importance of digital skills for the future workforce and highlighted how effective human–AI collaboration can equip professionals to thrive in increasingly complex digital environments. She also presented two major European initiatives—the PINNACLE Project and the AI4Everyone Erasmus+ Project—showcasing innovative approaches to advancing AI literacy, trust, and citizen empowerment.

Her advocacy for digital empowerment continued at the Women4Cyber Cyprus event “Shielding Society and the Economy from Potential Risks.” As a panelist, she stressed the need for strong digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsible use of AI-driven platforms to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving information ecosystem. She highlighted that when designed responsibly, human–AI collaboration can strengthen democratic processes, support societal well-being, and create safer, more inclusive digital spaces.