The conference “Educators and Professional Choices in STEM Sciences” was held with great success on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at the Kousioumi Venue in Nicosia, attracting strong participation from educators, academics, policy‑makers, and industry representatives.
Co‑organised by the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) and CEPIS, the event was delivered in collaboration with ten public and private universities in Cyprus and held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. The conference highlighted the crucial role of the educational community in shaping young people’s career choices in Information Technology and STEM—particularly for girls, who remain significantly underrepresented in these sectors across Europe.
Representatives of all key partners opened the event with welcoming remarks, including Andreas Loutsios (CCS), Mary Cleary (CEPIS Board Member), George Koutsidis (Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth), George Malekkos (CITEA), and Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou. Their messages underscored the importance of collective action to address persistent gender gaps in STEM.
The conference began with an insightful presentation by Dr. Haritini Tsangari (University of Nicosia), who outlined European and international data on ICT skills shortages and the under‑participation of women, emphasizing the shaping influence teachers and career advisors have from early education onwards.
Three interactive panel discussions followed, exploring key issues across the STEM pipeline:
- The Gender Reality in STEM Today – Experts examined stereotypes, biases, cultural norms, and even AI‑driven reproduction of gendered perceptions that influence students’ self‑image and career aspirations.
- Good Practices and Actions: Changing the Game in STEM – Speakers presented successful initiatives from universities and civil society, showcasing experiential learning, role models, technology workshops, and cross‑sector synergies as effective tools for empowering students.
- STEM from School to Work: Skills Shortages and Opportunities for All – Panellists discussed labour market needs, the growing demand for digital skills, and the importance of creating inclusive work environments capable of attracting and retaining more women in ICT and STEM professions. CEPIS was represented here through Dr. Natassa Fotinakopoulou (CEPIS–PeopleCert).
The event concluded with an open dialogue and a summary of the conference’s key messages, delivered by Skevi Skordallou (CCS), who announced the creation of a dedicated committee to monitor outcomes and support teachers in fostering equitable, future‑ready learning environments.
The strong attendance and vibrant discussions confirmed that increasing participation in STEM—especially among girls—is not only a matter of equality, but a strategic priority for Cyprus’s innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development. CEPIS’s partnership in this initiative reinforces its commitment to promoting digital professionalism and advancing inclusive participation in Europe’s digital future.
