Excellence in research depends on more than scientific expertise. It also requires strong institutions, skilled researchers, effective infrastructure and opportunities for international collaboration. ELEVATE brings these elements together to strengthen research and innovation capacity in Greece and Cyprus through collaboration with the United Kingdom, with AI-based neural engineering as its scientific focus.

Funded under Horizon Europe’s WIDERA European Excellence Initiative, the project combines institutional modernisation with expertise in brain–computer interfaces, neuro-AI, extended reality and responsible innovation. It connects scientific development with researcher training, better use of research facilities and stronger international partnerships, improving how research is organised and supported.

ELEVATE connects the University of Patras in Greece, CYENS Centre of Excellence in Cyprus and the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

The partnership brings together complementary strengths: research infrastructure and expertise in interactive technologies at Patras; brain data research, human–computer interaction and responsible innovation at Nottingham; and interactive media, smart systems and emerging technologies at CYENS. Together, the partners support institutional development in Greece and Cyprus while creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning across all three institutions.

Through researcher exchanges, practical training, mentoring and joint activities, ELEVATE helps partners share knowledge and develop new skills. The University of Nottingham plays a key role in delivering training and supporting the transfer of expertise to Greece and Cyprus.

These activities help improve research management, support researchers’ careers and strengthen digital and AI skills. The project also promotes sharing research findings and resources, using facilities more effectively and building connections with industry, healthcare and society.

ELEVATE aims to leave behind skilled researchers, stronger institutions and partnerships that continue beyond the project’s lifetime. Its ambition is to support a sustainable Southern European hub of excellence in neurotechnology and human-centred AI, connected to expertise in the United Kingdom and across Europe.

By building lasting research capacity in Greece and Cyprus, ELEVATE seeks to strengthen international competitiveness and create more opportunities to participate in European research and innovation programmes.

ELEVATE is expected to create recognised centres of excellence, strengthening their participation in competitive European programmes and contributing directly to the goals of the ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024.