Committee
Observatory’s Advisory Committee (OAC)
The role of the OAC will be to exchange views on various issues related to the Observatory (i.e. assessment procedures, communication methods, reporting of results) and to develop recommendations for improvement. The OAC members are parents of children participating in the Observatory who expressed their interest in becoming members of the OAC.
The OAC will have hybrid meetings lasting about one hour to discuss various predetermined topics, 1-2 times a year.
The first OAC meeting took place on May 23, with about 15 parents and 4 members of the Observatory’s team. A discussion was focused around the personalized results and suggestions for future assessments. The next meeting is expected to take place towards the end of 2024.
Observatory’s Advisory Board (OAB)
The role of the OAB is to provide strategic advice and support to the Observatory. The OAB members are external experts who help the Observatory achieve its goals by offering advice, expertise, and guidance.
Eliza Markidou
Eliza Markidou studied Biology at the American University of Beirut and then pursued postgraduate studies at New York University in Clinical Dietetics – Nutrition, earning the title of Registered Dietitian. In 1997, she was elected President of the Dietitians Abroad of America globally and served the profession of Dietitian internationally for five consecutive years.
She works at the Ministry of Health as the head of the Nutrition sector in Cyprus. Since 2005, she has been actively involved in Europe and represents Cyprus in the High-Level Group on Nutrition and Physical Activity in Europe, participating in the development of European nutritional policy. Since 2016, the Council of Ministers has appointed her as the General Coordinator for Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles for the Ministry of Health. She is also a member of the European Obesity Platform and serves as the point of reference for Nutrition and Physical Activity issues in Cyprus for the World Health Organization. She was an active member of the committee that drafted European Policy on Childhood Obesity.
She founded and presides over the nonprofit organization Bone Vivo, which focuses on healthy nutrition and exercise for children and parents. The organization is an active member of the European EPODE network for educational Health and Nutrition programs. She leads the postgraduate program in Clinical Dietetics at the college of Limassol. She has specialized in the Mediterranean Diet and works tirelessly to preserve the Cypriot Mediterranean diet as part of maintaining cultural tradition, promoting the Mediterranean Diet and olive oil. She is the vice president of the American University of Beirut Alumni Association and a former board member of the women’s organization A.I.P.F.E. and the Cyprus Dietitians Association.
Maria Kyriakou
Maria Kyriakou, CEO of BOUSSIAS Cyprus, has 35 years of exclusive experience in media and event production. She served for 30 years at DIAS Group, where she held top executive positions, reaching the role of Deputy CEO.
She is now the owner and CEO of BOUSSIAS Cyprus, a company specializing in the organization of conferences, awards, and custom events, delivering high-quality and innovative solutions. At the core of her philosophy lie boldness and excellence, while she places great emphasis on trust and respect in her collaborations.
She possesses deep expertise in Management, Public Relations, Marketing, Project Management, and Communication.
Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades
Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is a Molecular Biologist, Biotech Innovator, and Entrepreneur based in Limassol. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Oncology Research at the Medical School of the European University Cyprus and co-founder of three innovative biotech startups operating in personalized oncology, biomaterials, and supportive dermatological care. She has been honored with the Falling Walls Women’s Impact Award 2024, the Cyprus National Young Researcher Award in Life Sciences, and the King’s College London Distinguished Alumni Award in STEM. She also serves as an Ambassador for empowering young STEM entrepreneurs and women in science and technology. Her work bridges scientific innovation and clinical application, advancing a new model of oncology care focused on patient quality of life and dignity.