The Cyprus Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy Research

The Cyprus Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy Research is the parent organization of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (Institute). It was established in 1987 under the name Muscular Dystrophy Research Trust of Cyprus by the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy patients’ association (MDA Cyprus), Lady Langley and Dr. Lefkos T. Middleton (former Medical Director of the Institute). In 1990 the Muscular Dystrophy Research Trust created the Institute and in 1995 the Trust was renamed as the Cyprus Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy Research.

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics

The Institute was established in 1990 and has moved to its current purpose-built premises in 1995 after a generous donation from the United States, through the Cyprus office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

The Institute is a bicommunal, non-profit making institution. Its staff specializes in neurology, molecular biology and all aspects of human genetics. It has an international reputation and works closely with the Cyprus Government, private doctors and scientists, the University of Cyprus as well as other Institutions and Universities from abroad.

The Institute’s staff consists of 150 individuals, 40 of whom are holders of MD and PhD titles in in the fields of Neurology, Genetics and Biomedical Sciences.

Cyprus is known to have an increased frequency of inherited disorders, which place a heavy burden on the patients’ families and the Government. The Institute provides specialized services and research in neurology, genetics, DNA forensics, molecular biology, histopathology and virology. Services and research aim towards early detection and prevention of disease, the provision of high quality medical services and in general improvement in the quality of life of the community. More specifically, the Institute is dedicated to lessening the suffering of patients and their families and preventing diseases through patient care, research and educational programmes on neurological and genetic conditions such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chromosomal abnormalities and all other aspects of molecular biology and genetics such as thalassaemia, molecular virology, mental retardation, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cystic fibrosis and neurogenetics. In addition, the Institute plays a key role in the fight against crime by providing specialized DNA services to the police authorities and expert court testimony for criminal and civil investigations. The Institute provides services, as requested, to all doctors, clinics, hospitals, lawyers and the Police Authorities.

Several of the research and teaching programmes are in collaboration with institutions and universities both from Cyprus and abroad. For example, the Institute is recognized for PhD studies by the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London. Students can pursue their PhD studies at the Institute, with joint supervision, and by spending a limited time abroad. Currently, there are 21 PhD students at the Institute.

Greek universities have also recognized the Institute as an academic institution and PhD programmes are currently being carried out at the Institute without the candidates having to spend any time abroad. Members of the Scientific Council of the Institute are the supervisors of these PhD programmes, as well as collaborating members of the relevant universities.

The Institute has signed an agreement with the University of Cyprus for the joint development of a post-graduate programme in Medical Genetics at MSc and PhD levels.  Commencement of the programme is expected in 2010.

A unique feature of the Institute is the combination of services and research. In biomedical sciences and medicine the ultimate aim of research is to solve medical problems and improve the health and quality of life of the community. Services provide the material for such research. The bigger the volume of services the greater is the opportunity for the scientists to come in contact with clinical problems; also the bigger the volume of material available for research, the higher are the possibilities of attracting major research grants. With major grants, better solutions to clinical problems can be found, resulting in the provision of higher quality services. Thus, both service and research enter into a positive feedback loop. The result is a centre of excellence.

As a result of the specialized services carried out at the Institute, substantial financial savings to the Government have been achieved by sparing patients and samples from having to be sent abroad.

The Institute is now in a unique position to serve not only the needs of Cyprus but also those of neighbouring countries.