Welcome to CING

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), was established in 1990, as a bi-communal, non-profit, private, academic, medical center. The Vision of CING is to function as an International Centre of Excellence and a Regional Referral Centre in the areas of Neurology, Genetics, Biomedical, Medical and other similar and related Sciences. The Mission of CING is to develop and provide high level medical and clinical laboratory services, develop and pursue advanced research and provide education in the areas of Neurology, Genetics, Biomedical, Medical and other similar and related Sciences. Its ultimate scopes are to improve and upgrade the quality of life of all Cypriot citizens, irrespective of religion or national origin, and strengthen its international role in the areas of its specialty.

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), was established in 1990, as a bi-communal, non-profit, private, academic, medical center.  The Vision of CING is to function as an International Centre of Excellence and a Regional Referral Centre in the areas of Neurology, Genetics, Biomedical, Medical and other similar and related Sciences.  The Mission of CING is to develop and provide high level medical and clinical laboratory services, develop and pursue advanced research and provide education in the areas of Neurology, Genetics, Biomedical, Medical and other similar and related Sciences.  Its ultimate scopes are to improve and upgrade the quality of life of all Cypriot citizens, irrespective of religion or national origin, and strengthen its international role in the areas of its specialty.

 

The Cyprus Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy Research

The Muscular Dystrophy Research Trust of Cyprus (MDRTC) was established in 1987 by the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy patient’s association (MDA Cyprus), Lady Langley and Prof Lefkos T. Middleton (former Medical Director of CING). MDRTC created The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, in 1990. In 1995, MDRTC was renamed to the Cyprus Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy Research.

 

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), was established in 1990, as a bi-communal, non-profit, private, academic, medical center.

The Vision of CING is to function as an International Centre of Excellence and a Regional Referral Centre in the areas of Neurology, Genetics, Biomedical, Medical and other similar and related Sciences.

The Mission of CING is to develop and provide high level medical and clinical laboratory services, develop and pursue advanced research and provide education in the areas of Neurology, Genetics, Biomedical, Medical and other similar and related Sciences.

Its ultimate scopes are to improve and upgrade the quality of life of all Cypriot citizens, irrespective of religion or national origin, and strengthen its international role in the areas of its specialty.

Our five core Values, summarized by the term “AΚΕΚΟ” (Aριστεία, Κοινωνική Προσφορά, Επαγγελματισμός, Καινοτομία, Ομαδικότητα), guide every decision we make as an institution and as individuals.  They are the foundation for our business strategy and are reflected in every aspect of our work life.

Aριστεία (Excellence) – We each strive to be the best in our own field by continuous education and training and combine services, research and education in order to assist CING to become a global center of excellence.
Κοινωνική Προσφορά (Social Service) – We care about our patients and we are committed to listen and respond to their needs and to constantly improve our services aiming to a better quality of life.
Επαγγελματισμός  (Professionalism) – At all times we act with humility, integrity, honesty and high ethics, providing quality service, being reliable and responsible.
Καινοτομία (Innovation) – We continuously search for new ways to improve everything we do.
Ομαδικότητα (Teamwork) – We work together with support, encouragement and respect to achieve our mission.

 

Brief History

During the initial stages of its establishment, from 1990 to 1995, CING was functioning in a space at the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, made up of an area of 300m² with basic equipment, and personnel (scientific and administrative) consisting of approximately 20 individuals. Following a generous donation from the United States, through the Cyprus Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, in 1995 CING moved to its own purpose-built premises, made up of an area of 10.000m². The Institute is equipped with the latest high-tech laboratory and clinical equipment, and its personnel is comprised of 194 individuals, 40 of whom are holders of MD and PhD titles in the fields of Neurology, Genetics and Biomedical Sciences. For the achievement of its mission, CING has established Departments and Clinics as presented in the section “Departments & Clinics”.

 

Activities

Cyprus is known to have an increased frequency of inherited disorders, which place a heavy burden on the patients’ families and the Government. CING provides specialized services and research which 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.

CING is dedicated to lessening the suffering of patients and their families and preventing diseases through patient care, research and educational programs 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. Moreover, CING 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, upon request, to all Doctors, Clinics, Hospitals, Lawyers and the Police Authorities.

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 opportunities for research. The bigger the volume of services, the greater the opportunity for the scientists to come in contact with clinical problems; also the bigger the volume of material available for research, the higher 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.

Several of the research and teaching programs of CING are in collaboration with institutions and universities from Cyprus and abroad. Greek universities have also recognized CING as an academic institution and PhD programs are currently being carried out at the Institute without the candidates having to spend any time abroad. Members of the scientific staff of the Institute are the supervisors of these PhD programs, as well as collaborating members of the relevant universities.

 

Resources

The main financial resources of The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics are the following:

New Collaboration Agreement with the Cyprus Government
The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and the Ministry of Health signed, on 26 November 2010, an agreement for medical and scientific cooperation with regards to the provision of specialized services, graduate and postgraduate education and advanced research in the areas of neurology, genetics, medical, biomedical and other similar and/or related sciences.

Grants from Cyprus and abroad
CING scientists obtain research grants from funding organizations in Cyprus and abroad, such as:
 European Commission, 5th, 6th and 7th Framework
 European Commission, DG for Health and Consumers
 European Commission, DG Enlargement 
 The Muscular Dystrophy Association (Cyprus and USA)
 Association Française Contre Les Myopathies (France)
 National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA)
 Glaxo Smith Kline Pharmaceutical Company (UK)
 Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC)
 UNOPS (United Nations)
 Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation (Cyprus)
 Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (UK)
 Human Frontiers Science Programme (Japan)
 Research Promotion Foundation (Cyprus)
 Planning Bureau (Cyprus)
 other

Telethon
The Cyprus Telethon is organized by The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Cyprus. It includes many fundraising events that take place throughout the year.  The main Telethon events are the TV live broadcast, the Gala Dinner at the Presidential Palace and the street collection which take place every year in June. All proceeds of Telethon support the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Cyprus and the research programs of the Institute.

Business Incubator and spin-off companies
CING has been a partner, together with Intercollege and the Cyprus Government, in the development of the “Helix Business Incubator”.

The primary mission of the Helix Business Incubator is to foster the development and growth of young companies, by providing inventors and entrepreneurs with the business infrastructure and expertise, and the necessary training, mentoring and business networking to ensure the attainment of their developmental and business goals. Helix’s secondary, yet equally important goal is to help the resident companies tap into local and international talent, which will help them execute business plans and help the local economy grow.  Under this scheme, CING participates as Incubator in the development of Palupa Medical Ltd. Click here to access the Palupa Medical Ltd.

More information on www.helixincubator.com

In addition CING, through its subsidiary company CING Innovations Ltd, supports the creation of spin-off companies for the development of novel ideas of its scientific staff, into commercially viable products/services.

 

NIPD Genetics Ltd

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics has recently created the first spin-off company, called “NIPD Genetics Ltd”. Following a patent application in January 2010, which was filed internationally through patent attorneys in the United States of America for the novel method for the new test for Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis for Down Syndrome, and following its announcement in Nature Medicine, in March 2011, the CING Board of Directors proceeded with the creation of the spin-off company.

NIPD Genetics Ltd’s (NIPD) capital rises to €2,5m which is made up through investors from Cyprus and abroad and it’s governed by a 5-member Board of Directors. Prof Patsalis, who is the Leader of the Research Team, who developed the novel test for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis for Down Syndrome, is the Chief Executive Director of the company. NIPD is based in Nicosia, employs staff members (administrative and scientific) and it has just initiate its activities to its own build-up premises, near CING. The new non-invasive test provides considerable advantages as compared to the current invasive procedures and therefore it is expected to be introduced with high confidence as a routine test in the clinical practice in the near future. 

Click here to access the NIPD Genetics Ltd web site.

 

Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine


Following approval from the Ministry of Education and Culture, the CING has established a postgraduate school, named the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine (CSMM) open to students with research interests applicable to the Institute’s activities. The School is organized as a distinct entity within CING and welcomed its first intake of students for the academic year 2012-13 in September.  CSMM programs are headed by the Director of the School who is also the Chief Executive Medical Director and the Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.  The CSMM offers seven programs of study leading to MSc and PhD degrees, respectively.
The programs offered lead to the following titles:

1. Master in Science (MSc) in Molecular Medicine
2. Master in Science (MSc) in Medical Genetics
3. Master in Science (MSc) in Neuroscience
4. Master in Science (MSc) in Biomedical Research
5. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Medicine
6. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Genetics
7. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience


More details on the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine and the seven programs are available to the CSMM website.

Please click here to view the CING profile in brief.

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