12 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY RESEARCH APPLIED RESEARCH Applied research is an important pillar of the continuous scientific and technological development of the SGL. Research carried out contributes towards problem solving and prevention as well as supporting policy decisions and legislation, while boosting socioeconomic growth. The main areas of research cover especially food and water safety and quality, food authenticity and geographical origin, environment and health, consumer products as well as narcotics. During 2022, the SGL utilised € 572.744 from national and EU funds for research programmes. The results of the above research activities have been presented in international conferences and published in international, well-established, scientific journals and magazines, as well as on the SGL’s website and in the local media, for keeping updated both the scientific community and the public at large. In 2022, the SGL participated in the following research projects/studies: EUROPEAN RESEARCH PROGRAMMES y Implementation of the Component: “Enhancing the existing isotopic databases of Cypriot local traditional food/drinks by developing a blockchain platform, to ensure their identity-IsoDataBase”, funded by Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021-2026). y Research programme “EFSA Multi-Annual Focal Point Grant Agreement” (2015-2022). y Seven research programmes funded by EU [Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF), LIFE]. 1. “European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU)” (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/). (2017-2022). The aim of the project is to provide scientific support for the safe management of chemical substances and the protection of human health by using biomonitoring studies to understand the exposure of humans to chemicals and the resulting health effects. The results are used in policy making, in the assessment of existing measures and in the design of new policies. 2. European study “HBM4EU-mom” (2020-2022), coordinated at European level by SGL, which aims to prevent prenatal exposure to mercury, through simple dietary recommendations for healthy fish consumption during pregnancy. Specifically, 650 European pregnant women in Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Iceland are recruited in this research through their health care providers. The recruited participants provide hair samples to measure their exposure to mercury and personal HUMAN RESOURCES During 2022, the SGL’s personnel consisted of 170 persons in total. y 54 Chemists/Microbiologists/Biologists and three clerks/secretarial staff in permanent positions, as well as 23 persons as support staff. y 50 Chemists/Microbiologists/Biologists, one Laboratory Technician, one IT Officer and seven clerks were employed on a temporary base. y 23 Chemists, four Microbiologists/Biologists, three service providers and one clerk were employed on contract for the completion of research projects (including transition facility programme). It is worth noting that out of the 106 scientists, 84 (79%) held at least one postgraduate degree (MSc) and several of them had a Ph.D. degree (see Chart 1). 60% 19% 21% Postgraduate (MSc) University Degree Doctorate (Ph.D) Chart 1: Distribution of SGL’s scientific staff according to academic qualifications – 2022
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