Cyprus
SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education is a pioneering organisation dedicated to initiating and implementing projects with significant social impact, particularly in the realm of social inclusion. As a leading entity in Cyprus specializing in social entrepreneurship and social innovation, SYNTHESIS engages in interdisciplinary research on social processes both within Cyprus and internationally.
Researchers at SYNTHESIS focus on studies related to social inclusion, economic integration, and community development, employing a variety of methodological and theoretical approaches drawn from disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies. The center has been involved in numerous national, european, and international projects, aiming to compare and enhance their research through collaboration with similar initiatives both locally and abroad.
In addition to its research work, SYNTHESIS actively supports marginalised groups, including asylum seekers and refugees, in areas such as education, the labor market, employment, housing, and psychosocial aid. Over the last six years, SYNTHESIS has collaborated on nearly 20 AMIF, Interreg, and Erasmus+ projects, many of which have focused on the social and economic integration of migrants and refugees in Cyprus. These projects often emphasize promoting social entrepreneurship among asylum seekers and refugees through specialized training programs.
SYNTHESIS is also the founder and manager of HUB NICOSIA, an educational center and coworking space with cultural, environmental, and social objectives. As a valuable expert and academic partner, SYNTHESIS boasts a broad stakeholder network that includes several national and international integration networks, bottom-up civic initiatives, collaborations with local authorities, recognized national integration stakeholders, and governmental bodies.