The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics (CING) is a private, non-profit, bi-communal, medical, research and academic center.

The initial stages

CING commenced operations in 1990 in a space of 300m² at the Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia with basic equipment and personnel numbering approximately 20 individuals. This space was generously provided by the Cyprus Government which also donated the land for building CING’s new premises. The United States Government donated to CING, through the Cyprus office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, an amount for running the Institute during the years 1990-1995, as well as for the establishment of its new premises.

Moving to the new premises

In 1995, CING moved to its own purpose-built premises made up of an area of approximately 10.000m². Due to the need in Cyprus to provide high-level laboratory and clinical services, the Cyprus Government funded CING annually, in return for the provision of high level clinical and diagnostic services to Government Hospitals.

Since 1995, CING has been providing high-level services and the most competitive and innovative biomedical research aiming towards early detection and prevention of disease. Moreover, it provides postgraduate education which is closely associated to research and services activities.

CING serves the needs of patients, society and the country as a whole, as its activities directly relate to and reflect the needs of Cyprus and its citizens.

CING today

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.

CING is a medical and biomedical translation center, which is probably the most successful model nowadays as it combines education, service and research activities in one center, providing major medical benefits to the people, society and the country. CING was one of the first, and today one of the best, examples in Europe where postgraduate education, research and service have been successfully combined.

CING receives international recognition and plays an active and essential role as a national, regional and international center of excellence for the provision of high-quality services, innovative research and postgraduate education.

CSMM

In 2012, CING established the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine (CSMM), a postgraduate school with research and academic interests relevant to CING activities. CSMM offers seven programs of study leading to MSc and PhD degrees in the fields of Molecular Medicine, Medical Genetics, Neuroscience and Biomedical Research.

TELETHON

TELETHON is an international charitable campaign and in Cyprus is organized by The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics and the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1994. It includes many fundraising events that take place throughout the year and all proceeds of Telethon Cyprus support the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Cyprus and the research programs of the Institute.