Brief biography of partner
The University of Nicosia Research Foundation (UNRF) was established in 2008 as a non-profit research institution. Through a formal agreement signed in 2013, UNRF has access to the laboratories and research facilities of the University of Nicosia, strengthening its capacity to support high-quality research. UNRF’s work focuses on both global and local challenges across diverse fields, including health, complex networks, social sciences, education, ICT, engineering, and environmental sustainability. Its researchers approach modern societal issues from multiple perspectives—technological, scientific, cultural, and social—while building interdisciplinary teams that combine their expertise to address pressing challenges with global impact. The Foundation has extensive experience in managing and implementing projects funded by the European Union and the Research and Innovation Foundation. At present, UNRF researchers are engaged in projects with a combined budget of €1.3 million.
Researchers at UNRF have extensive experience in coordinating and participating in research projects funded by the European Union and local authorities, including more recent ones such as OACTIVE, ASPIRE, and DEPRESS.
Role in the project
In DISARM, UNRF serves as the Leader of Work Package 5 – OC Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics. Furthermore, UNRF is responsible for developing and validating the OVA-miRNA assay within the DISARM 3-phase validation framework. Building on its expertise in miRNA detection and analysis, UNRF leads efforts to identify and validate circulating miRNA signatures for early ovarian cancer detection, and to ensure their robust application in clinical validation.