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Our GrantXpert Team
Leading the Way in European Funding Consulting
Celia Hadjichristodoulou
Founder and Managing Director
She is an expert consultant in European and nationally funded programmes for the past 10 years, assisting local and European organizations to utilise more than 5 mln EUR from such funds. Before creating her own company, she was a Research Associate of the European Funding Programmes Unit of the European University Cyprus (EUC) for 4 years. During this period, Celia has been involved in more than 30 European and nationally-funded projects and she has managed to build strong networks across EU. Celia has helped EUC researchers raise and manage over 3 mln EUR million in grants between 2005-2009.
She is the National Expert of Cyprus on the EU study “SME Performance Review Report” for 2012-2014. Also she was a final runner-up in the annual national awards “Cyprus Women Business Awards” and “InBusiness Young Entrepreneur Award” in 2013.
She studied for a BSc in Accounting & Finance at the London School of Economics (LSE) in the UK and she continued her postgraduate studies (MPhil) in Management Studies at Cambridge University. In 2013 she has completed her PhD studies at the Management School of the University of Sheffield, examining “Stakeholder perceptions of M & A Human Success Factors: The case of Cyprus”. For her PhD studies she has obtained 100,000 EUR funding by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation. She is currently the project coordinator of “YOUNG LEADERS”, (LLP-LdV-ToI 2012) which aims to develop an innovative training package for European university graduates to develop and enhance their leadership skills in times of crisis. Moreover she is the Financial Manager Coordinator of BIOforLIFE, a 1.5 mln EUR project, funded under the LIFE+ Programme. Also Celia is involved in the funded project “Creativity in education”, which is implemented with EUC. The aim of this project is to develop a new handbook for University academics in order to be able to enhance their students’ creativity and innovation skills.
She has developed close relationships with all 8 public and private universities in Cyprus. Also she has developed close links with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cyprus Employers’ and Industrialists’ Federation (OEB), the Cyprus Information Technology Association (CITEA).
Celia is a well-known trainer/speaker on the topics of “Obtaining funding from EU and national programmes”, “Developing employability, leadership and entrepreneurship skills” and “EU funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs”.
Celia was involved in the Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Energy, Industry, Commerce and Tourism that drafted the new funding schemes for 2014-2020 on “Entrepreneurial Innovation: Developing new products and services” and “Digital Entrepreneurship”.
For the past six years, Celia has also been working as a part-time Lecturer in local universities. In 2013-2014 she was an MBA Lecturer at the Cyprus Institute of Marketing, teaching two courses, Organisational Behaviour and Business Policy and Strategy.
She is an expert consultant in European and nationally funded programmes for the past 10 years, assisting local and European organizations to utilise more than 5 mln EUR from such funds. Before creating her own company, she was a Research Associate of the European Funding Programmes Unit of the European University Cyprus (EUC) for 4 years. During this period, Celia has been involved in more than 30 European and nationally-funded projects and she has managed to build strong networks across EU. Celia has helped EUC researchers raise and manage over 3 mln EUR million in grants between 2005-2009.
She is the National Expert of Cyprus on the EU study “SME Performance Review Report” for 2012-2014. Also she was a final runner-up in the annual national awards “Cyprus Women Business Awards” and “InBusiness Young Entrepreneur Award” in 2013.
She studied for a BSc in Accounting & Finance at the London School of Economics (LSE) in the UK and she continued her postgraduate studies (MPhil) in Management Studies at Cambridge University. In 2013 she has completed her PhD studies at the Management School of the University of Sheffield, examining “Stakeholder perceptions of M & A Human Success Factors: The case of Cyprus”. For her PhD studies she has obtained 100,000 EUR funding by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation. She is currently the project coordinator of “YOUNG LEADERS”, (LLP-LdV-ToI 2012) which aims to develop an innovative training package for European university graduates to develop and enhance their leadership skills in times of crisis. Moreover she is the Financial Manager Coordinator of BIOforLIFE, a 1.5 mln EUR project, funded under the LIFE+ Programme. Also Celia is involved in the funded project “Creativity in education”, which is implemented with EUC. The aim of this project is to develop a new handbook for University academics in order to be able to enhance their students’ creativity and innovation skills.
She has developed close relationships with all 8 public and private universities in Cyprus. Also she has developed close links with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cyprus Employers’ and Industrialists’ Federation (OEB), the Cyprus Information Technology Association (CITEA).
Celia is a well-known trainer/speaker on the topics of “Obtaining funding from EU and national programmes”, “Developing employability, leadership and entrepreneurship skills” and “EU funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs”.
Celia was involved in the Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Energy, Industry, Commerce and Tourism that drafted the new funding schemes for 2014-2020 on “Entrepreneurial Innovation: Developing new products and services” and “Digital Entrepreneurship”.
For the past six years, Celia has also been working as a part-time Lecturer in local universities. In 2013-2014 she was an MBA Lecturer at the Cyprus Institute of Marketing, teaching two courses, Organisational Behaviour and Business Policy and Strategy.
Antonis Hadjichristodoulou
Senior Financial Consultant
Mr Antonis Hadjichristodoulou has a BSc in Economics from LSE and an MBA from City University London. Mr Hadjichristodoulou has extensive professional experience in the banking sector that spans almost 40 years. In this context he specialized in the assessment of applications for financing big and complex projects in the private and public sectors. He was also involved extensively in the effective project management of such projects during their implementation period. Examples of such projects include: golf courses, marinas, shopping malls, capital intensive factory for the manufacturing of aluminum bars/products, the public animal slaughter house, BOT projects originating from the Government of Cyprus etc. To this end he has attended a short executive course in Project Management at Arthur D.Little Institute Boston USA. He was a senior member of the BOC team responsible for the design and development of young trainees that worked for BOC, locally and internationally. To this end, he has over thirty years of experience in training and coaching young management trainees as to enable them to become high flyers and eventually effective and well accepted business leaders.
He retired from the banking sector in 2011. Currently he is a visiting lecturer at Cyprus International Institute of Management in Nicosia (teaching Finance and Banking at the MBA course) . In parallel he is the financial consultant of GrantXpert Consulting Ltd. During the past 6 years he has helped a number of existing SMEs and start-ups to develop sound business plans and feasibility studies and obtain funding from national and EU funding programmes.
He is also providing short training seminars on financial and accounting topics with participants from a number of SMEs in Cyprus.
He is an authorised trainer on executive education programmes from the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus.
Mr Antonis Hadjichristodoulou has a BSc in Economics from LSE and an MBA from City University London. Mr Hadjichristodoulou has extensive professional experience in the banking sector that spans almost 40 years. In this context he specialized in the assessment of applications for financing big and complex projects in the private and public sectors. He was also involved extensively in the effective project management of such projects during their implementation period. Examples of such projects include: golf courses, marinas, shopping malls, capital intensive factory for the manufacturing of aluminum bars/products, the public animal slaughter house, BOT projects originating from the Government of Cyprus etc. To this end he has attended a short executive course in Project Management at Arthur D.Little Institute Boston USA. He was a senior member of the BOC team responsible for the design and development of young trainees that worked for BOC, locally and internationally. To this end, he has over thirty years of experience in training and coaching young management trainees as to enable them to become high flyers and eventually effective and well accepted business leaders.
He retired from the banking sector in 2011. Currently he is a visiting lecturer at Cyprus International Institute of Management in Nicosia (teaching Finance and Banking at the MBA course) . In parallel he is the financial consultant of GrantXpert Consulting Ltd. During the past 6 years he has helped a number of existing SMEs and start-ups to develop sound business plans and feasibility studies and obtain funding from national and EU funding programmes.
He is also providing short training seminars on financial and accounting topics with participants from a number of SMEs in Cyprus.
He is an authorised trainer on executive education programmes from the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus.
Charis Spanoudis
Head of Financial Management Unit
Charis Spanoudis joined GrantXpert in November 2018. He is responsible for the overall financial coordination of all EU and national funded projects as well as for the preparation of the budgets for upcoming EU and national proposals.
He graduated from the University of Nicosia in 2009 obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In 2014 he obtained his Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and Organisational Behaviour from the Cyprus International Institute of Management (CIIM). Since 2009, he managed to gain significant experience working in different business area and industries, including Information Technology, Accounting and Finance and Governmental Financial Management. His main experienced was gained by being in charged for the financial/economic support of the EU funded programme of the Human Resource Development Authority entitled “Establishment and Operation of the Vocational Qualifications System in Cyprus” for the programming period 2007-2013, with a total budget of €7.5 million.
Beyond his financial experience, Charis was a partner for 7 years in ASC SPORTS LTD, a Sports Management company, specialised in the organisation of sports events, tournaments, sports facilities management and young players’ development. He resigned from the company in order to focus on the EU Financial Management field.
Charis Spanoudis joined GrantXpert in November 2018. He is responsible for the overall financial coordination of all EU and national funded projects as well as for the preparation of the budgets for upcoming EU and national proposals.
He graduated from the University of Nicosia in 2009 obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In 2014 he obtained his Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and Organisational Behaviour from the Cyprus International Institute of Management (CIIM). Since 2009, he managed to gain significant experience working in different business area and industries, including Information Technology, Accounting and Finance and Governmental Financial Management. His main experienced was gained by being in charged for the financial/economic support of the EU funded programme of the Human Resource Development Authority entitled “Establishment and Operation of the Vocational Qualifications System in Cyprus” for the programming period 2007-2013, with a total budget of €7.5 million.
Beyond his financial experience, Charis was a partner for 7 years in ASC SPORTS LTD, a Sports Management company, specialised in the organisation of sports events, tournaments, sports facilities management and young players’ development. He resigned from the company in order to focus on the EU Financial Management field.
Stephani Theophanous
Head of the Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Unit
Mrs. Stephani Theophanous has been working at GrantXpert since June 2017 and she is the Head of the Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Unit. She has a BSc in Economics from the University of Cyprus and a Masters’ degree in Management & Entrepreneurship from the Cyprus University of Technology.
As the Head of the National Funding Programmes Unit, Stephani is involved in the preparation of proposals on behalf of a large number of clients (mainly Cypriot SMEs) for the utilisation of grants from the Structural Funds of Cyprus and the Recovery and Resilience Facility Programme (RRF). She also helps these clients in the project management work, after their proposals are accepted. She has been involved in a large number of public tenders and national funding programmes, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, the Women Entrepreneurship Scheme, the Scheme for the manufacturing companies of Cyprus, Digital Transformation Scheme, etc.
Mrs. Theophanous has been involved in a number of EU and national funded projects in the area of entrepreneurship education, STEM education and employability skills (CSRC Horizon Teaming Phase 1 project, MultiEnt Coach, My HandScraft, Digital Championship Cyprus), contributing to the development of entrepreneurial skills for young people, migrants and start-up founders, through hands-on activities, interactive learning and digital technology.
Mrs. Theophanous is also involved in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) project, an EU exchange programme between experienced and young entrepreneurs as the Project Manager on behalf of GrantXpert. She is also the Project Manager of Entrepreneur, an EIT Urban Mobility funded project, aiming to mentor and train students, professionals and staff in higher education institutions. In addition, she is involved in the organisation and implementation of many activities organised by GrantXpert in the framework of the strategic collaboration of the company with the European University Cyprus. For this purpose, various activities are organised for the program ‘Microsoft for Startups’, such as training and mentoring for start-ups, as well as the implementation of workshops in private schools in Greece and Cyprus on topics such as entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mrs. Stephani Theophanous has been working at GrantXpert since June 2017 and she is the Head of the Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Unit. She has a BSc in Economics from the University of Cyprus and a Masters’ degree in Management & Entrepreneurship from the Cyprus University of Technology.
As the Head of the National Funding Programmes Unit, Stephani is involved in the preparation of proposals on behalf of a large number of clients (mainly Cypriot SMEs) for the utilisation of grants from the Structural Funds of Cyprus and the Recovery and Resilience Facility Programme (RRF). She also helps these clients in the project management work, after their proposals are accepted. She has been involved in a large number of public tenders and national funding programmes, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, the Women Entrepreneurship Scheme, the Scheme for the manufacturing companies of Cyprus, Digital Transformation Scheme, etc.
Mrs. Theophanous has been involved in a number of EU and national funded projects in the area of entrepreneurship education, STEM education and employability skills (CSRC Horizon Teaming Phase 1 project, MultiEnt Coach, My HandScraft, Digital Championship Cyprus), contributing to the development of entrepreneurial skills for young people, migrants and start-up founders, through hands-on activities, interactive learning and digital technology.
Mrs. Theophanous is also involved in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) project, an EU exchange programme between experienced and young entrepreneurs as the Project Manager on behalf of GrantXpert. She is also the Project Manager of Entrepreneur, an EIT Urban Mobility funded project, aiming to mentor and train students, professionals and staff in higher education institutions. In addition, she is involved in the organisation and implementation of many activities organised by GrantXpert in the framework of the strategic collaboration of the company with the European University Cyprus. For this purpose, various activities are organised for the program ‘Microsoft for Startups’, such as training and mentoring for start-ups, as well as the implementation of workshops in private schools in Greece and Cyprus on topics such as entrepreneurship and innovation.
Elina Spiliotakopoulou
Head of Project Management Unit
Elina Spiliotakopoulou is a member of GrantXpert team for the past 5 years, currently working as a Senior EU Project Manager and Head of the Project Management Unit. Elina has hands-on experience managing different types of large-scale projects for the funding programmes Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg and national funded schemes. Elina is also managing (on behalf of GrantXpert – the Fund Operator–) the Civil Society Programme and the Active Citizens Fund in Cyprus, both established by the EEA and Norway Grants. In addition, Elina is providing guidance to younger EU Project Managers and monitors their work and quality of deliverables.
After completing her BA in Economic Studies, she received her MSc in Science/Technology Policy & Management from Manchester Business School (MBS). Upon completion of her studies, she participated in two of the MBS’s projects as a research assistant and then she moved back to her home country, Greece. Elina worked for several years at a multi-disciplinary firm in Athens, as a Project Manager specialising in managing national and European cross-border projects. Effective, flexible, with critical decision-making initiatives, Elina considers challenges as an opportunity to apply her aptitude for providing solutions to complex problems.
Elina has 15 years of experience in:
Administrative and financial Management of European and national funded programmes.
Assessment of co-financed infrastructure projects (on behalf of the European Commission - Directorate General for Regional Policy).
Planning and execution of projects to help organisations improve processes, develop new products, build structures, or complete other initiatives.
Cost-Benefit studies.
Preparation of proposals for European and national funded programmes.
Elina Spiliotakopoulou is a member of GrantXpert team for the past 5 years, currently working as a Senior EU Project Manager and Head of the Project Management Unit. Elina has hands-on experience managing different types of large-scale projects for the funding programmes Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg and national funded schemes. Elina is also managing (on behalf of GrantXpert – the Fund Operator–) the Civil Society Programme and the Active Citizens Fund in Cyprus, both established by the EEA and Norway Grants. In addition, Elina is providing guidance to younger EU Project Managers and monitors their work and quality of deliverables.
After completing her BA in Economic Studies, she received her MSc in Science/Technology Policy & Management from Manchester Business School (MBS). Upon completion of her studies, she participated in two of the MBS’s projects as a research assistant and then she moved back to her home country, Greece. Elina worked for several years at a multi-disciplinary firm in Athens, as a Project Manager specialising in managing national and European cross-border projects. Effective, flexible, with critical decision-making initiatives, Elina considers challenges as an opportunity to apply her aptitude for providing solutions to complex problems.
Elina has 15 years of experience in:
Administrative and financial Management of European and national funded programmes.
Assessment of co-financed infrastructure projects (on behalf of the European Commission - Directorate General for Regional Policy).
Planning and execution of projects to help organisations improve processes, develop new products, build structures, or complete other initiatives.
Cost-Benefit studies.
Preparation of proposals for European and national funded programmes.
Ouranio Anastasiou
Senior EU Project Manager (External Collaborator)
Ouranio completed her BSc studies in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Democritus University Thrace in Greece and her MSc in Medical Genetics at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. In 2021 she completed her PhD studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cyprus, where she studied the Extracellular matrix adhesion independent roles of integrins and FA proteins. Alongside her studies Ouranio has been the project manager of the portal of rare diseases, and she represented Cyprus in a pan-European Consortium known as Orphanet. During her studies she acquired experience in the implementation, development and management of projects from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation and from other EU funding bodies. Her contribution in proposal management and writing resulted in a total funding of approximately 500000 euro for the University of Cyprus, while her PhD work resulted in 2 publications in the well-established and widely known scientific journals: Science Signaling (if 8.5) and Cell Reports (if 10.5).
Her work has been awarded by the University of Cyprus with the Award of Academic Excellence, School of Applied Sciences 2020-2021 and with the Award of Academic Excellence and Research Innovation, University of Cyprus 2020-2021. She has also been awarded with the PhD scholarship for Academic Excellence by the University of Cyprus in 2021.
After her studies, Ouranio was assigned as the Project Manager of Cyprus for the consortium of European Reference Network (ERN) for all patients with one of the rare genetic tumour risk syndromes (genturis), while she was working as a postdoctoral fellow at Karaiskakio Foundation at the departments of Molecular and Clinical Genetics. During this time, Ouranio was awarded with the European Fellowship 2022 by the European Society of Human Genetics and with the Cyprus Society of Human Genetics Fellowship 2022 for her work in the field.
Ouranio joined the GrantXpert team in July 2022 as a Senior Project Manager and her work focuses on projects funded by different EU funding programmes, likeErasmus+, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, etc.
Her interests focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation and digital skills development.
Ouranio completed her BSc studies in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Democritus University Thrace in Greece and her MSc in Medical Genetics at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. In 2021 she completed her PhD studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cyprus, where she studied the Extracellular matrix adhesion independent roles of integrins and FA proteins. Alongside her studies Ouranio has been the project manager of the portal of rare diseases, and she represented Cyprus in a pan-European Consortium known as Orphanet. During her studies she acquired experience in the implementation, development and management of projects from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation and from other EU funding bodies. Her contribution in proposal management and writing resulted in a total funding of approximately 500000 euro for the University of Cyprus, while her PhD work resulted in 2 publications in the well-established and widely known scientific journals: Science Signaling (if 8.5) and Cell Reports (if 10.5).
Her work has been awarded by the University of Cyprus with the Award of Academic Excellence, School of Applied Sciences 2020-2021 and with the Award of Academic Excellence and Research Innovation, University of Cyprus 2020-2021. She has also been awarded with the PhD scholarship for Academic Excellence by the University of Cyprus in 2021.
After her studies, Ouranio was assigned as the Project Manager of Cyprus for the consortium of European Reference Network (ERN) for all patients with one of the rare genetic tumour risk syndromes (genturis), while she was working as a postdoctoral fellow at Karaiskakio Foundation at the departments of Molecular and Clinical Genetics. During this time, Ouranio was awarded with the European Fellowship 2022 by the European Society of Human Genetics and with the Cyprus Society of Human Genetics Fellowship 2022 for her work in the field.
Ouranio joined the GrantXpert team in July 2022 as a Senior Project Manager and her work focuses on projects funded by different EU funding programmes, likeErasmus+, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, etc.
Her interests focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation and digital skills development.
Yiannis Trimithiotis
Senior Project Manager (External Collaborator)
Yiannis Trimithiotis studied at the University of Cyprus (2003 – 2007: BA in Political Sciences with a minor in Social Sciences) and at Warwick University (2008 - ΜΑ Social and Political Thought. Following his studies, Yiannis worked, initially, in the field of Communication and Public Affairs (2009 – 2012) and from 2012 onwards he has been active in the field of project management.
From 2015 to 2021, Yiannis worked as a Research Project Officer in two Higher Education Institutions: The European University Cyprus (2015 – 2018) and the Cyprus Institute (2019 – 2021). Additionally, from 2013 – 2014, Yiannis was an Industry Liaison Officer at the Open University of Cyprus. The experience under these different roles and vantage points provided an all-around insight into the dynamic Cyprus Tertiary Education Sector.
During his 10+ experience in the field of project management, Yiannis was involved in a variety of projects in terms of size, scope, funding source and academic or other fields. Yiannis is also an active member of civil society in Cyprus.
Yiannis Trimithiotis studied at the University of Cyprus (2003 – 2007: BA in Political Sciences with a minor in Social Sciences) and at Warwick University (2008 - ΜΑ Social and Political Thought. Following his studies, Yiannis worked, initially, in the field of Communication and Public Affairs (2009 – 2012) and from 2012 onwards he has been active in the field of project management.
From 2015 to 2021, Yiannis worked as a Research Project Officer in two Higher Education Institutions: The European University Cyprus (2015 – 2018) and the Cyprus Institute (2019 – 2021). Additionally, from 2013 – 2014, Yiannis was an Industry Liaison Officer at the Open University of Cyprus. The experience under these different roles and vantage points provided an all-around insight into the dynamic Cyprus Tertiary Education Sector.
During his 10+ experience in the field of project management, Yiannis was involved in a variety of projects in terms of size, scope, funding source and academic or other fields. Yiannis is also an active member of civil society in Cyprus.
Anna Rouvi
EU Project Manager
Anna Rouvi has been working as a Project Manager at GrantXpert Consulting since February 2022. She was involved between February until July 2022 in a nationally funded project for the examination of single training programmes, which GrantXpert and Grant Thornton have implemented on behalf of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus. This included the examination and approval of final payments for subsidies for single company programmes, handling required correspondence with organisations and companies, collection, processing and maintaining information according to the GDPR compliance.
Since July 2022, Anna is working as a full-time EU Project Manager on projects funded by the Erasmus+ programme, under Key Action 2, in VET and Adult Education fields.
Anna holds a degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Cyprus and an MBA from the European University Cyprus.
Anna has long-term experience in human-resource development issues, as she was working in the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus for many years as an Associate, dealing with various projects. She has also experience in planning and organising single-company and multi-company seminars for the training of companies’ employees, which were funded by the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus.
Anna Rouvi has been working as a Project Manager at GrantXpert Consulting since February 2022. She was involved between February until July 2022 in a nationally funded project for the examination of single training programmes, which GrantXpert and Grant Thornton have implemented on behalf of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus. This included the examination and approval of final payments for subsidies for single company programmes, handling required correspondence with organisations and companies, collection, processing and maintaining information according to the GDPR compliance.
Since July 2022, Anna is working as a full-time EU Project Manager on projects funded by the Erasmus+ programme, under Key Action 2, in VET and Adult Education fields.
Anna holds a degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Cyprus and an MBA from the European University Cyprus.
Anna has long-term experience in human-resource development issues, as she was working in the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus for many years as an Associate, dealing with various projects. She has also experience in planning and organising single-company and multi-company seminars for the training of companies’ employees, which were funded by the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus.
Christiana Stylianou
Training and Business Development Manager
Christiana has been the Training and Business Development Manager of GrantXpert Consulting since November 2023. She oversees the planning and execution of seminars, trainings, and workshops designed for various partners and organisations, including the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA). Christiana is actively involved in developing the curriculum and preparing materials for training modules, and she continuously refines training methodologies to keep pace with industry trends. In addition, she is involved in various EU-funded projects and trains and mentors professionals in entrepreneurship development and organisational effectiveness.
Christiana is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), specialising in Female Entrepreneurship, Alternative Forms of Tourism and Sustainability. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cyprus and a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management from the CUT. With a diverse background in the hospitality industry, spanning entry-level to managerial positions, she also serves as a guest lecturer for BSc students in Hotel and Tourism Management at the CUT.
In her previous roles in higher education, Christiana gained extensive e-learning management and online tutoring experience, collaborating with many Universities and leading undergraduate and postgraduate Programmes.
Christiana has been the Training and Business Development Manager of GrantXpert Consulting since November 2023. She oversees the planning and execution of seminars, trainings, and workshops designed for various partners and organisations, including the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA). Christiana is actively involved in developing the curriculum and preparing materials for training modules, and she continuously refines training methodologies to keep pace with industry trends. In addition, she is involved in various EU-funded projects and trains and mentors professionals in entrepreneurship development and organisational effectiveness.
Christiana is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), specialising in Female Entrepreneurship, Alternative Forms of Tourism and Sustainability. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cyprus and a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management from the CUT. With a diverse background in the hospitality industry, spanning entry-level to managerial positions, she also serves as a guest lecturer for BSc students in Hotel and Tourism Management at the CUT.
In her previous roles in higher education, Christiana gained extensive e-learning management and online tutoring experience, collaborating with many Universities and leading undergraduate and postgraduate Programmes.
Anna Charalambrous
Head of Proposal Writing Unit
Dr Anna Charalambous attended Yale University as a Fulbright Scholar, from where she graduated summa cum laude with highest honors in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics (2001). She continued her education at The Rockefeller University, under the guidance of Dr. Ralph Steinman (Nobel Laureate), where she received a PhD (2006) and extensive training in molecular immunology and vaccine biology. Her major focus was identification of tumor stem cell markers that could serve as diagnostic tools and development of vaccination and immuno-therapeutic strategies against cancer. While working on these significant questions she received extensive training in mouse in vivo and human in vitro work, and gained valuable expertise in mouse transgenic technologies. Her findings led to highly-cited publications and the award of two very competitive fellowships; one by the Rockefeller University and the other by the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). In May 2008, she was recruited to the University of Cyprus (UCY), at the Department of Biological Sciences, initially as a Visiting Lecturer and in 2010 as Special Teaching Staff, teaching several theoretical and practical courses both at the Undergraduate and Graduate Level (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology etc.) and co-supervising PhD Candidates. In 2022, she was awarded Best Teacher’s Award by the University of Cyprus. In addition to teaching, she has always been actively involved in the acquisition of local and European funds, both from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation and other EU funding bodies, for carrying out cancer research. Her work has led to numerous research article publications and book chapters. She recently joined GrantXpert, as an external consultant, where she will be sure to make a vital contribution in managing EU funded projects and coordinating the preparation of large-scale EU proposals.
Dr Anna Charalambous attended Yale University as a Fulbright Scholar, from where she graduated summa cum laude with highest honors in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics (2001). She continued her education at The Rockefeller University, under the guidance of Dr. Ralph Steinman (Nobel Laureate), where she received a PhD (2006) and extensive training in molecular immunology and vaccine biology. Her major focus was identification of tumor stem cell markers that could serve as diagnostic tools and development of vaccination and immuno-therapeutic strategies against cancer. While working on these significant questions she received extensive training in mouse in vivo and human in vitro work, and gained valuable expertise in mouse transgenic technologies. Her findings led to highly-cited publications and the award of two very competitive fellowships; one by the Rockefeller University and the other by the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). In May 2008, she was recruited to the University of Cyprus (UCY), at the Department of Biological Sciences, initially as a Visiting Lecturer and in 2010 as Special Teaching Staff, teaching several theoretical and practical courses both at the Undergraduate and Graduate Level (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology etc.) and co-supervising PhD Candidates. In 2022, she was awarded Best Teacher’s Award by the University of Cyprus. In addition to teaching, she has always been actively involved in the acquisition of local and European funds, both from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation and other EU funding bodies, for carrying out cancer research. Her work has led to numerous research article publications and book chapters. She recently joined GrantXpert, as an external consultant, where she will be sure to make a vital contribution in managing EU funded projects and coordinating the preparation of large-scale EU proposals.
Stavrou Valentine
EU Project Associate
Ms. Valentine Stavrou joined the GrantXpert team as a Project Associate in 2023. She holds a BA in European Studies, a master’s degree in Comparative Literature, and a teaching certificate from the University of Cambridge. She is actively involved in the Project Management of EU-funded initiatives and the preparation of EU proposals. Ms. Stavrou’s areas of expertise include arts and cultural projects, reflecting her strong academic and creative background. However, as an individual with a passion for continuous learning, she has expanded her involvement to encompass ICT projects as well as environmental and social initiatives.
Prior to joining GrantXpert, Ms. Stavrou gained extensive experience in the construction industry, successfully managing projects with a cumulative value of €9 million. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a published author, with her work translated into Greek, French, and Turkish. She is also an oral history researcher, dedicated to documenting Cyprus’ collective oral history.
Ms. Valentine Stavrou joined the GrantXpert team as a Project Associate in 2023. She holds a BA in European Studies, a master’s degree in Comparative Literature, and a teaching certificate from the University of Cambridge. She is actively involved in the Project Management of EU-funded initiatives and the preparation of EU proposals. Ms. Stavrou’s areas of expertise include arts and cultural projects, reflecting her strong academic and creative background. However, as an individual with a passion for continuous learning, she has expanded her involvement to encompass ICT projects as well as environmental and social initiatives.
Prior to joining GrantXpert, Ms. Stavrou gained extensive experience in the construction industry, successfully managing projects with a cumulative value of €9 million. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a published author, with her work translated into Greek, French, and Turkish. She is also an oral history researcher, dedicated to documenting Cyprus’ collective oral history.
Chantal Assaf
Proposal Writer (External Collaborator)
Chantal Assaf
Chantal is a results-driven Social Impact Professional with over eight years of experience in Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Aid. She recently joined GrantXpert as an external consultant and is excited to contribute to their ongoing success. Chantal studied at the Lebanese University, where she holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master's degree in International Organizations, providing her with a strong foundation in strategic planning and regulatory compliance.
She has a proven track record in managing and advising on large-scale proposals, emphasizing budget preparation and risk assessments to ensure project integrity. Additionally, Chantal is skilled in narrative report writing and provides coaching and capacity-building initiatives for Project Managers, enhancing their skills in grants management, reporting, and compliance.
Her collaborative work with key donors—including USAID, AFD, the European Commission, UN agencies, and various private foundations—has fostered partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including governments and major funding mechanisms, to support vulnerable communities and drive systemic change.
Chantal possesses the ability to navigate complex, politically sensitive environments and employs strategic approaches to amplify social impact.
Chantal Assaf
Chantal is a results-driven Social Impact Professional with over eight years of experience in Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Aid. She recently joined GrantXpert as an external consultant and is excited to contribute to their ongoing success. Chantal studied at the Lebanese University, where she holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master's degree in International Organizations, providing her with a strong foundation in strategic planning and regulatory compliance.
She has a proven track record in managing and advising on large-scale proposals, emphasizing budget preparation and risk assessments to ensure project integrity. Additionally, Chantal is skilled in narrative report writing and provides coaching and capacity-building initiatives for Project Managers, enhancing their skills in grants management, reporting, and compliance.
Her collaborative work with key donors—including USAID, AFD, the European Commission, UN agencies, and various private foundations—has fostered partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including governments and major funding mechanisms, to support vulnerable communities and drive systemic change.
Chantal possesses the ability to navigate complex, politically sensitive environments and employs strategic approaches to amplify social impact.
Isidoros Perikos
EU Project Manager & Proposal Writer
Isidoros Perikos is a member of the Proposal Writing and the Project management Units. Isidoros received the Diploma of Computer Engineering and his MSc and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, University of Patras. His interests focus on Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and Learning Technologies.
He has more than 10 years of experience in the field of project management and he has been involved in a variety of European-funded R&D projects in the context of Horizon and Erasmus+ programmes, particularly under KA2.
Isidoros is also part of the Proposal Writing Unit, where he is involved in the preparation of proposals across various EU programmes.
Isidoros Perikos is a member of the Proposal Writing and the Project management Units. Isidoros received the Diploma of Computer Engineering and his MSc and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, University of Patras. His interests focus on Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and Learning Technologies.
He has more than 10 years of experience in the field of project management and he has been involved in a variety of European-funded R&D projects in the context of Horizon and Erasmus+ programmes, particularly under KA2.
Isidoros is also part of the Proposal Writing Unit, where he is involved in the preparation of proposals across various EU programmes.
Andreas Pamboris
EU Project Manager & Proposal Writer
Andreas Pamboris
Andreas Pamboris received his Ph.D. (2014) in Computing from Imperial College London, following an M.Sc. (2009) and a B.Sc. (2007) in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego and the University of Cyprus, respectively. Throughout his studies he received numerous prestigious awards, such as awards from the University of Cyprus in 2007 (for ranking first upon graduation), the Cyprus Fulbright Commission in 2007 (M.Sc. scholarship), and the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation in 2009 (Ph.D. scholarship). His research interests fall broadly in the areas of Systems, Distributed Systems, AI Systems, and Cloud/Edge Computing. He has published numerous scientific articles to accredited scientific conferences and journals, such as SIGCOMM, Transactions on Mobile Computing, Information Systems Journal, MobiSys, MobileSoft, and CCNC. To date, his research has significantly impacted the scientific community, earning him the ‘AI2000 Most Influential Scholars Honorable Mention’ in recognition of his outstanding contributions between 2009 and 2019.
Pamboris has developed extensive expertise in the preparation and management of large-scale research and innovation projects. He has successfully led the development of numerous proposals at both national and international levels, significantly contributing to securing over €2 million in funding for SMEs and organizations he has been affiliated with over the past five years. His experience spans multiple funding schemes, including the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and various European programmes. Additionally, Pamboris has been actively involved in numerous national and EU-funded projects, assuming key roles such as Coordinator, Project Manager, Technical Manager, Work Package Leader, and Lead Software Architect. His expertise covers the full project lifecycle, from conceptualization and proposal writing to execution and technical implementation. His contributions have been instrumental in driving innovation, cultivating strategic partnerships, and delivering impactful solutions across various sectors.
Andreas Pamboris
Andreas Pamboris received his Ph.D. (2014) in Computing from Imperial College London, following an M.Sc. (2009) and a B.Sc. (2007) in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego and the University of Cyprus, respectively. Throughout his studies he received numerous prestigious awards, such as awards from the University of Cyprus in 2007 (for ranking first upon graduation), the Cyprus Fulbright Commission in 2007 (M.Sc. scholarship), and the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation in 2009 (Ph.D. scholarship). His research interests fall broadly in the areas of Systems, Distributed Systems, AI Systems, and Cloud/Edge Computing. He has published numerous scientific articles to accredited scientific conferences and journals, such as SIGCOMM, Transactions on Mobile Computing, Information Systems Journal, MobiSys, MobileSoft, and CCNC. To date, his research has significantly impacted the scientific community, earning him the ‘AI2000 Most Influential Scholars Honorable Mention’ in recognition of his outstanding contributions between 2009 and 2019.
Pamboris has developed extensive expertise in the preparation and management of large-scale research and innovation projects. He has successfully led the development of numerous proposals at both national and international levels, significantly contributing to securing over €2 million in funding for SMEs and organizations he has been affiliated with over the past five years. His experience spans multiple funding schemes, including the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and various European programmes. Additionally, Pamboris has been actively involved in numerous national and EU-funded projects, assuming key roles such as Coordinator, Project Manager, Technical Manager, Work Package Leader, and Lead Software Architect. His expertise covers the full project lifecycle, from conceptualization and proposal writing to execution and technical implementation. His contributions have been instrumental in driving innovation, cultivating strategic partnerships, and delivering impactful solutions across various sectors.
Natalie Demetriou
Financial Officer
Mrs. Natalie Demetriou has a BA in Human Resource Management with Marketing from the University of Derby and a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Sheffield. Natalie has long-term experience in human-resource development issues, as she was working in the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus for many years as an associate, dealing with various projects, which were funded from the EU.
Mrs. Natalie has been working at GrantXpert Consulting since November 2021 as a Financial and Administrative Associate. Natalie is involved in a nationally funded project for the examination of single training programmes, which GrantXpert and Grant Thornton have implementing on behalf of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus. This includes examination and subsidy for single company programmes, handling required correspondence with organisations and companies, collection, processing and maintaining information according to the GDPR compliance. She is responsible for the preparation of notes, memoranda and reports for processing and applying relevant legislation documents.
Natalie is also involved in various Erasmus+ KA2 projects and she is responsible for handling the financial aspects of these projects.
Mrs. Natalie Demetriou has a BA in Human Resource Management with Marketing from the University of Derby and a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Sheffield. Natalie has long-term experience in human-resource development issues, as she was working in the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus for many years as an associate, dealing with various projects, which were funded from the EU.
Mrs. Natalie has been working at GrantXpert Consulting since November 2021 as a Financial and Administrative Associate. Natalie is involved in a nationally funded project for the examination of single training programmes, which GrantXpert and Grant Thornton have implementing on behalf of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus. This includes examination and subsidy for single company programmes, handling required correspondence with organisations and companies, collection, processing and maintaining information according to the GDPR compliance. She is responsible for the preparation of notes, memoranda and reports for processing and applying relevant legislation documents.
Natalie is also involved in various Erasmus+ KA2 projects and she is responsible for handling the financial aspects of these projects.
Christina Sofroniou
EU Project Manager
Christina Sofroniou
Christina has been a member of the GrantXpert team since June 2021. From June 2021 to July 2022, she contributed to the implementation and management of a nationally funded project on behalf of the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus. During this period, Christina was responsible for conducting administrative, technical, and financial checks on internal training programs from Cypriot companies seeking HRDA funding. She communicated with organizations to gather essential information and confirm subsidy eligibility, while processing and maintaining this data in compliance with GDPR regulations.
After successfully completing the HRDA project, Christina transitioned to a full-time Project Manager role in July 2022. In this capacity, she has been responsible for managing projects funded by the Erasmus+ programme, particularly those under Key Action 2. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to completion.
Christina is also part of the Proposal Writing Unit, where she has prepared numerous Erasmus+ proposals and contributed to the development of other EU proposals across various programmes.
Christina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Studies and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, both from the University of Cyprus.
Christina Sofroniou
Christina has been a member of the GrantXpert team since June 2021. From June 2021 to July 2022, she contributed to the implementation and management of a nationally funded project on behalf of the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) of Cyprus. During this period, Christina was responsible for conducting administrative, technical, and financial checks on internal training programs from Cypriot companies seeking HRDA funding. She communicated with organizations to gather essential information and confirm subsidy eligibility, while processing and maintaining this data in compliance with GDPR regulations.
After successfully completing the HRDA project, Christina transitioned to a full-time Project Manager role in July 2022. In this capacity, she has been responsible for managing projects funded by the Erasmus+ programme, particularly those under Key Action 2. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to completion.
Christina is also part of the Proposal Writing Unit, where she has prepared numerous Erasmus+ proposals and contributed to the development of other EU proposals across various programmes.
Christina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Studies and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, both from the University of Cyprus.
Elena Stylianou
Administration and HR Officer
Mrs. Elena Stylianou is working at GrantXpert Consulting since 2013 as Administrative Secretary. Mrs. Stylianou has more than 20 years working experience as personal assistant in companies within different industries.
At GrantXpert, Mrs. Stylianou is responsible for the provision of guidance and information to clients about the services and the activities of GrantXpert and she is in charge of the organization of training seminars on behalf of GrantXpert. Furthermore, Mrs. Stylianou is preparing applications funded from HRDA (Human Resource Development Authority) and from the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance on behalf of the clients of the company for the hiring of new employees. She is also responsible for the daily financial management of the company and for updating the financial records regarding invoices and payments.
Mrs. Elena Stylianou is working at GrantXpert Consulting since 2013 as Administrative Secretary. Mrs. Stylianou has more than 20 years working experience as personal assistant in companies within different industries.
At GrantXpert, Mrs. Stylianou is responsible for the provision of guidance and information to clients about the services and the activities of GrantXpert and she is in charge of the organization of training seminars on behalf of GrantXpert. Furthermore, Mrs. Stylianou is preparing applications funded from HRDA (Human Resource Development Authority) and from the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance on behalf of the clients of the company for the hiring of new employees. She is also responsible for the daily financial management of the company and for updating the financial records regarding invoices and payments.
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