Institute of Research and Development for Mountain Regions of the Mediterranean Islands (MountMed), Cyprus
MountMed Institute is a non-profit research, education, and development organization focuses on mountain studies. MountMed institute vision is: “Mountains as dynamic territories of research and innovation, where scientific and technological advancements, along with indigenous knowledge, converge to pilot and scale adaptive solutions. By integrating strategies for climate change adaptation, energy and digital transition, and economic diversification, this vision fosters sustainable development and resilience in mountain regions”.
MountMed Institute drives the transformation of mountain societies and economies through a balanced and responsible approach to the utilisation and preservation of territorial resources. Leveraging its interdisciplinary and international network of scientists and institutions specialising in mountain studies, and mobilizing funding from corporate sponsors, public support, donations, and EU funding, its mission is to advance scientific knowledge, foster innovation, advocate for effective policies, and support grassroots initiatives aimed to promoting sustainable mountain economies and communities, in alignment with the global mountain agenda.
The MountMed institute mission and vision fit perfectly to the objectives of the ERASMUS-SPORT-2025-SNCESE call, particularly in “encouraging healthy lifestyles for all”, given that mountaineering areas can provide an excellent venue for increasing physical activity through mountain Games participation, thus promoting physical activity as a tool for health and implement a holistic approach with healthy diets through agricultural activities and mental health hygiene through natural view and free-pollution air.
Project teams, staff and experts
Stavros Kazamias
Executive DirectorRole/Tasks in Mountain Games: Project Manager
-
As the Head of the Office of the Commissioner for Mountain Development (Cyprus Presidency), he coordinated the National Strategy for the Development of the Mountain Communities of Troodos, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2019. He is a community organizer skilled in setting up action groups and public interest organisations, focusing on community-led local development, particularly in mountain areas. He has a decade of project management experience in various place- based initiatives and over 15 years of experience as a consultant for the development of rural businesses.
Yiannis Koutedakis
Emeritus ProfessorRole/Tasks in Mountain Games: Project Scientific Manager, Project Quality Team Chair, Campaign Implementation in Cyprus
-
Emeritus Professor of exercise physiology. He has participated and managed funded national and European scientific programs of over €20 million outcomes of which have been adopted by international organizations such as the Scottish Health System (2011), the European Society of Rheumatology (2016), or the American Heart Association (2023). Also, his name is included in the top 2% of scientists in 2024 in all scientific fields worldwide.
-
He has served as a national rowing coach in both Greece and England, as dean of the University of Thessaly, as director of the Institute of Performance & Rehabilitation, and as director of three graduate programs in Greece and the UK. He is also president of the National Centre “Exercise is Medicine-Greece” and was a founding member of the British Olympic Medical Centre. He has participated in national and European-funded scientific programs totalling over €20 million and has published more than 300 works, some adopted by organisations such as the Scottish Health System (2011), the European League Against Rheumatism (2016), and the American College of Cardiology (2023). He is listed among the top 45 Greeks in Medical Sciences (2022) and ranked first at the University of Thessaly for 2023 and 2024. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Wolverhampton and an external examiner at the University of London Medical School. Stanford University has consistently recognised him among the top 2% of scientists worldwide (World’s Top 2% Scientists). He ranks at the top of the AD Scientific Index and Research.com in Medical Sciences (Medicine), with an H-index of 86 and over 24,000 citations. His work is considered a global benchmark in Applied Physiology, having established modern clinical protocols to improve human performance and public health.
-
Dr Petros Dinas is a researcher in Human Physiology at the Laboratory of Environmental Physiology and a lecturer in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Thessaly. Dr Dinas holds five university degrees, including a master’s in Space Sciences and a PhD in Exercise Physiology. His research focuses on human brown fat, utilising genetic markers and positron emission tomography and computed tomography. He previously worked as a Human Physiology Researcher at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, specialising in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Dr Dinas has received funding from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organisation for his work in these areas. He has authored >60 scientific publications, some of which have used for health improvement guidelines from national governments and international organisations.
Senior ResearcherPetros Dinas
Role/Tasks in Mountain Games:
Stavroulla Kozakou
Junior Researcher-
Stavroula Kozakou is a graduate of History and Archaeology and holds a Master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary History. Following the completion of her studies, she gained significant professional experience in secondary education as a Greek language and humanities teacher, while also engaging in academic and research-related activities. She is currently employed as a Junior Researcher at the Institute of Research and Development for Mountain Regions of Mediterranean Islands (MOUNTMED), with a focus on mountain culture, history, and cultural production.
Role/Tasks in Mountain Games: Administrative Support
Evi Hioti
Executive ChefRole/Tasks in Mountain Games: Executive Chef
-
Evi Chioti is a distinguished Executive Chef, sustainable gastronomy consultant, educator and researcher, and the first woman to be awarded the gold medal "Ambassador of Taste for the Global Gastronomy". Originally from Nicosia and based in Cyprus, she specialises in sustainable gastronomy, cultural heritage and gastronomic diplomacy. She holds a BSc in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Macedonia and a Master's degree in Cultural Policy and Development from the Open University of Cyprus, with a specialisation in wine and gastronomy tourism, and is a certified Sustainable Gastronomy Chef from ALMA in Italy. Her recipes have been published in books, magazines and on television. She has been awarded a gold medal by Chefs Club Greece, and in 2024 she won second place at the LIFE Climate Smart Chefs Awards for her "Colocasia Rose Delicacy".
She serves as a founding member and President of Disciples Escoffier Cyprus and as a Judge at the International Taste Institute in Brussels and the World Chefs Association (WACS), and is former Vice President of Education and Publications at the Cyprus Chefs Association. She is a professional member of the Académie Culinaire de France, Les Toques Françaises, the Organisation Mondiale de la Gastronomie and WICCI Cyprus, a member of the Experts global network of IGCAT, and a member of the experts team for the protection and evaluation of Cyprus PDO cheese Halloumi. She has represented Cyprus at international events and jury panels in France and other European countries.
-
Dr Petros Dinas is a researcher in Human Physiology at the Laboratory of Environmental Physiology and a lecturer in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Thessaly. Dr Dinas holds five university degrees, including a master’s in Space Sciences and a PhD in Exercise Physiology. His research focuses on human brown fat, utilising genetic markers and positron emission tomography and computed tomography. He previously worked as a Human Physiology Researcher at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, specialising in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Dr Dinas has received funding from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organisation for his work in these areas. He has authored >60 scientific publications, some of which have used for health improvement guidelines from national governments and international organisations.
Senior ResearcherPetros Dinas
Role/Tasks in Mountain Games: