Dr Maria Panayiotou

Dr Maria Panayiotou was appointed as Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus in January 2024, having previously served as Environmental Commissioner of Cyprus since March 2023. 

Dr. Panayiotou worked as a Specialist Scientist in the Department of History and Archeology of the University of Cyprus, and from 2004 to 2022 worked on seven European research projects of excellence, notably serving as a member of the Scientific Team of the University of Cyprus for the “Cyprus File” project from 2007 to 2010. Her research experience has encompassed the economic history of Cyprus, her country’s agricultural export trade, and ports and port infrastructure.  

Dr. Panayiotou graduated with honours in History and Archeology from the University of Cyprus in 2004. In 2006 she completed postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham where she earned an MPhil (B) in Modern East Mediterranean History. In 2017 she was awarded a PhD in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Cyprus.