Cyprus teachers' union disputes denial of postdoctoral research leave

The Isotita Teachers' Union is calling on the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth to reverse its decision to deny unpaid leave to a teacher with 25 years of service. The educator requested the leave to conduct postdoctoral research focused on the integration of refugee children into the school system.

The research project was selected by the Research and Innovation Foundation from 195 proposals, receiving a score of 14.33 out of 15. It is funded by a €120,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund through the ‘THALEIA 2021-2027’ program. The union argues that the research funding is now at immediate risk due to the Ministry's refusal.

The union claims the Ministry's rejection contradicts its own circular, which allows for unpaid leave for postdoctoral studies and provides for simultaneous private employment within a research program. The matter has been referred to the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights.