Vision Mission The İrfan Günsel Research Center is dedicated to continuing the legacy of İrfan Suat Günsel, whose lifelong commitment to Cyprus, its land, and its people serves as an enduring inspiration. The Center conducts scientific, cultural, and applied research to safeguard local values, traditional production methods, ecological agriculture, animal husbandry, and innovative food technologies. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern science, the Center aims to transform local knowledge into global value. Head of the Center: Prof. Dr. Özge Özden Beekeeping Research Group Olive Research Group Innovative Foods Research Group Cultural Heritage and Rural Life Research Group Animal Husbandry Research Group in Cyprus Project 1: From Garden to Table The challenges encountered in home gardening (such as water supply, pests and diseases, time constraints) and the solutions developed to cope with these challenges will also be evaluated. In addition, the levels of use of organic fertilizers and biological pest management, water management practices, and awareness of environmental sustainability are among the focal points of the research. Moreover, using the Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) method, the preference structures of participants toward different agricultural production combinations and their intentions toward sustainable practices will be analyzed. This research aims to assess the individual, societal, and environmental dimensions of home gardening and to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture policies. Project 2: The Tradition of the Island in Safe Hands Developing an innovative, scientifically monitored halloumi (hellim) production process that protects cultural authenticity while meeting international food safety standards. Halloumi, one of the most distinctive elements of Cypriot heritage, represents both a cultural identity and a scientific challenge in modern food production. The İrfan Günsel Research Center’s halloumi project combines traditional cheese-making knowledge with contemporary laboratory-based innovation. Conducted in collaboration with the Innovative Food Production Center and AGRI_VET Research Laboratory, the project aims to preserve the product’s unique texture, flavor, and artisanal value, while ensuring full compliance with European Union and Codex Alimentarius food safety protocols. The project’s scientific component involves the standardization of production parameters — such as pH stability, milk composition, microbial control, and temperature precision — to ensure both consistency and safety across large-scale production. In addition to laboratory and field studies, the Center promotes the concept of “Cultural Sustainability through Food”, emphasizing that protecting traditional production means preserving the memory, identity, and continuity of a community. The project thus stands as a model of how scientific innovation can safeguard cultural heritage while strengthening Cyprus’s position in the international agri-food sector. Research Outputs: The Center operates within the Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum at Near East University and collaborates with the AGRI_VET Research Laboratory, Havva Hanım Farm, and the Innovative Food Production Center. Through its interdisciplinary initiatives, the Center not only contributes to scientific advancement but also to community well-being, sustainable resource use, and the preservation of cultural identity. Its projects highlight how scientific research can sustain both ecological balance and local tradition—turning knowledge into a tool for social innovation and cultural continuity.Preserving Heritage, Cultivating Innovation
To become a leading multidisciplinary research center that bridges tradition and innovation—preserving Cyprus’s cultural and agricultural heritage while pioneering sustainable food and rural development practices in line with global standards.
Research Focus and Objectives
Leadership
Executive Board: Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Prof. Dr. Salih Gücel, Prof. Dr. Beyza Ulusoy, Assist. Prof. Dr. Doruk Kaynarca, Dr. Hüseyin ÇelikResearch Groups and Members
Key Projects
The aim of this research is to examine the agricultural and livestock activities carried out by individuals in home gardens in Northern Cyprus, and to assess the prevalence, impacts,individual attitudes, preferences, and intentions regarding sustainable agriculture practices. The study addresses biodiversity conservation, reduction in chemical input use, adoption of alternative agricultural techniques, and the effects of these practices on health, environment and economy. Furthermore, participants’ socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender,income level, education level) will be analyzed along with their awareness levels toward home gardening, and their attitudes and preferences toward sustainable agriculture practices.
At the same time, researchers are working to document and archive traditional production methods passed down through generations of Cypriot producers, transforming local knowledge into a scientifically validated process.Facilities and Collaborations
International partnerships include the Naples Plant Protection Institute (Italy) and La Grassa Institute (Spain) for ongoing research in sustainable beekeeping and olive oil quality analysis.Societal Impact
İrfan Günsel Research Center