The PERiFORM project begins by exploring how different types of movement in immersive virtual environments can influence how individuals perceive the space around their body. The targeted training and assessment aims to identify the most effective approach for enhancing this spatial perception. Building on these findings, the next phase focuses on applying this knowledge in athletic contexts, using virtual reality to support and potentially improve sports performance. Enhancing the peripersonal space could strengthen sensorimotor integration and attention in athletic contexts, potentially benefiting performance and skill acquisition.
By linking the enhancement of peripersonal space to measurable improvements in athletic performance, PERiFORM aims to introduce new strategies in sports training and contribute insights into motor control and spatial awareness in both performance and rehabilitation contexts.
Boxers, Goalkeepers, People involved in sports sector
PERiFORM aims to develop and validate Virtual Reality (VR)-based training protocols for enhancing peripersonal space (PPS) by identifying the most effective movement strategies to expand PPS and improve reaction time, spatial accuracy, and sensorimotor performance. The project will generate scientific insights into the relationship between PPS and athletic performance, with practical applications for sports such as boxing and goalkeeping. It will also lead to the development of immersive tools (e.g., SpeedPad, VkeepR) to support future training and rehabilitation practices.
Dr. Christodoula Gavriel is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Limassol, specializing in spatial perception, human movement, and the use of virtual reality for cognitive research. She holds a PhD from the University of Cyprus and has extensive experience in immersive behavioral experiments and coordinating interdisciplinary projects. As Principal Investigator, she is responsible for the overall management of the PERiFORM project, designing the experiments, and disseminating the results.
Dr. Kyriaki Mikellidou is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Quantitative Research Methods at the University of Limassol, specializing in visual perception and cognition in both healthy and clinical populations using virtual reality, psychophysics, and neuroimaging techniques. She holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of York and is a recipient of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship. Her research has been published in high-impact journals and presented internationally, and she currently serves as Editor for Perception and i-Perception.”
The project is co-funded by the EU within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027”. [Pr. no. POST-DOC/0524/0011].
The content reflects the views of the author(s) only.
The European Commission and the Managing Authority of THALIA 2021–2027 cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Dear Participant,
You are invited to participate in a survey as part of the DiFiCy – Digital Transformation and FinTech: Shaping Cyprus’s Economy research project which is implemented by the University of Limassol, PwC Cyprus and Unity Growth Limited.
The project is co-funded by the European Union within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” through the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) in Cyprus [Pr. number: EXCELLENCE/0524/0568].
The study has been approved by the National Bioethics Committee of Cyprus (Approval no.: EEBK EΠ 2025.01.19 )
This project explores digital transformation and FinTech adoption in Cyprus, with a particular focus on SMEs and the broader business ecosystem. It uses a mixed-methods research design, combining survey data with interviews and case study evidence to generate evidence-based insights for policymakers and businesses.
Before deciding whether to participate, please read the following information carefully.
The purpose of this research is to better understand the drivers, challenges, and impacts of digital transformation and FinTech adoption in Cyprus. The findings aim to support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen business practices, and contribute to innovation and economic development.
Your participation involves the following:
Completion of this survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
Invitation to take part in an optional interview.
Contribution to a case study or discussion session at a later stage.
Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to decline or withdraw at any time without any consequences.
If you wish to withdraw from the study after submitting your responses, you may do so by contacting the Project Coordinator.
All data collected will be handled in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Cyprus Data Protection Law (125(I)/2018).
Your data will be treated confidentially, pseudonymised and anonymised, and no personally identifiable information will be disclosed. Data will be securely stored and accessed only by authorised members of the research team. In some cases, qualitative data may be processed using machine learning techniques, such as keyword identification or pattern detection, strictly to support analysis; however, all interpretation and conclusions will be made by the researchers.
Aggregated and anonymised findings derived from the data (e.g., statistical summaries, graphs, and thematic insights) may be used for dissemination activities, including scientific publications, policy reports, infographics, and training materials. These outputs will not contain any information that could directly or indirectly identify participants or their organisations.
Anonymised data may be shared publicly after a 24-month embargo period, while raw or sensitive data will not be publicly available. Access to raw or sensitive data will be granted only upon justified request and consortium approval.
Your participation in this study does not involve any risks.
On the contrary, your contribution may help improve digital and FinTech policies, support SME development and innovation strategies, and enhance the overall business environment in Cyprus.
If you have any questions, concerns, withdraw requests or complaints, please contact the Project Coordinator, Dr. Snezana Eminidou. Please include “DiFiCy Survey” in the subject line.
Email: snezana@uol.ac.cy
Phone number: +357 22462228
The project is co-funded by the EU within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” through the Research and Innovation Foundation. [Pr. no. EXCELLENCE/0524/0568]. The content reflects the views of the author(s) only. The European Commission and the Managing Authority of THALIA 2021–2027 cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.