EMU Urban Research and Development Center

Welcome to the Urban Research & Development Center (URDC) of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU). Established in 1999 and restructured in 2005 as an interdisciplinary center under the Office of the President, URDC is dedicated to research, dialogue, and action on the challenges facing Cypriot towns and traditional settlements. Our mission is to promote sustainable urban settlements, improve the quality of urban environments, conduct research on local and regional issues, and provide consultancy services to both public and private sectors. We foster collaboration with local and international institutions, build interdisciplinary networks, and raise awareness among communities about urban environmental concerns. At a time when modernization pressures, neglect, and heritage loss threaten the identity of Cypriot urban areas, URDC serves as an essential forum connecting research, policy, and community engagement to create a more sustainable future.