The Advanced Autoradiography and Radiopharmacology Centre (ARC) is an open-access research infrastructure delivering precision molecular imaging and quantitative analysis of ligand binding experiments. Using real-time autoradiography, ARC enables high-resolution and quantitative mapping of radiolabelled compounds in biological tissues. Complementary radioligand-based assays enable quantitative assessment of binding affinity, selectivity, and target occupancy. Together, these approaches link spatial distribution with binding properties, enabling a more complete characterisation of compound behaviour in biological systems. The centre supports both early-stage discovery and preclinical research across academic and industrial settings.
High-resolution mapping of low-energy radiolabelled compounds in biological tissues, to assess spatial distribution, target localization and disease-related changes.
Quantitative analysis to support drug screening and target validation, including determination of binding affinity (Kd), receptor density (Bmax), and competitive binding parameters.
High-sensitivity measurement of radioactivity across multiple sample types, supporting ligand binding assays, uptake studies, and environmental radioactivity analysis.
Expert guidance on study design, method development, and data interpretation.
Digital platforms for high-resolution analysis of radiolabelled tissues.
Instrumentation for radioligand binding assays and scintillation-based detection.
BeaQuant Imaging System
Tomtec Cell Harvester
Hidex Sense Beta Counter
Hidex 300 SL Scintillation Counter
Information about Accessing the ARC & User Policy
ARC provides open access to advanced autoradiography and radiopharmacology infrastructure for academic and industrial research. Access is granted through a simple application process and is based on scientific quality and technical feasibility. External users are ensured dedicated access, supported by expert guidance and subject to mandatory onboarding. Use of the facility follows a cost-recovery model, with favourable terms for academic research and project-based pricing for industry. ARC supports responsible data management and requires acknowledgement in all resulting publications.
Dr. Metaxas is Associate Professor at the European University Cyprus and Scientific Lead of ARC, with over 20 years of experience in autoradiography, radioligand binding, and PET ligand development. His work applies binding approaches to study target distribution and engagement in neurodegenerative disease. At ARC, he supports the design and interpretation of imaging and binding studies.
Dr. Polycarpou is Associate Professor in Medical Physics and Chair of the Department of Health Sciences at the European University Cyprus. She specializes in PET and MRI imaging technologies, with significant contributions to method development, motion correction, and PET-MR simulation tools. At ARC, she supports the translation of findings toward in vivo imaging applications.
Dr. Kourti is Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at the European University Cyprus and Coordinator of the PhD programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She holds a PhD in Medicine/Pharmacy and has expertise in oxidative stress, cancer drug discovery, and therapeutic approaches in neurodegenerative disorders. At ARC, she serves as education and training liaison, supporting the integration of users into the facility.
Dr. Kalogirou is Assistant Professor at the European University Cyprus and a member of the ARC Steering Committee, serving as chemistry liaison. His work focuses on the synthesis and chemical optimisation of heterocyclic compounds in medicinal chemistry. At ARC, he supports compound design and chemical optimisation for binding and imaging studies.
Email: arc.ligandbinding@euc.ac.cy
Address: European University Cyprus
6, Diogenous Str, 2404 Engomi, Nicosia
P.O. Box: 22006, 1516 Nicosia-Cyprus
