Panagiotis Fotaris

Dr. Panagiotis Fotaris is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton, School of Architecture, Technology, and Engineering, specializing in Computing and Mathematical Sciences. He leads modules in Game Design, Digital Industries, and Design Thinking, and previously served as Course Leader for BSc Digital Games Development and BSc Computer Science for Games (2018-2022). His academic career includes roles at institutions like King’s College London, University of East London, and the Hellenic Open University.

Education:

• BSc in Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1999)
• MSc in Distributed and Multimedia Information Systems, Heriot-Watt University (2000)
• MA in Graphic Arts & Multimedia, Hellenic Open University (2010)
• PhD in Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia (2011)
• PgCert in Academic Practice, University of West London

Research Interests: Focuses on integrating technology into education through Game-Based Learning, Educational Escape Rooms, Generative AI, and Augmented/Virtual Reality. His work emphasizes frameworks like Room2Educ8 and Design Thinking to enhance learning experiences. He actively chairs international conferences (e.g., ECGBL, ECEL) and serves as an external examiner for multiple universities.

Grants & Projects: Led a 2019 Innovate UK-funded project developing cybersecurity-focused escape rooms. His research has produced over 40 peer-reviewed articles (h-index: 11) and includes collaborations with industry partners like Electronic Arts and Ubisoft.

Awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Recognized for keynote talks on AI in education and organizing global workshops on educational escape rooms.

Teaching & Innovation: Integrates gamification, AI, and industry partnerships into teaching. Organized Brighton’s first GAY(M) JAM, fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in gaming. Supervised over 100 student projects across UG/PG levels.