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Saras D. SarasvathyView profile

Professor

• Entrepreneurship
• Effectuation
• Cognitive Basis of Entrepreneurship
• +3 more

Saras D. Sarasvathy is the Paul M. Hammaker Professor at the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia, where she is a member of the Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Ethics area. A leading researcher in entrepreneurship, she advises entrepreneurship programs globally across Europe, Asia, and Africa, while serving on boards of companies including Lending Tree (Nasdaq: TREE) and Upekkha, a SaaS accelerator in Bangalore, India. Her research focuses on the cognitive basis of high-performance entrepreneurship, particularly her groundbreaking work on effectuation theory. Sarasvathy's scholarship examines how expert entrepreneurs think and act under uncertainty, challenging traditional predictive approaches to business strategy. She has developed frameworks showing how entrepreneurs create markets and opportunities through action-oriented, non-predictive methods that leverage available means rather than predetermined goals. Sarasvathy's award-winning research has generated significant scholarly attention and practical applications worldwide. Her work has spawned over a hundred scholars involved in the effectuation research program, with publications available through www.effectuation.org. Her influential book Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise and co-authored textbook Effectual Entrepreneurship (winner of the 2012 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal) have shaped entrepreneurship education globally. Among her numerous accolades are the 2022 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research (the highest recognition in the field), the Academy of Management's 2019 Foundational Work Award, and recognition as one of Fortune Small Business Magazine's top 18 entrepreneurship professors. She has received honorary doctorates from multiple universities in Europe and Asia and has been named a Visiting Professor at institutions worldwide. Before academia, Sarasvathy founded and ran five successful businesses across three countries. Her doctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University was supervised by Herbert Simon, the 1978 Nobel Laureate in Economics, with whom she collaborated to discover the essential elements of entrepreneurial know-how. She holds a B.Com. from the University of Bombay, India, and an MSIA and Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University.

• Decision Support Systems
• Energy Management
• Environmental Analysis
• +6 more

John Psarras is a Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specifically within the Division of Industrial Electric Devices and Decision Systems. He serves as the Director of the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSlab) and the University Research Institute of Communication and Computer Systems. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (1982) and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1989), both from NTUA. His research specializes in decision support systems with applications in energy management, environmental analysis, and information systems. Key areas include: Multi-criteria analysis for energy policy and renewable integration AI-driven optimization of smart grids and building efficiency Sustainable finance mechanisms for green projects Blockchain applications in education and data security His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on AI-enhanced decision tools for energy transitions, smart infrastructure, healthcare diagnostics, and cross-border renewable cooperation, reflecting interdisciplinary innovation. He has supervised 22 PhD theses and coordinates EU-funded projects in energy policy, clean technology, and capacity building. No scientific awards are listed in available sources. He leads the Decision Support Systems Laboratory (DSSlab), advancing research in energy analytics, and directs the University Research Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, facilitating large-scale interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Software Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Educational Software
• +5 more

Maria Virvou serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Informatics at the University of Piraeus, where she also directs the Graduate Program in Informatics and leads the Research Laboratory 'Software Technology'. She holds significant institutional leadership roles including membership in the University Senate and has chaired the Department of Informatics for multiple terms. As Editor-in-Chief of Springer book series 'Learning and Analytics in Intelligent Systems' and 'Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Software and Systems Engineering', she maintains substantial academic influence across international scholarly platforms. Dr. Virvou earned her PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex with a scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation, a Master of Science in Computer Science from University College London, and her undergraduate degree from the Department of Mathematics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her educational background in both mathematics and computer science has provided a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary research approach. Professor Virvou's research spans Software Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Educational Software and Games, User Modeling, and Human-Computer Interaction. She has pioneered work in personalized interactive software systems, applying fuzzy logic and machine learning techniques to create adaptive educational environments. Her recent work demonstrates a strategic expansion into AI applications for healthcare, with significant contributions to medical diagnostics using large language models and multimodal AI systems. She has also made notable advances in smart tourism applications through personalization techniques. With over 400 publications to her name, Professor Virvou's scholarly output shows a clear progression from foundational work in user modeling toward increasingly sophisticated AI applications across multiple domains. Her publication trends reveal a strategic focus on explainable AI, multimodal systems, and practical implementations that bridge theoretical advances with real-world applications, particularly in healthcare and education sectors. Ranked #1 worldwide in 'User Modelling' publications (147,450 total publications) according to Scopus Ranked #1 worldwide in 'Educational Software' publications according to both Scopus and Microsoft Academic Search Recognized among the top 2% of most influential Artificial Intelligence scientists worldwide by Stanford University General Co-Chair at the 14th IISA Conference 2023 Invited Keynote Speaker at the 35th IEEE International Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (CSEE&T 2023) As Director of the Research Laboratory 'Software Technology', Professor Virvou has built a robust research team focused on AI applications across multiple domains. She co-founded and co-chairs the IEEE Intelligent Information Systems and Applications international conference series, creating a significant platform for scholarly exchange. Her leadership extends to editorial roles with major academic publishers and active participation in international research collaborations that have secured substantial funding for innovative projects in AI and software engineering.

Nikitas KaranikolasView profile

Professor

• Natural Language Processing and Understanding
• Computational Linguistics
• Computational Phonology
• +7 more

Nikitas Karanikolas serves as Professor in the Department of Informatics and Computer Engineering at the University of West Attica since March 2018, following a distinguished career progression from Assistant Professor (2004) to Associate Professor (2010) and Professor (2014) at the Technological Educational Institute of Athens. His professional trajectory includes significant roles as Systems Head of TEI Athens Library (1996-1997) and Chief of Informatics at Aretaieio University Hospital (1997-2004), alongside leadership positions in the Greek Computer Society as Board Member (2004-2006) and Secretary General (2006-2008). His academic foundation includes: Bachelor's in Statistics and Informatics from Athens University of Economics and Business (1988) PhD in Applied Informatics from Athens University of Economics and Business (1994) with thesis "Technological and Linguistic approaches in Natural Language Understanding" Dr. Karanikolas maintains an exceptionally broad research portfolio spanning Natural Language Processing , Computational Linguistics , Medical Informatics , and Green Energy systems. His work consistently bridges theoretical computational frameworks with practical healthcare applications, particularly evident in recent dementia care technologies and Greek language processing systems. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects computational phonology with medical diagnostics and e-government applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a pronounced shift toward AI-driven healthcare solutions (particularly dementia patient monitoring), multilingual NLP systems (Greek and Polish), and urban safety applications . His work demonstrates consistent methodology development in ontological representations and multimodal fusion techniques, with increasing emphasis on real-world clinical and governmental implementations since 2023. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. With 16 journal papers, 68 conference publications, and six authoritative Greek university textbooks, Dr. Karanikolas maintains an active research trajectory. His advising capacity is evidenced through extensive publication mentorship, particularly in medical informatics and NLP projects. While specific grant details are unavailable, his hospital information system implementations and textbook authorship suggest successful research funding acquisition. Current research activities focus on multimodal aggression prediction systems for dementia care, Greek language ontological frameworks, and urban navigation safety applications, primarily conducted through the University of West Attica's informatics infrastructure.

Stavros DemetriadisView profile

Professor

• Learning Technologies
• Educational Technology
• ICT in Education
• +7 more

Stavros Demetriadis is a Full Professor at the School of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His research focuses on Learning Technologies, including Conversational Agents in Education, Learning Analytics, Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), Computational Thinking, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). He has led EU-funded projects like colMOOC and developed educational tools such as 'pytolearn' for Python instruction and 'Cubes Coding' (winner of Open Education Challenge 2014 and NUMA Competition 2014). He has supervised 5 completed PhD theses, 4 ongoing PhDs, and over 60 Master’s theses. Academic Appointments: Full Professor (2020–present), Associate Professor (2015–2020), Assistant Professor (2012–2015), Lecturer (2002–2008), Informatics Teacher (1989–2002) Education: PhD in Multimedia Technology in Education (2000), MSc in Electronic Physics (1986), BSc in Physics (1983) His work bridges AI and education, with over 161 publications and an h-index of 27. Recent research explores ChatGPT integration, ethics in Learning Analytics, and AI-driven assessment tools. He has delivered invited talks at institutions like the University of Valladolid (2024) and coordinates the 'Teachers' Fast-paced Distance Training on Tele-education' project. Awards include three international best paper awards and recognition for his 'Cubes Coding' project. Key Research Contributions: Developed frameworks for Conversational Agents in CSCL Innovated Computational Thinking pedagogy through robotics Explored ethics and culture in Learning Analytics adoption Created Python-based MOOCs for non-programmers He has taught courses like Human-Computer Interaction and Learning Analytics, and led short programs on Conversational AI. His collaborations span institutions in Spain, Denmark, and Greece. ORCID: 0000-0002-1561-6372; Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Scopus profiles list his extensive output.

Birbili MariaView profile

Professor

• Early Childhood Education
• Curriculum Development
• Teacher Education
• +4 more

Professor Maria Birbili serves as a Professor in the Department of Pedagogy at the School of Early Childhood Education, part of the Faculty of Education at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her academic specialization lies in Applied Pedagogy within early childhood education, with a focus on curriculum development, teacher education, and child-centered learning practices. She holds a DPhil in Educational Studies (2000) and has contributed significantly to advancing educational methodologies through her research. Her academic career includes teaching courses such as *Assessment in Education*, *Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice I*, and *Teaching Methodology*. Her research interests emphasize early childhood educational policies, teacher mediation in curriculum design, and the integration of computational thinking in K-12 education. She actively explores themes like parent involvement, professional development for educators, and cross-cultural curriculum comparisons, as seen in her work contrasting Greece and New Zealand’s early childhood policies. Birbili’s publications reflect a commitment to bridging theory and practice, addressing challenges in curriculum implementation, child questioning strategies, and pedagogical documentation. Her work often highlights the need for systemic reforms in Greece’s centralized educational framework to better support teachers and families. She is also engaged in digital initiatives, such as building online teacher communities and leveraging learning analytics for educational insights. Education: DPhil in Educational Studies (2000) Affiliation: School of Early Childhood Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Contact: mmpirmpi@nured.auth.gr | +30 2310991273

• Inclusive Education
• Special Educational Needs
• Educational Policies
• +3 more

Avramidis Elias is a Professor at the University of Thessaly, specializing in Research Methodology and Qualitative Research Methods. His academic focus centers on inclusive education, addressing barriers to its implementation across primary, secondary, and tertiary settings. His research explores effective policies and pedagogies for students with learning difficulties, including emotional and behavioral challenges, and evaluates social impacts of inclusive programs. He also investigates support systems for disabled university students within lifelong learning frameworks and methodological advancements in educational research. His recent work emphasizes collective responsibility in education, teacher attitudes, and cross-national comparisons of inclusive practices. Notable contributions include studies on peer tutoring, teacher resilience during the pandemic, and interventions to enhance student social participation. Despite extensive research output, his profile does not mention formal awards or grants, though his work is widely published in reputable journals. Avramidis collaborates globally, evidenced by co-authored papers with researchers from Canada, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. He teaches courses such as Statistics and Curriculum Applications in Special Education, reflecting his commitment to both research and pedagogy. His office is located at the Papastratos Complex (Building Rosa Imbrioti, 2nd floor, Room 7), and he holds regular office hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Evangelos BoukasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotics Vision
• Autonomous Systems
• Machine Learning
• +3 more

Evangelos Boukas is an Assistant Professor at Aalborg University Copenhagen and a former PhD Candidate in Robotics Vision at the Democritus University of Thrace. He is affiliated with the Group of Robotics & Cognitive Systems (Gryphon Lab) and ESA's Automation and Robotics Laboratory (ESTEC). His research focuses on robotic vision, autonomous systems, and space exploration technologies. He has contributed to projects like SPARTAN and ESA-funded localization initiatives. Boukas has co-taught courses in Robotics, Mechantronics, and Robotics Vision, and co-supervised diploma theses in areas like 3D object recognition and robot navigation. His work employs open-source frameworks (ROS/ROCK) and tools like MATLAB. Education: PhD Candidate (2012-current): Robotics Vision, Democritus University of Thrace MSc (2010-2012): Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace Diploma (2005-2010): Production & Management Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace Research Highlights: Designed robots like the Heavy Duty Planetary Rover (HDRP) and MAGGIE, developed algorithms for planetary rover localization, and worked on ESA-funded projects. His interests include modular robotics systems and probabilistic approaches in autonomous systems. Labs/Teams: Gryphon Lab, ESA's Automation and Robotics Laboratory (ARL).

Glykeria FragkiadakiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Early Childhood Science Education
• STEM Education for Young Children
• Conceptual PlayWorlds
• +7 more

Glykeria Fragkiadaki is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education and Education Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her academic work focuses on early childhood science education, particularly the integration of science concepts through play-based approaches and Conceptual PlayWorlds. She teaches courses including Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice, Science and the Child's Social and Cultural Reality, and Science and Everyday Educational Reality in Preschool Settings. Her research interests center on early childhood science education, STEM learning for young children, conceptual development through play, cultural-historical approaches to education, and teacher professional development. She has developed significant expertise in Conceptual PlayWorlds as a framework for science learning in early years. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, emphasizing how children form scientific concepts through imaginative play and social interaction. Dr. Fragkiadaki's recent publications explore science concept formation from infancy through early childhood, the integration of digital tools in Conceptual PlayWorlds, collective imagination in early learning environments, and gender equity in STEM education for young children. Her work demonstrates how theoretical thinking can transform teacher practice and how play creates meaningful conditions for scientific concept development. She has supervised numerous doctoral, postgraduate, and undergraduate theses, both at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and internationally at Monash University. Her current research includes the project 'Ensuring the playful character of Natural Sciences: strengthening the scientific literacy of young children through play' (2023-2025), where she serves as coordinator, and participation in the research program 'Education Sciences: Research and Practice in changing learning environments' (2022-2027). Her academic journey began with a Diploma in Pedagogy for Kindergarten Teachers from the University of Patras in 2004, followed by a Master's degree in 2013 and a Doctoral degree in 2017, both from TEAPI at the University of Patras. Her scholarly contributions have established her as a significant voice in cultural-historical approaches to early childhood science education.

Vassilis P. PlagianakosView profile

Associate Professor

• Machine Learning
• Neural Networks
• Bioinformatics
• +5 more

Vassilis P. Plagianakos is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Greece. He has held visiting academic roles at the University of the Aegean, University of Patras, and University of Central Greece. He currently serves as the Department Head and Director of the postgraduate program Informatics and Computational Biomedicine in the School of Sciences. His research focuses on machine learning, neural networks, bioinformatics, and parallel computing with applications in healthcare and education. Education : Bachelor’s in Mathematics (1996), University of Patras Ph.D. in Mathematics (2003), University of Patras Research Interests : Plagianakos explores neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, and machine learning applications in bioinformatics, medical diagnosis, and educational technology. His work bridges computational methods with real-world challenges in healthcare (e.g., precision medicine) and STEM education (e.g., flipped classrooms, AI integration). Recent Trends in Publications : Recent work emphasizes predictive precision medicine using big data, blockchain scalability solutions, and AI ethics in automated content detection. He has pioneered methods like the HCER hierarchical clustering-ensemble regressor and developed tools for analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data. Professional Activities : Member of IEEE Neural Networks Society, IEEE BBTC, and former Board Member of the Hellenic AI Society. Active in collaborative projects like CrowdHEALTH for policy-driven health data analytics.

• Technology-Enhanced Learning
• Accessibility & Universal Design
• Assistive Technology
• +7 more

Charalampos Karagiannidis is a Professor at the University of Thessaly (UTH) in the School of Educational Design (SED), Department of Information and Communication Technologies in Learning and Special Education. He has been affiliated with UTH since 2005 and previously worked at the University of the Aegean, ITI-CERTH, and ICS-FORTH. His academic roles include chairing the TeDISABLE Special Interest Group (SIG) of the IEEE TCLT. Education: BSc in Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki MSc in Information Technology, University of London PhD in Electronics Engineering, University of Kent, UK Research Focus: Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) Accessibility & Universal Design Assistive Technologies for Special Needs Augmented Reality (AR) and Gamification in Education Educational Robotics for Inclusion Cognitive Assessment Technologies for Aging Populations Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes ICT applications for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), inclusive robotics, MOOC design for K-12 education, and digital tools to address mild cognitive impairment. His research often bridges theoretical learning models with practical software development, particularly for marginalized populations. Awards & Recognition: No explicit awards listed, but active participation in 150+ publications, editorial roles, and international conference committees demonstrates peer recognition. Grants & Labs: Involved in projects like the TeDISABLE SIG and development of tools such as the Virtual Learning and Social Stories for Autism (VLSS) system . Collaborates on EU-funded initiatives addressing aging populations and cognitive assessment via digital tools.

Pavlos KontosView profile

Professor

• Aristotelian Ethics
• Phenomenology
• Ancient Philosophy
• +3 more

Professor Pavlos Kontos holds a position at the University of Patras. He completed his PhD in Philosophy at University College London (UCL) under Jacques Taminiaux, focusing on Heidegger's phenomenology of perception. His academic career includes postgraduate studies in Open and Distance Education and extensive editorial work on classical and phenomenological texts. Research Interests: His work bridges Aristotelian ethics with phenomenological traditions (Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Arendt). Key areas include moral realism, practical reason, and the intersection of ancient philosophy with existential thought. Recent Grants: Academic Supervisor for 'Promotion of Greek/Chinese Civilizations Study' (€385k, 2022–24) Co-leader of 'Philosophy of Non-Being' project with Bonn/Athens (€55k, 2022–25) Erasmus Mundus collaboration with Renmin University, Beijing Awards & Fellowships: 2021-2022 Excellence Publication Award for Aristotle on the Scope of Practical Reason Humboldt-Fellow (2007–present) Stanford Humanities Center Fellowship (2023–24) Teaching & Outreach: Leads courses like 'Introduction to Philosophy' and 'Problem of Evil'. Developed MOOCs on Aristotle's ethics and the concept of evil, available on FORTH Crete's platform. Maintains regular student office hours.

Sergios DimitriadisView profile

Professor

• Digital Marketing
• Consumer Behavior
• Brand Management
• +3 more

Sergios Dimitriadis serves as Professor in the Department of Marketing and Communication at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), where he has taught since 2000 following ten years of academic and consulting experience in France. His instructional portfolio includes Digital and Omni-channel Marketing, Customer Experience Management, and Digital Content courses. His educational credentials feature a foundational degree from Athens University of Economics and Business and a doctoral degree from France's University of Aix-Marseille. Professor Dimitriadis specializes in digital consumer behavior with emphases on social media brand dynamics, 3D virtual retail environments, and relational value frameworks. His research investigates how technological interfaces shape consumer-brand interactions, particularly examining perceived value constructs in Facebook ecosystems and spatial navigation in immersive online stores. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on relational benefit-cost dynamics across digital contexts, with methodological strengths in experimental design and multivariate analysis. Key thematic trajectories include green brand relationship metrics (2018-2019), social media brand page typologies (2018), and trust-based segmentation in financial technology (2011). No scientific awards were documented in source materials. As scientific director of AUEB's Center for Training and Lifelong Learning educational programs, he bridges academic and professional spheres through European/national research program consultancy and organizational training initiatives, demonstrating commitment to applied knowledge transfer despite absence of specific grant details.

Papadopoulou MariaView profile

Professor

• Literacies and language education
• Multimodal literacy
• Refugee education
• +4 more

Professor Maria Papadopoulou is a faculty member in the Department of Language and History at the School of Early Childhood Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her expertise spans literacies, multilingual education, refugee integration, and multimodal communication. She has held roles in curriculum development, teacher training, and policy analysis, focusing on inclusive practices for marginalized groups. Education & Professional Background: Established career in early childhood and language education with a focus on refugee and multilingual contexts. Administrative Roles: Contributed to academic governance and international conferences, including the Hellenic Semiotics Society. Her research emphasizes critical literacy, digital tools in education, and refugee education policy. Key projects include interventions for noise awareness in preschools and studies on Roma literacy practices. She has collaborated with NGOs and policymakers to bridge theory and practice in multicultural education settings. Publications span over 30 years, addressing topics like semiotics in advertising, multimodal texts, and task-based language teaching. Her work highlights the interplay between cultural context, technology, and pedagogy to foster inclusive learning environments.

Sotiris PlainisView profile

Research Fellow

• Optics
• Vision Science
• Ophthalmology
• +3 more

Sotiris Plainis is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Optics and Vision, University of Crete, and a Visiting Researcher at Aston University (UK). He holds an MSc and PhD in Optometry and has held roles such as Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester (2006–2013). His expertise spans Optics, Psychophysics, and Electrophysiology of Vision. He leads clinical and research activities, including specialized electrophysiological exams for retinal and optic nerve disorders. Plainis co-developed the European-wide visual acuity charts (modified ETDRS) to enhance cross-cultural applicability in clinical trials. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR) and contributes to interdisciplinary postgraduate programs in Optics & Vision and Investigative Ophthalmology. His work also involves evaluating visual performance in athletes with visual impairments and advancing optometry education in Greece and Europe. Education: Graduate Optician (TEI Athens) and Optometrist (UMIST, UK). Active in editorial boards and peer review, with over 55 peer-reviewed publications, books, and chapters. Awards include the Prof. I. Pallikaris Award and the SOI Honorary Award in Ophthalmology (2018). Research focuses on contact lens optics, visual acuity assessment, and electrophysiological diagnostics. He collaborates internationally, presenting at conferences like ARVO and ISCLR, and chairs educational committees in optometry. His lab develops innovative tools for vision testing and contributes to clinical standards in ophthalmology.