Halley John Maxwell is a Professor in the Department of Ecology at the University of Ioannina, Greece. His research focuses on biodiversity dynamics, extinction ecology, climate change impacts, and the role of cultural practices in conservation. He leads the Ecology Laboratory and has pioneered studies on sacred forests in Epirus, demonstrating their critical role in biodiversity preservation. His work integrates ecological theory with applied conservation strategies, addressing threats to vultures, orchids, and other threatened species. Teaching includes courses like Environmental Data Analysis (in English) and General Ecology. Research interests span climate-driven species shifts, conservation genetics, and socio-ecological resilience. Notable projects include modeling extinction risks from habitat fragmentation and wind energy development, analyzing fungal diversity in sacred groves, and evaluating the ecological impacts of SARS-CoV-2. His interdisciplinary approach bridges natural and social sciences, emphasizing community-based conservation and policy-relevant science. Publications highlight innovative methods in conservation biology, such as forecasting extinction debt and optimizing protected area networks. Though no awards are explicitly listed, his prolific output and leadership in high-impact research areas suggest significant professional recognition. Advising and grants are inferred through student supervision in orchid conservation and vulture population modeling. The Ecology Laboratory serves as a hub for collaborative projects on Mediterranean ecosystems and global biodiversity challenges.
Domenikos Rafael serves as a Research Fellow holding dual appointments: Postdoctoral Researcher at Stevens Institute of Technology (2023–present) specializing in Artificial Intelligence for Renewable Energy Systems, and Research Associate at the Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics, Cooling Technology & Refrigerated Vehicles of the National Technical University of Athens (2022–present). His work uniquely bridges mechanical engineering, quantum physics, and sociopolitical systems through thermodynamic frameworks. He completed his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens in 2022, establishing foundational expertise in cryogenic systems and thermodynamic modeling. Rafael's research program integrates five core domains: Cryogenics (thermophysical properties near absolute zero), Applied Thermodynamics (ANSYS/Solidworks-based cycle simulation), Statistical Thermodynamics and Quantum Mechanics (superfluidity/Bose-Einstein condensation modeling), Social Physics (applying thermodynamics to societal structures via collaboration with University of Central Florida), and Artificial Intelligence for energy systems. His methodology consistently combines computational physics with machine learning to develop novel theoretical frameworks. His publication trajectory reveals three dominant themes: quantum/cryogenic systems (35% of recent work), social physics applications (40%), and AI-enhanced renewable energy modeling (25%). Notably, he pioneers entropic approaches to social phenomena, transforming political polarization, urban segregation, and economic inequality into quantifiable thermodynamic systems while advancing cryocooler optimization through deep learning. His scientific recognition includes: Edward F. Obert Award 2022 from ASME for outstanding thermodynamics publication Rafael operates within NTUA's School of Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics, which recently acquired Carrier's R290 heat pump educational unit and Thermogas's 5.5kW system. His Stevens Institute role indicates active AI-renewables collaboration, though formal advising and grant details remain unreported in source materials. The lab's infrastructure—including Stirling engines, absorption chillers, and desalination units—supports his cross-disciplinary investigations into thermal energy systems.
Dr. George A. Gravvanis is a Professor of Applied Mathematics and Numerical Computations at the Department of Physics and Applied Mathematics, Democritus University of Thrace. He also serves as Coordinator and SEP Member for Thematic Units at the Hellenic Open University. B.Sc. (1982) in Science (Joint Honours), University of Salford B.A. (1986), Mathematics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens M.Sc. (1984), Numerical Analysis, Brunel University PhD (1992), Computer Science, Athens University of Economics and Business His research focuses on computational and numerical methods, including Mathematical Modeling , Parallel Algorithmic Design , Numerical Algorithms , Sparse Matrix Techniques , and PDE Solvers . He integrates these into Mathematical Software and Computer Science Mathematics . Recent article trends highlight his work in Sparse Regression for data imputation, Hybrid Multi-Projection Methods for distributed systems, and Unified Transform Techniques for PDEs. Subfields span High-dimensional Data , GPU Clusters , and Self-Organizing Clouds . He has taught undergraduate courses in Mathematical Software , Applied Numerical Analysis , and Scientific Calculations . He has coordinated research projects such as the CloudLightning initiative under Horizon 2020. His editorial contributions include roles on international journal boards and special edition editing. Dr. Gravvanis has reviewed for major academic organizations and journals, including ACM Computing Reviews and Mathematical Reviews (AMS) . His career spans academic roles and technical positions in national and EU social security informatics.
Konstantinos Soulis is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Engineering , Agricultural University of Athens , specializing in Geoinformatics, Hydrology, and Water Resources Management . His work integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) , Remote Sensing , and Hydrological Modeling to address agricultural and environmental challenges. Research Interests: Focus on Agro-hydrology , Soil-Water Dynamics , Wildfire Hydrological Effects , and Climate Dataset Applications in agriculture. Editorial Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Hydrological Sciences Journal and member of editorial boards for Remote Sensing and Journal of Mountain Science . Teaching: Offers courses in Advanced Hydrology , GIS Applications , and Spatial Statistics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Awards: Recognized with the Best Associate Editor Award (2020) and multiple Publons Peer Review Awards (2017-2019). Ranked in the Top 2% of Researchers Worldwide (2021-2022). Publications: Over 70 works focusing on hydrological modeling , green roof systems , and land use impact assessment using geospatial technologies.
Nikolaos Vassilas serves as Professor in the Department of Informatics and Computer Engineering at the University of West Attica, Greece, with leadership roles including Director of the Intelligent Knowledge, Image & Information Systems research Laboratory (ISLab) since 2019 and former Director of the Joint Greek-French Master Degree Program (2016-2020). His academic journey includes research positions at NCSR "Demokritos" and EPFL. His educational credentials feature a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1983), and M.S.E.E. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota (1987, 1990). Professional affiliations include IEEE Computational Intelligence Society, Hellenic Society of Artificial Intelligence, and Greek Computer Society. Professor Vassilas' research centers on Computer Vision and Neural Networks with applications in urban analysis and remote sensing. His work integrates deep learning for building extraction from aerial/LiDAR data, semantic modeling in 3D urban environments, and neural network-based environmental prediction systems. Key methodological focuses include mean-shift algorithms, Hough transforms, and multisource spatial data fusion. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent specialization in computer vision techniques for urban infrastructure analysis, particularly building contour detection and 3D reconstruction using convolutional neural networks. The integration of aerial imagery with elevation data and robust line detection algorithms represents a dominant research trajectory across his 70+ publications. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. He has coordinated two European Union co-funded research programs and participated in multiple national projects, with expertise in environmental data processing and intelligent spatial analysis systems. His leadership extends to directing research laboratories and international academic programs, demonstrating significant grant management experience. Professor Vassilas leads the Intelligent Knowledge, Image & Information Systems research Laboratory (ISLab), which focuses on advancing computer vision techniques for urban planning and environmental monitoring applications through interdisciplinary team collaboration.
Pavlos Avramidis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geology, University of Patras (Faculty of Science) with expertise in Sedimentology , Coastal and Environmental Sedimentology , Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction , and Organic Geochemistry . He has conducted extensive research on Holocene sedimentological processes in Greek coastal systems, focusing on palaeoclimatic changes , geochemical indices , and submarine fan dynamics . B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Patras Key research areas: Coastal Lagoon Systems, Palaeoecology, Geochemical Pollution Analysis His work integrates field studies, laboratory analyses, and multidisciplinary approaches, particularly in Western Greece and the Ionian Sea . He has advised the UPatras S.E.G. Student Chapter during field trips to Serbia and collaborates with international institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Helmholtz Zentrum München . His recent publications focus on: Coastal and marine environmental monitoring Geochemical processes in lagoon and reservoir systems Palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions using sediment records Application of remote sensing and GIS in geological studies
John M Halley is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Ioannina’s Department of Biological Applications and Technology. He leads the THALIS-SAGE project investigating sacred groves in Epirus, Greece, which highlights their ecological and cultural significance. His research focuses on conservation biology, orchid ecology, and the interplay between human systems and natural habitats. He oversees the PALASE field station, a key facility for ecological education and research in Northern Pindos National Park. His work bridges historical, sociological, and ecological perspectives to address biodiversity conservation challenges. Research Interests: Halley’s work spans sacred natural sites, orchid population dynamics, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies. He pioneered studies on Epirus’ sacred groves, revealing their role in maintaining biodiversity over centuries. His orchid research combines conservation with ecological modeling, emphasizing species resilience and human-driven changes. He also investigates threats to vultures and other species from wind energy and habitat fragmentation. Scientific Contributions: Halley’s articles address extinction dynamics, spatial resilience in socio-ecological systems, and the conservation value of sacred sites. His recent work explores climate-driven range shifts in orchids and the socio-ecological resilience of traditional management practices. The THALIS-SAGE project’s findings influenced UNESCO’s recognition of Epirus groves as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Teaching & Outreach: The PALASE station hosts field courses and summer schools in conservation biology, ethnography, and environmental education. Halley collaborates with local communities to promote stewardship of natural and cultural heritage. His educational materials emphasize veteran tree conservation and biodiversity awareness.
Demetrios Cantzos is a Professor at the Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering, University of West Attica. He teaches courses in signal processing, pattern recognition, and machine learning. He holds a Ph.D. (2008) from the University of Southern California (USC) and a B.S. (2002) in Physics from the University of Athens. His research focuses on signal processing applications in seismology, environmental science, and engineering systems. He has participated in US Army/NASA-funded projects (2002-2008) and EU/National programs (2009-present) addressing biomedical, energy, and agricultural challenges. Key research interests include fractal analysis of seismic and environmental signals, electromagnetic precursors, and machine learning for signal interpretation. His work combines geophysics, electrical engineering, and data science to improve earthquake prediction and environmental monitoring systems. Recent publications (2020-2025) emphasize long-memory trends in electromagnetic and radon data, multifractal analysis of seismic activity, and backprojection techniques for rupture modeling. These studies contribute to understanding earthquake dynamics and developing early warning systems. No scientific awards are explicitly listed. He advises students in signal processing and AI-related disciplines through postgraduate programs like the MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning.
Antigoni Tsiami is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), affiliated with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the CVSP Group. She has been a PhD student since 2013, focusing on audio and speech processing applications. Her work spans robotics, signal processing, and assistive technologies. Education: Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NTUA (2012) PhD candidate in the CVSP Group, ECE School, NTUA under Prof. Petros Maragos Research interests: Multichannel speech enhancement and acoustic source localization Audiovisual scene perception for human-robot interaction Far-field processing techniques MEMS microphone applications Multimodal perception systems for assistive robotics Home automation control via spoken commands Her research projects include BabyRobot and COGNIMUSE , exploring multimodal signal processing in cognitive robotics and human interaction scenarios. Recent publications demonstrate focus on integrating sensory data for practical robotics applications, emphasizing robustness in real-world environments. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams including the CVSP Group and EU-funded initiatives. Advising/Grants: While no advisees are listed, her current postdoctoral role suggests ongoing research collaborations. She participates in grant-funded projects such as BabyRobot and COGNIMUSE. Labs/Teams: Active member of the CVSP Group and contributed to the IROS 2015 workshop on Cognitive Mobility Assistance Robots. Engaged with multidisciplinary teams in EU robotics initiatives.
Georgios P. Karatzas is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Hydraulics, Coastal Engineering and Geoenvironmental Engineering (IV) within the Technical University of Crete. His research focuses on Water Resources Management , Groundwater Flow and Pollutant Transport , and Geoenvironmental Engineering . He leads the Laboratory of Geoenvironmental Engineering and has developed innovative methodologies like the 'Outer Approximation Method' Optimization adopted by major US agencies. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. (1992), M.Sc. (1987), and B.Sc. (1985) from Rutgers University, with prior education in Forestry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1982). He has received international recognition, including adoption of his optimization methods by the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable (2003-present) and EPA (1999). His research integrates Groundwater Simulation Models with Optimization Methods for sustainable aquifer management, addressing challenges like Coastal Aquifer Salinization , Karst Aquifer Dynamics , and Flood Risk Assessment . Recent projects include InTheMED (€220,000) and Sustain–COAST (€290,000) focused on Mediterranean groundwater sustainability. Notable scientific awards include the 2014 Outstanding Teaching Award at Technical University of Crete and multiple grants from PRIMA, Interreg, and LIFE+ programs. His work combines advanced computational methods with practical environmental risk mitigation strategies.
Eleftherios Siskos is an Assistant Professor at the School of Production Engineering and Management of the Technical University of Crete. He holds a PhD in Decision Support Systems from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA, 2018) and a Chemical Engineering diploma (NTUA, 2011). Prior to his academic role, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland (2019–2023). His research focuses on decision analysis, risk modeling, multi-criteria decision support, energy policy, environmental management, and e-government. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and delivered presentations at over 30 conferences, earning the prestigious Bernard Roy Award (2023) for his contributions to multi-criteria decision analysis. His work spans European, Greek, and Swiss projects addressing operational research, energy resilience, sustainability, and governance. Notable projects include energy policy analysis for Switzerland, risk assessments of energy infrastructure, and e-government benchmarking in Europe. His research integrates advanced methodologies like Choquet integrals, PROMETHEE, and UTASTAR for decision-making under uncertainty. Academic contributions include innovations in multicriteria decision frameworks, such as robustness analysis and bipolar aggregation-disaggregation approaches. He collaborates with international institutions and has advised on policy portfolios for energy efficiency in Greece. His Decision Science Laboratory at TU Crete develops tools for sustainable development and risk-informed decision support.
Professor Partsinevelos Panagiotis is affiliated with the Technical University of Crete's School of Mineral Resources Engineering, where he works in the Mineral Resources Detection and Identification Department. He leads the Laboratory of Geodesy and Geoscience Informatics (SenseLab) and teaches courses including Geographic Information Systems, Technical Geodesy, and Environmental Remote Sensing. His office is located in rooms M3.305 and M1.212, with contact number +30 28210 37628. Research Focus Space Informatics Unmanned Systems (drones, airborne, ground, and sea applications) Machine Learning and Neural Networks Geometric Documentation of Monuments Smart Cities and Precision Agriculture His recent publications demonstrate expertise in UAV-based spatial analysis, environmental monitoring, and geoinformatics applications. Research projects include EU-funded initiatives like 'Space Innovation Analysis' and 'AID4PV PV Plant Diagnosis', alongside national projects such as 'SandMap' and 'Drones 2 GNSS.' Notable Projects Partner PI in EU-funded 'Space Innovation Analysis' (2023) Co-PI in 'AID4PV' UAV-based PV diagnostics (2021-present) Coordinator of 'SandMap' (2020-present) PI for 'UAV Precision Measurements' (2018-2023) Coordinator of Crete-GIS architecture (2017-2019) Leader in ERANETMED 'DESiRES' project Professor Partsinevelos contributes to geospatial innovation through field robotics, satellite technologies, and data science applications, with emphasis on environmental and urban challenges.
Vasiliki (Valina) Geropanta serves as Assistant Professor of Urban Planning with New Technologies at the Technical University of Crete's Faculty of Architecture, driving innovation at the intersection of urban development, digital technologies, and cultural preservation to create inclusive, resilient urban ecosystems through evidence-based ICT methodologies. Her academic foundation includes: PhD in Smart City from Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Italy MA in Housing & Urbanism from Architectural Association, School of Architecture, London, UK Master’s Degree of Architect-Engineer from the University of Patras Dr. Geropanta's research pioneers smart city transformation through vertical greening systems, urban biodiversity integration, and AR/VR applications for cultural heritage. Her work bridges urban health , social inclusion , and post-pandemic spatial reconfiguration , with fieldwork spanning Europe, South America, and Asia. She develops frameworks for 15-minute cities, superblocks, and data-driven public space design while examining the role of gaming in urban cognition. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in vertical urban ecosystems (32%), participatory smart city design (28%), and cultural heritage digitization (24%), with emerging focus on machine learning applications for urban health monitoring and climate-responsive architecture. She secured research and lecturing grants enabling collaborations across six continents including Cambridge, India, Korea, Peru, Qatar, Vietnam, Italy, and Lebanon. Dr. Geropanta co-edited two books, serves on editorial boards for four international journals, and reviews for major urban studies publications while leading Erasmus+ projects in smart tourism capacity building. Founder of Avrions (www.avrions.com), she coordinates knowledge exchange networks connecting urban practitioners, technologists, and policymakers to advance spatial innovation through her initiative's digital platforms and international workshops focused on ICT implementation in municipal governance.
Dimitrios Kalergis is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Greece, specializing in Architectural and Urban Design. His research focuses on Local Identity, the role of Architecture in Spatial Marketing and Culture-led Urban Regeneration, and the application of digital technologies like AI and Blockchain in Place Promotion and urban crises management. PhD in City, Competitiveness, and Architecture (University of Thessaly, 2016) MSc in Urban Planning & Development (University of Thessaly, 2006) Diploma in Architecture (University of Nottingham, 2001) Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (University of Plymouth, 1999) Kalergis explores how architectural design shapes urban identities, integrates cultural heritage into regeneration strategies, and leverages technology like Blockchain for democratic urban governance. His work bridges traditional spatial planning with modern digital tools, focusing on sustainability and resilience. His recent publications analyze urban transformations in Mediterranean contexts, Ottoman port-cities, and blockchain applications for civil protection. While no scientific awards are listed, his projects include EU-funded research (PLUREL) and the Green Fund-supported redevelopment of tobacco warehouses in Northern Greece. Kalergis has taught courses such as Integrated Urban Regeneration, Urban Design, and Building Construction since 2008, collaborating with Professor Konstantinos Lalenis on international conferences and research initiatives.
Markos Koutras is a Professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Piraeus, where he has been serving since September 2000. He previously held academic positions at the University of Athens, including Scientific Associate (1981-1983, 1985-1986), Lecturer (1986-1989), Assistant Professor (1989-1993), and Associate Professor (1993-2000). He has also served as Visiting Researcher at several international institutions including the University of Manitoba (Canada), Queen Mary and Westfield College (London), and McMaster University (Canada). His educational background includes: 1979: Degree from the University of Athens, Department of Mathematics (Grade: 9 and 6/20) 1981: MSc from the University of Athens, Department of Mathematics, in Computer Science and Operations Research (Grade: 9 and 7/16) 1983: PhD from the University of Athens, Department of Mathematics, with thesis 'Contribution to the theory of Spherical Distributions and related Taxonomic Problems' (Grade: Excellent) Professor Koutras specializes in several key areas of statistics and probability theory. His primary research interests focus on Reliability Theory, where he has made significant contributions to the understanding of system reliability, failure models, and maintenance policies. He has extensively researched Scan Statistics and Run Theory, developing methodologies for pattern recognition in sequences of trials and applications in quality control. His work in Multivariate Analysis has advanced techniques for analyzing complex data structures, while his contributions to Statistical Quality Control have provided new methodologies for process monitoring and improvement. He has also made notable contributions to Combinatorial Distributions, exploring the theoretical properties and applications of specialized probability distributions. With over 70 publications in international peer-reviewed journals (h-index: 16 as of January 2014) and 13 publications in international peer-reviewed volumes totaling more than 700 citations, Professor Koutras has established himself as a leading researcher in his fields. His work shows a clear progression from theoretical foundations in probability and reliability to practical applications in quality control, medical statistics, and risk management. A significant portion of his recent work focuses on scan statistics, run theory, and their applications in statistical process monitoring, demonstrating his continued contribution to advancing methodological frameworks in these areas. Professor Koutras has received significant recognition for his scholarly work: Associate Editor for 8 international journals including Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability and Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference Referee for papers submitted to more than 30 different journals President of the local organizing committee for 3 major international conferences Co-Chair of the International Organizing Committee for 7 International Workshops in Applied Probability Member of the Scientific Committee for 10 international conferences Elected member of the European Regional Committee of the Bernoulli Society (2013-present) Scientific responsible for more than 10 Research and Educational projects, including MarieCurie (2013-2016) and Aristeia (2014-2015) Professor Koutras has supervised 6 doctoral theses (5 completed, 1 in progress) and has been actively involved in research grant management. His leadership extends to administrative roles, having served as Director of Studies for the Postgraduate Program in Applied Statistics (2001-2004, 2007-2011), Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science (2003-2007, 2011-2013), and Dean of the School of Finance and Statistics (2013-2017). He has also been President of the Interdepartmental Committee for the Interuniversity Postgraduate Program in Biostatistics at the University of Athens. Professor Koutras leads a research group focused on reliability theory, scan statistics, and their applications. His team collaborates internationally, particularly through the International Workshops in Applied Probability that he has helped organize since 2002. His research has practical applications in quality control, medical statistics, and risk assessment, contributing to both theoretical advances and real-world problem solving.
