Christos Michalakos

Christos Michalakos is a Senior Lecturer in Game Audio at the School of Design and Informatics, University of Abertay, where he teaches and researches in interactive audio, game sound, and digital performance. His work bridges music, technology, and games, with a focus on real-time systems and improvisation.

• BSc in Mathematics, University of Crete (2006)
• MSc in Acoustics and Music Technology, University of Edinburgh (2008)
• PhD in Creative Music Practice, University of Edinburgh (2013)

His research centers on expressive music technologies, live electronics, and XR audio, exploring how sound interacts with games and performance. He develops custom systems for interactive music and has performed internationally with artists like Evan Parker and Stelarc. His work often involves hybrid instruments, such as his sensor-augmented drum-kit, and investigates affordances in digital sound environments.

The recent publications show a strong trend in using game engines and virtual reality for musical composition and improvisation, blending software development with artistic practice. Topics include procedural audio, real-time interaction, and immersive sound design, reflecting a deep integration of computer science and digital arts.

Notable scientific awards include:

• Royal Society of Edinburgh Enterprise Fellowship (2018)
• Carnegie Trust Research Incentive Grant (2017)
• EPSRC Scholarship (2007)
• Multiple PRE Grants and performance bursaries

Christos supervises honours projects and has led knowledge exchange initiatives like school workshops and festival presentations. He is affiliated with research groups such as Sound Lab Edinburgh and co-directed Inventor Composer Coaction. His research is supported by grants from the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Carnegie Trust, indicating active funding and scholarly impact.

He is involved in collaborative performance projects, software development for artistic purposes, and outreach through festivals and workshops, demonstrating a strong commitment to both academic and public engagement in digital music and game audio.