Constantine Stephanidis

Constantine Stephanidis is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Crete, and Director of the Institute of Computer Science at the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH). He also serves as Head of the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, Centre for Universal Access and Assistive Technologies, and the Ambient Intelligence Programme of ICS-FORTH. Additionally, he is faculty of the Interdepartmental Graduate Programme in the BRAIN and MIND sciences of the University of Crete, and President of the Board of Directors of the Science and Technology Park of Crete.

His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Universal Access, and Assistive Technologies. Dr. Stephanidis introduced the concept and principles of Design for All in Human-Computer Interaction in the early 1990s. His work spans multiple areas including ambient intelligence environments, universally accessible game design, and health telematics. He has pioneered approaches to making technology accessible to diverse user populations, with particular attention to context-aware and adaptive interfaces that accommodate varying user needs and abilities.

Prof. Stephanidis has published over 350 technical papers and edited several influential books including "The Universal Access Handbook" (2009) and "User Interfaces for All" (2001). His publication record shows a consistent focus on making technology accessible to all users, with recent work emphasizing ambient intelligence environments, universally accessible gaming, and health telematics applications. His research demonstrates a progression from foundational work on universal access principles to more specialized applications in various domains.

• ERCIM WG Award (2000)
• ERCIM Information and Communication Science and Technology Award (ICST 1999)

Over the past 25 years, Prof. Stephanidis has served as Scientific Responsible for more than 40 European Commission and nationally funded projects. He has held leadership roles in numerous academic and policy initiatives, including serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Springer journal "Universal Access in the Information Society," Founding Chair of the ERCIM Working Group "User Interfaces for All," and General Chair of the International Conference 'Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction.' He has also been actively involved in European Commission R&D Policy on Information Society, serving on various committees including the FP6 Information Society Technologies Management Committee and the eAccessibility Expert Group.

He founded and leads the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, the Centre for Universal Access and Assistive Technologies, and the Ambient Intelligence Programme at ICS-FORTH. These research units form an integrated ecosystem focused on developing inclusive technologies that adapt to diverse user needs and contexts. His teams have been instrumental in shaping European research agendas in universal access and accessibility.