Iraklis Lazakis

Iraklis Lazakis is a Reader in Maritime Operations and Maintenance at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (NAOME), within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He joined the university as a PhD researcher in 2007 and began his academic career in 2011, establishing himself as a key figure in maritime systems research and education.

His research interests span a broad range of topics including ship operations, systems maintenance and reliability, condition monitoring, risk and asset management, shipyard productivity, and offshore renewable energy systems (wind, wave, and tidal). His work bridges academic theory with industrial application, drawing from his 8 years of prior industry experience in maritime surveys, accident investigations, and ship repairs.

The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong focus on data-driven and digital solutions for sustainable maritime operations. Key themes include the development of simulation and optimization tools, application of virtual reality for safety, cost reduction in offshore wind O&M, and decarbonization strategies such as onboard CO2 capture. His work increasingly integrates AI, digital twins, and human factors to enhance system performance and crew wellbeing.

He has received numerous accolades, including:

• SNAME Faculty Advisor of the Year (2024)
• SNAME WES Best Paper Award (2023)
• Multiple Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Certificates of Excellence (2020, 2022)
• Laureate of the Franz Edelman Award (2012)
• ISSC Committee IV.2 Membership (2012–2015)

Lazakis actively supervises undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students, and leads or contributes to a wide portfolio of research and knowledge exchange projects. His recent projects include decarbonizing UK shipping, structural surveys of vessels like Calmac and the Royal Yacht Britannia, and development of low-cost underwater gliders. He plays a strategic role in supporting colleagues with funding applications, publications, and industry collaboration. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable energy and industry innovation.