Panagiotis Demestichas

Professor Panagiotis Demestichas serves as a faculty member in the Department of Digital Systems at the University of Piraeus, where he has been a Professor since April 2012. He heads the Laboratory of "Telecommunication Networks and Integrated Services" and has held significant leadership positions including Chair of the Department of Digital Systems from 2011 to 2015. His academic journey began with Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens.

Professor Demestichas' educational background includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens
• Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

His research spans the forefront of telecommunications and network technologies, with particular expertise in 5G and emerging 6G systems. Professor Demestichas focuses on smart/cognitive/autonomic management and convergence of ICT infrastructures, SDN/NFV technologies, cognitive radio networks, and cloud and Internet of Things solutions. His work addresses critical challenges in spectrum management, network architecture design for beyond 5G systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence into network management frameworks. His research has significant implications for vertical industries including transportation, manufacturing, and smart cities, where reliable high-speed connectivity is essential.

Professor Demestichas' publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on next-generation network technologies, with recent work emphasizing 6G architecture, sustainable network design, and industry-specific applications of advanced telecommunications. His research trajectory shows a clear evolution from 5G foundational work toward pioneering 6G concepts, with increasing emphasis on AI integration, sustainability, and cross-industry applications. The collaborative nature of his research is evident through participation in major European projects.

Throughout his career, Professor Demestichas has held leadership positions in numerous significant research initiatives including:

• Project Coordinator of the OneFIT project (2010-2012)
• Technical Manager of the E3 project (2008-2009)
• Chairman of WWRF working groups, most notably the WGC "Communication Architectures and Technologies" (2004-2015)
• Technical Programme Committee Chair for the European Conference on Networks and Communications (EUCNC 2016)
• Active participation in European research programs including RACE II, ACTS, BRITE/EURAM, EURET, IST/FP5, IST/FP6, and ICT/FP7

As an educator, Professor Demestichas has made substantial contributions to academic development. He has supervised ten completed PhD theses and currently guides three additional doctoral candidates. He teaches Computer Networks I & II at the undergraduate level and has contributed to the development of research capacity through his leadership roles. His laboratory's research activities are partly funded by the European Union under Horizon 2020, reflecting the significance and impact of his work in the international research community.

Professor Demestichas leads the Laboratory "Telecommunication Networks and Integrated Services" (http://tns.ds.unipi.gr), which serves as a hub for advanced research in telecommunications. The laboratory focuses on cutting-edge projects related to 5G/6G technologies, network virtualization, and intelligent network management. Through this laboratory, Professor Demestichas fosters collaboration between academia and industry, particularly in the areas of vertical industry applications of advanced networking technologies.