Paul Spirakis

Paul Spirakis is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the School of Engineering, Patras University, Greece. He has served as Department Chairman (1987-1989, 1989-1991, 1991-1993) and Vice-Chairman (1993-1995). Since 1996, he has been Director and senior researcher at the Computer Technology Institute (CTI) in Patras, as well as Director of the Distributed Systems and Telematics Laboratory at Patras University.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics (Computer Science), Harvard University (1982)
  • S.M. in Applied Mathematics (Computer Science), Harvard University (1979)
  • Electrical Engineering Diploma, National Technical University of Athens (1978)

Spirakis is a leading expert in algorithms and complexity, distributed systems design, probabilistic algorithms, and foundational aspects of algorithmic game theory. His work spans performance analysis of computer systems, databases, networks, and telematics applications in education. He has contributed extensively to theoretical computer science through editorial leadership and conference organization.

He has led EU projects like AEOLUS (FP6 Global Computing II), FRONTS (FP7 Foundations of Adaptive Networks), and the PENED project on Algorithmic and Evolutionary Game Theory. His honors include election to EATCS Board, a Distinguished Visiting Scientist appointment at Max Planck Informatik, and recognition as a top nurturer in computer science research (SIAM Data Mining, 2005).

• Key Scientific Awards:
  • EATCS Board membership (1997)
  • Max Planck Distinguished Visiting Scientist (2001)
  • ISTAG advisory group appointment (2003)
  • Top 50 nurturer in Computer Science (2005)
  • Technology Excellence Award (2010)
  • Academia Europaea membership (2010)

As a prolific journal editor, he has contributed to the Encyclopedia of Algorithms, LNCS conference proceedings, and journals like Theoretical Computer Science and JPDC. His research leadership includes roles as Conference Chair for STOC 2001, ICALP 2001, and Scientific Chair for SPAA, IPDPS, and WINE conferences.