Stelios Timotheou is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and faculty member at the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus. He holds a Dipl-Ing from National Technical University of Athens, and MSc/PhD from Imperial College London. His research focuses on developing real-time distributed methodologies using mathematical optimization, machine learning, and computational intelligence to enhance efficiency in critical infrastructure systems. Research interests center on data-driven decision making for urban mobility management, traffic control systems, and energy optimization. Key areas include: Intelligent UAV-based sensing for traffic monitoring Cooperative control algorithms for multi-agent systems Optimization of renewable energy integration Robust infrastructure protection strategies Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on traffic state estimation (76%), energy system optimization (16%), and UAV applications (8%). Awarded the Cyprus Research Award (2017) and ERC Consolidator Grant for URANUS project. Secured multiple research grants focusing on real-time control systems.
Professor Ioannis Katakis is a Faculty Member at the University of Nicosia, where he is affiliated with the School of Sciences and Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. He has held various academic positions across multiple institutions including Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, Open University of Cyprus, Hellenic Open University, Athens University of Economics and Business, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. His educational background includes a PhD in Machine Learning for Automated Text Classification (2005-2009), a Master's in Information Systems (2005-2007), and a Bachelor's in Computer Science (2000-2004), all from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Professor Katakis specializes in several cutting-edge areas of computer science and data analysis. His primary research interests include Mining Social, Web and Urban Data , Sentiment Analysis and Opinion Mining , Data Streams , and Multi-label Learning . His work bridges theoretical machine learning approaches with practical applications in social media analysis, healthcare informatics, privacy protection, and smart city technologies. He has published extensively in top venues including CIKM, ECML/PKDD, IEEE TKDE, and ECAI. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward applying machine learning techniques to real-world problems with societal impact. He has focused on areas such as GDPR compliance in smart devices, sentiment analysis in crowd-sourced content, healthcare applications including drug reaction classification and brain disease monitoring, and privacy protection in wearable technologies. His work often involves multi-modal data analysis and addresses challenges in data streams and multi-label classification. Professor Katakis has made significant contributions to his field, with his research cited over 4,200 times. He serves as an Editor for the journal Information Systems and has edited four special issues in journals such as DAMI and InfSys. He regularly contributes to the academic community by serving on program committees for major conferences including ECML/PKDD, WSDM, DEBS, and IJCAI, and by reviewing for prestigious journals like TPAMI, DMKD, TKDE, TKDD, JMLR, TWEB, and ML. He has been actively involved in European research projects, notably serving as Quality Assurance Coordinator and Senior Researcher for projects such as VAVEL (www.vavel-project.eu) and INSIGHT (www.insight-ict.eu). His grant activities demonstrate a strong focus on collaborative, interdisciplinary research with practical applications in urban data management, social media analysis, and healthcare informatics. He has organized three workshops at major conferences (ICML, ECML/PKDD, EDBT/ICDT) and has extensive experience translating research into practical applications through his involvement in European projects.
Dr. Vagia Polyzoidou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Law at the University of Cyprus, serving as Associate Head of Department and Programme Coordinator. She is a Member of the Senate and holds an academic rank of Associate Professor. Her expertise spans Criminal Law, Cybercrime Legislation, and Gender-Based Violence. She earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD in Law from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a specialization in Criminal Law and Criminology. Education: Bachelor of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Master of Law (Criminal Law and Criminology), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki PhD in Law (Criminal Law), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Her research focuses on cybercrime, digital violence against women, EU legal frameworks for electronic evidence, and legal responses to social issues like fat shaming. She has an h-index of 8 and 101 citations, with active research since 2011. Notable contributions include work on the Budapest Convention, psychosocial interventions in legal contexts, and violence against women. Her recent publications (2023–2024) address EU e-evidence regulations, legal approaches to sexual harassment in Greece, and protections for minor victims through exceptional criminal provisions. She has collaborated internationally on criminal justice policies and cybercrime legislation. Dr. Polyzoidou’s work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing gender equality and quality education. She maintains an active Scopus profile and contributes to academic discourse through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
Christos Nicolaides is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Business and Public Administration within the School of Economics and Management at the University of Cyprus (UCY), holding a secondary appointment as a Digital Fellow at MIT's Initiative on the Digital Economy. Previously, he spent three years as a James McDonnell Foundation-funded Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management. His educational background includes a PhD in Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2014), SM from MIT (2011), MSc in Applied Mathematics from Imperial College London (2009), and BSc in Physics from University of Thessaloniki (2008). Nicolaides' research applies mathematical, statistical, and computational tools to large-scale empirical questions in social influence mediated by digital technologies. His work spans Data Science , Machine Learning , Social Networks , and Computational Social Science , with significant contributions to understanding human mobility patterns, disease transmission dynamics, and social contagion effects. His research has established novel methodologies for analyzing complex network structures in mobility data and social interactions. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on applying network science to real-world problems, particularly in pandemic response (12 publications), human mobility analytics (9 publications), and social contagion dynamics (7 publications). His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration, combining computer science, epidemiology, and organizational behavior since 2020. Marie S. Curie Fellow Two Highly Cited Papers by Web of Science (2017, 2020) Best Paper Award by Risk Analysis Society (2019) Professor of The Week by Poets & Quants (2020) As principal institutional investigator, Nicolaides has secured over €1 million in research funding from the European Commission, industry partners, Cyprus Innovation and Research Foundation, and Cyprus Ministry of Health. His current teaching includes Social Networks and Entrepreneurship, Introduction to Operations Management, and Quantitative Methods in Management. Media coverage of his work spans major outlets including The New York Times, CNN, Nature, and Science, with significant impact on public health policy discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Sirivianos is an Associate Professor at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), where he serves as Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Duke University (2010) and leads research in cybersecurity, disinformation detection, and social media analysis. He coordinates multiple EU-funded projects including ReCRED (Horizon 2020) and ENCASE (Marie Curie RISE), securing over €3M in research funding. Research Focus His work spans: Cybersafety : Detection of cyberbullying, hate speech, and inappropriate content targeting children Trust Systems : Device-centric authentication and blockchain applications Disinformation Analysis : Graph-based detection of fake news and state-sponsored manipulation Scalable Systems : Distributed databases and network infrastructure Achievements & Recognition Best Paper Award (2019) for work on state-sponsored disinformation Distinguished Paper (2018) for fringe web community analysis Spotlight Session recognition (2020) for child protection research Featured in NYT, Washington Post, and Wired for YouTube content analysis Leadership Co-directs the Network Systems Research Lab, serves on the Board of CYENS Centre of Excellence, and coordinates the Fact-check Cyprus Centre against Disinformation.
Prof. Dr. Fadi AL-TURJMAN serves as the founding Dean of the Faculty of AI and Informatics at Near East University (NEU), Cyprus. He holds multiple leadership roles including Head of the Software Engineering Department and Director of the AI and Robotics Institute and the International Research Center for AI and IoT. With a PhD in Computer Science from Queen’s University (2011), he specializes in AIoT systems, wireless networks, and blockchain integration. Affiliation: Near East University Leadership: Founding Dean for AI and Informatics, Director of AI & Robotics Institute Research Focus: His work bridges Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) , Blockchain Applications , and Smart Networking . He explores cybersecurity frameworks for smart cities, quantum state optimization techniques, and novel AI-driven solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and energy systems. Key Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize Transformer models for environmental monitoring, blockchain-enabled security protocols , and evolutionary algorithms for resource optimization. His research spans interdisciplinary domains including medical diagnostics, vehicular networks, and sustainable infrastructure. Scientific Awards: Lifetime Golden Award of Dr. Suat Gunsel (2022) Multiple Best Research Awards at International Venues Labs & Teams: Directs the International Research Center for AI and IoT at NEU, leading multidisciplinary teams in developing advanced networking technologies and AI-driven solutions for global value chain applications.
Thilo Rehren is the A.G. Leventis Professor for Archaeological Sciences at The Cyprus Institute's Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center (STARC). He holds a PhD in Earth Sciences and has led major international research groups at institutions like UCL and UCL Qatar. His work focuses on reconstructing ancient technological processes, particularly metallurgy, glassmaking, and ceramic production, integrating archaeological, scientific, and historical data. He has pioneered studies on global metallurgical networks and early technical innovations in regions such as the Mediterranean, China, and sub-Saharan Africa. Education: MSc (mineralization of copper-silver mines) and PhD (volcanology of Nisyros, Greece). Career highlights include establishing UCL Qatar and co-directing the STARC lab. Research emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration and the socio-technical dynamics of material production. Publications span 40+ years, analyzing production techniques from Late Bronze Age Cyprus to Medieval Chinese glass workshops. His work challenges traditional narratives by highlighting the ingenuity of past artisans and the global interconnectedness of technical knowledge. Current projects investigate early metallurgy in the Balkans and glass production in West Africa. Labs/Teams: Leads STARC's interdisciplinary teams focused on archaeological materials science. Collaborates with global institutions on projects like the Meroe Quarries in Sudan and the Dhaskalio-Keros excavation in Greece.
Liliia Oprysk is a Professor at the Faculty of Law , University of Bergen , specializing in legal responses to post-conflict recovery, EU copyright harmonization, and digital consumer rights. She collaborates with institutions like UIO (University of Oslo) and UIT (Arctic University of Norway) on panels and academic lectures. Role: Faculty Professor Key Affiliations: University of Bergen, Bergen Global Research Focus spans: Copyright law in the context of Russian-Ukrainian conflict EU legal acquis integration Digital content purchasing regulations Colonial policy analysis in international law Publication Trends highlight intersections between: Post-conflict legal reconstruction EU-Ukraine intellectual property alignment Digital rights in consumer contracts Human rights implications of forced cultural policies
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wayne FULLER is a faculty member at Near East University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Genetics. He earned his BSc in Zoology from the University of Oxford before pursuing doctoral research at Exeter Universities' Centre for Ecology and Conservation in North Cyprus. Specializing in Mediterranean marine turtle conservation and ecology, his work spans climate change impacts, plastic pollution, and stable isotope applications. Education: BSc in Zoology, PhD in Marine Ecology Current Roles: Head of Department of Genetics, Near East University Key Projects: IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group (2017-present), EU Nature 2000 implementation in Cyprus (2008) His recent research explores phenological shifts in sea turtle offspring under climate change, macroplastic ingestion patterns, and avian conservation in Mediterranean forests. Publications emphasize ecological monitoring, habitat connectivity, and conservation technology applications like GPS and stable isotopes. Scientific recognition includes: Member of IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group
Dr. Andria Procopiou is a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity at the University of Central Lancashire Cyprus, serving as Course Leader for the MSc Computing program and Deputy Course Leader for the MSc Cybersecurity. She holds a PhD in Computer Science (City, University of London, 2022), an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction (University College London, 2014), and a BSc in Computer Science (University of Surrey, 2013). Her research spans AI applications in sports analytics, cybersecurity for smart cities/IoT, hate speech detection, and metaverse safety. She has led modules in User Experience Design, Penetration Testing, and Cybersecurity. Research interests include AI-driven solutions for sports injury prediction, real-time DDoS detection in IoT networks, and ethical challenges in the metaverse. Her work emphasizes explainable AI (XAI) for transparency in decision-making systems. She has published extensively in journals like Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing and conferences such as IEEE CYBER and the International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. Education: PhD Computer Science (City University London), MSc HCI (UCL), BSc Computer Science (University of Surrey) Key Roles: Course Leader (MSc Computing), Deputy Course Leader (MSc Cybersecurity) Administrative Contributions: Module leadership in AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Forensics Her recent publications address critical issues like privacy concerns in smart campuses, gender-based hate speech in virtual spaces, and injury patterns in professional football using data analytics. She collaborates with industry on IoT security solutions and metaverse governance frameworks.
Kristis Alexandrou is a Researcher at the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center (STARC) of The Cyprus Institute. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture (MA) and a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Cyprus, focusing on hybrid bending-active structural systems. His research emphasizes Structural Design, Computational Methods, and BIM applications in heritage conservation. He contributes to projects like ENI-CBC-MED BEEP, RIF-UrbanPeriscope, and Horizon Infra, advancing BIM interoperability for cultural heritage data management. His professional experience includes architectural design and heritage retrofitting in Cyprus. At STARC’s Virtual Environments Lab (VElab), he develops BIM-based workflows to address data interoperability challenges in arts and humanities. Key projects include 'BIM to BPS interoperability' leadership in the BEEP Project and semantic data integration for Mediterranean heritage sites. His work bridges computational innovation with sustainable heritage preservation.
Panagiotis Karanis is a Professor of Anatomy and Coordinator of the Unit of Anatomy and Morphology at the University of Nicosia Medical School. He holds a PhD in Parasitology from Bonn University and a Habilitation in Parasitology from the Medical Faculty of Bonn University. His career includes former roles as Professor and Principal Investigator at institutions in Germany, Japan, and China, including leading the Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases at Qinghai University. Affiliations: University of Nicosia Medical School (current), Bonn University, Cologne University, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University Educational Background: PhD in Parasitology (Bonn University), Habilitation in Clinical Theoretical Medicine (Bonn University) His research focuses on waterborne, foodborne, and vector-borne diseases , emphasizing diagnostic method development, epidemiology, and the 'One World – One Health' framework. Key areas include parasitic infections (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Acanthamoeba), antibiotic resistance, and environmental contamination pathways. He has authored over 160 Scopus-indexed articles with 9,354 citations (h-index 48), managed €10M+ in research funding, and been ranked in the top 2% of global scientists. Research Highlights: Investigates protozoan parasites in water systems, vegetables, and wildlife Develops molecular diagnostic tools for emerging pathogens Evaluates disinfection methods (chlorine, UV, microwave) for protozoan cysts Studies parasite prevalence in immunocompromised patients and livestock His recent articles address leptospirosis complications , Acanthamoeba viability in water , and antiparasitic plant extracts . Awards include Stanford University's Top 2% Scientists distinction. Grants & Collaborations: Over 60 projects funded across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Global partnerships include institutions in China, Egypt, Tunisia, and the Philippines. Labs & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in parasitology, anatomy education, and One Health initiatives. Collaborates with clinicians, veterinarians, and environmental scientists.
Harald Gjermundrod is a Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Nicosia's School of Sciences and Engineering, where he has served since September 2008. Previously, he was a Post-Doctorate Associate (2006-2008) at the High-Performance Computing Systems Laboratory, University of Cyprus. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Washington State University (2006) MS in Computer Science, Washington State University (2001) BS in Computer Science, Washington State University (1999) Dipl.-Ing, Oslo Metropolitan University (1998) His research spans Distributed Computing Systems , Computer Security , Blockchain Technology , and Data Protection , with emphasis on practical implementations like GridStat middleware for power grids and privacyTracker for GDPR compliance. As co-director of the Informatics Security Laboratory, he leads research on active defense mechanisms and data protection frameworks. His 87+ publications since 2001 show evolving focus from grid computing (2006-2010) to blockchain applications (2016-present), with recent work emphasizing privacy engineering, secure e-voting, and AI-driven security analytics. Key trends include transitioning from infrastructure-focused research (GridStat, ICGrid) to policy-compliant systems (privacyTracker, HoneyCY). Scientific Recognition: Senior Member of ACM Eclipse Committer Status (Alumni) Chair of ACM Cyprus Chapter (2015-2018) He has secured funding from EU programs, US National Science Foundation, and National Institute of Technology, developing software products including GridStat (critical infrastructure middleware), ICGrid (medical data sharing), and ReProTool (Bologna Process compliance). His supervision has produced student-developed prototypes like NoteLocker and HoneyCY. Current projects include privacyTracker (GDPR compliance) and SmartTeV (blockchain voting). As co-director of the Informatics Security Laboratory, he oversees research on active defense systems, honeypot frameworks (HoneyCY), and verifiable data traceability, with applications in e-government and healthcare security.
MSc. Sinem Alturjman is a Lecturer in the Department of Artificial Intelligence Engineering at Near East University's College of Engineering. Her academic work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and internet of things (IoT) systems. Research areas include: Development of AI-powered learning facilitators and educational tools Integration of blockchain for secure IoT architectures Optimization of mobile cloud computing services Application of machine learning in cybersecurity frameworks 6G communication systems with intelligent routing protocols Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: AI-enhanced scheduling mechanisms Decentralized cloud-IoT architectures Reinforcement learning applications Smart healthcare systems with blockchain Energy-aware routing protocols for sensor networks
Tasos Christofides is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Cyprus, School of Natural and Applied Sciences. He has been serving in this position since 2004 after previously holding the rank of Associate Professor from 1991 to 2004. Prior to his appointment at the University of Cyprus, he was an Assistant Professor at the State University of New York at Binghamton from 1987 to 1991. His educational background includes a Ph.D. (1987) and MSE (1985) in Mathematical Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University, USA, and a Mathematics degree (1983) from the University of Athens, Greece. Professor Christofides specializes in Probability Inequalities, Demimartingales, Stochastic Orders, Survey Methodology, and Indirect Questioning Techniques. His research primarily focuses on theoretical statistics with applications to survey methodology, particularly in developing techniques for handling sensitive questions while preserving respondent privacy. His work bridges probability theory with practical survey design, making significant contributions to both theoretical foundations and applied methodologies. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to statistical theory, with a particular emphasis on U-statistics, demimartingales, and randomized response techniques. The trajectory of his research shows progression from foundational work on U-statistics and probability inequalities in the early career to more applied survey methodology techniques in later years, while maintaining strong theoretical underpinnings. Professor Christofides serves as Associate Editor for several prestigious statistical journals including Communications in Statistics-Theory and Methods, Communications in Statistics-Computation and Simulation, Journal of Statistical Theory and Practice, and Statistics and Probability Letters. His editorial service reflects his standing in the statistical community and his expertise across multiple domains of statistical theory and methodology. While specific grant information is not provided in the available text, his sustained research output and editorial positions indicate active engagement with the research community.
