University of Patras Research Committee
Intra - University Research Networks
and
Clusters
Patras November 2012
http://www.upatras.gr/ http://research.upatras.gr/
2 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Contents
Introduction...... 4 Intra University Research Networks - Thematic Clusters ...... 4 Bio-medicine and Bio-engineering Cluster ...... 7 Research and Applications in Medical Molecular Genetics (MGN) ...... 8 Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications Research network (Biotargeting) ...... 10 University of Patras Neuroscience Network (UPNN) ...... 12 BIOFLORA ...... 14 NEUROTOX ...... 16 Development and Biological Evaluation of Multipotent Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Pharmaceutical Agents ...... 18 Studying the structure and function of therapeutically important macromolecules (PHARMANET) ...... 20 Pharmacogenomics in the management of polygenic disorders and pharmacological response (Pharmaglobal) ...... 22 ANGIO ...... 24 Intra-University research network for the study of metabolic syndrome. (MetsNet) ...... 26 “Modelization and Analysis of Biomedical and Physical Systems” (MABIPHYS)...... 28 Network for Research in Medical Radiation Physics (MRP)...... 30 Predictive Medicine: Computational Replicas, Anatomic Reconstructions of Vessels as Volume Numerical Grids at Three-Dimensional Angiography and Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques to facilitate Therapeutic Decision-Making ...... 32 Network on advanced biomaterials and biomedical applications ...... 34 CALCULATING ECMO SUPPORT OF PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY INFECTION e-Respi ...... 36 HPV - Patras ...... 38 CancerNet ...... 40 Network for the Study of Degenerative and Metabolic Diseases of Bone and Cartilage (OsteoNet) ...... 42 COMPUTATIONAL SUPPORT OF CARDIOSURGICAL PROCESSES - Telem@chos ...... 44 Environment and Sustainable Development Cluster...... 47 OCEANUS ...... 48 Development and Evaluation of Sorbent Materials for Environmental Applications (ARYs) ...... 50 Network for biocolloid fate and transport in environmental systems “BIOMET” ...... 52 Network for Waste Valorisation and Sustainable Management of Resources - WasteValor ...... 54 HYDROCRITES ...... 56 Green Electric Energy ...... 58 Earth Observation Network for Environmental Planning, Sustainable Development and Crisis Management (OBSEARTH) ...... 60 Information and Communications Technology Cluster ...... 63 Embedded Systems research Network_ESNET...... 64 TECHNOESE ...... 66 Nanoelectronics Network ...... 68 Network on Research and Applications of Wireless Communication and Sensor Networks (WCNS) ...... 70 Web Science Net – Technologies for future Internet ...... 72 Network for Application of Information and Communication Technologies in Culture, Education and Sciences 74 Algorithms and Games with focus on Large Scale Networks with Societal Applications (ALGOPAIGNIO) ...... 76 High Performance Computing Academic Research Network (HPC-net) ...... 78 BIOMETRIA ...... 80 New Materials and Constructions Cluster ...... 83 Network for Research in Advanced Aeronautical Structures (AEROSTRUCT) ...... 84 Product Concurrent Engineering (PROCEN)...... 86 Network on Nano-MAterials and Devices “Nano-DEMA” ...... 88 Nanophotonics – Advanced Materials ...... 90 Nanomaterials Theoretical Design (NANOTHEO) ...... 92 Education and Human Resources Cluster ...... 95 Higher Education Policy ...... 96 Economics and Management of Knowledge and Innovation (EMaKI) ...... 98
3 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Introduction Intra University Research Networks - Thematic Clusters
An Intra-University Research Network is the research unit, which consists of University Laboratories and Research Groups with complementary research activities so that interdisciplinarity is substantiated (http://research.upatras.gr/index/page/3/2). The scientific groups participating in an Intra-University Research Network should possess excellence in research and development. The aim for the establishment of these networks is
• to contact research in very important thematic regions where knowledge from different scientific fields is required and simultaneously, • to support innovation, • to create networks of excellence and • to provide high quality scientific services to the society.
Intra-University research networks constitute the fundamental tool for supporting the Structures for Innovation. These networks are operated since 2009 and form the second level for conducting research in University of Patras. Most of the 700 faculty members of the University of Patras participate at least to one of the networks, creating annually a research budged for the University of over 30 million Euros. The Research Committee (http://research.upatras.gr/) in our University is financially supporting the management of these networks towards "robust" research structures which will demonstrate collaboration between their members and convince for their ability to improve cooperation internationally, get external funding, support young scientists and ensure flexibility in management procedures.
A fundamental objective of the Intra-University Research Network in University of Patras is their close cooperation with Industry, Private and Public Organizations for speeding up development and contributing to social prosperity. Moreover, they will strengthen the Research Potential of the University of Patras creating new researchers and contributing to new education and research strategies. A total of 42 Intra-University Research Network have been established and almost all of them are very active. Fifteen (15) of the networks are coming from the Engineering School, 14 from School of Medicine and 11 from School of Natural Sciences. The Department of Primary Education and the Department of Economics created two other networks. The networks could be classified into five (5) Thematic Clusters in which the University of Patras has excellence in Research. More specifically these thematic Clusters are the following
• Bio-medicine and Bio-engineering (nineteen networks) • Environment and Sustainable Development (seven networks) • Information and Communications Technology (nine networks) • New Materials and Constructions (five networks) • Education and Human Resources (two networks) The Information and Communication Technology cluster participates and constitutes the backbone of the national cluster in micro-electronics Corallia.
4 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Thematic Clusters - University of Patras
Bio-medicine and Bio-engineering
Environment and Sustainable Development
Information and Communications Technology
New Materials and Constructions
Education and Human Resources
5 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
6 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Bio-medicine and Bio-engineering Cluster
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Research and Applications in Medical Molecular Genetics (MGN)
Coordinator: Prof. Nicholas K. Moschonas Telephone: +30-2610997602 Fax: +30-2610991769 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://mgn.upatras.gr
Brief presentation
It is widely accepted that in the post-genomic era, the medical science and practice to attain its goals for: i. early and accurate diagnosis and prognosis, ii. furthering the understanding of the pathophysiology of the diseases, and iii. design and development of effective drugs and therapeutic treatments, requires the integration of expertise and technologies from a variety of disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics and genomics, biochemistry, physics, informatics, applied mathematics and engineering. In the Medical School and other Departments of the University of Patras, there exist numerous research groups characterized by excellence in different aspects of biomedical research, with distinguished international visibility and considerable national and international collaborations. The major objective of the University of Patras Medical Genetics Network - MGN (http://mgn.upatras.gr) is to provide the framework for the interaction between such research groups with complementary expertise, towards: i. the development of fruitful collaborations and advanced applications, ii. the enhancement of services and iii. the improvement of educational activities in the field of medical molecular genetics. MGN comprises 32 faculty members and their research groups from five University Departments (Dept of Medicine, Dept. of Pharmacy, Dept. of Chemistry, Dept. of Biology and Dept of Computer Engineering and Informatics) and one affiliated research faculty member from FORTH/ICE-HT. To accomplish its objectives, MGN is active in five research and development and one education-oriented areas, namely: Area 1: Genomic Analysis and High-Throughput Technologies
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Area 2: Animal and Cell Models Area 3: Regenerative Medicine Area 4: Molecular Diagnosis Area 5: Bioinformatics Area 6: Educational Activities and Dissemination
During its first year, MGN organized: i. A three-day International Research Symposium on Molecular Imaging, “Imaging Biomolecules in Time and Space” (October 26-28, 2010) at the University of Patras Cultural and Conference Center, accompanied by a state-of-the art Training Course for 20 advanced graduate students from research institutions all over Greece (http://mgn.upatras.gr/bioimaging2010). The Symposium included presentations from distinguished invited speakers from several European (e.g. EMBL, MPI, etc.) and Greek Universities and Research Centers as well as from members of the Network. ii. A one-day workshop open to the general public on the services of the General University Hospital of Rio and the University of Patras Medical School, on Medical Genetics and Diagnostics, at the conference hall of the Commercial Chamber of Achaia Prefecture (April 24, 2010), and iii. A series of invited research seminars with the general title: “From Genes to Therapies” on various topics of biomedical translational research; the seminar series will be continued in the second year of MGN activities, Among the activities planned for the second year of MGN, is the organization of the 2011 Conference of the Hellenic Society of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (HSCBB) at the U. Patras Cultural and Conference Center (October 7-9, 2011) by MGN members of Area 1 and 5 along with the affiliated laboratory at FORTH/ICE-HT. Details on the participating faculty and their research, educational activities, publications, ongoing and planned work, can be found in the MGN web site (http://mgn.upatras.gr/) following the link “Network Members”. As shown under the link “Collaborators”, MGN members have an established network of international research and industrial collaborators in various European countries, US, Canada and Japan, for student exchanges, scientific knowledge and technology transfer, research paper co- authorship, participation in international research and educational networks and collaborations on European or other international research proposals. MGN is constantly seeking opportunities for further expansion and development through contacts with other National and International networks and platforms, while it discusses with interested in joining research groups of the University of Patras.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications Research network (Biotargeting)
Coordinator: Professor Karamanos Nikos Telephone: +30 2610-997915 Fax: +30 2610-997153 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.biotargeting.upatras.gr
Brief presentation The Biotargeting - Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications Research Network is focused on the pharmacological targeting of diseases and the applications of biocompatible materials in Medicine. The Network covers a broad spectrum of continuously evolving research in biomedicine and biotechnology. It focuses on two basic axes of overlapping activities and is a result of the collaboration of the research groups and researchers from three Schools (Natural Sciences, Health Sciences and Engineering) and six Departments (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Material Science and Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics) of the University of Patras. One of the key aims in biomedical science is to develop applications that can target and deliver drug to specific cell populations. Using the state-of-the-art of the network, researchers in the pathobiology of several diseases and their underlying mechanisms, as well as the biological evaluation of pharmaceutical agents, biocompatible materials will be designed to deliver such agents to their target, avoiding the side-effects of their administration. The size, stability and cell specificity of biocompatible materials for targeted drug delivery is crucially dependent on each surface modification as well as the overall surface charge. Besides the fact that surface charge along with particle size are directly decisive for the material’s biodistribution, other highly critical factors, such as cytotoxicity and the efficiency of cellular uptake, are associated with those factors.
Goals and activities The Principal goals of the Biotargeting Research Network cover three directive axes that have diverse activities: 1. Pharmacotargeting of diseases a. Study of the mechanisms underlying the pathobiology of diseases b. Search of therapeutic targets, and
10 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
c. Biological evaluation of pharmaceutical agents and system’s evolution as well as application of procedures, diagnostic and analytical tools 2. Application of biocompatible materials in Medicine a. Synthesis of Materials and Polymers b. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility, immunogenicity and biological properties and c. Optimization control of drug delivery
Network Members: for research activities and profiles see: www.biotargeting.upatras.gr
School of Natural Sciences • Karamanos Nikos (coordinator) – Professor, Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, collaborating faculty member of FORTH • Kallitsis Joannis – Professor, Polymer Science, Department of Chemistry and collaborating faculty member of FORTH • Galiotis Costas – Professor & Director of FORTH/ ICE-HT, Patras, Greece and Professor - Department of Materials Science • Vynios Demitrios – Professor, Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry • Aletras Alexios - Assoc. Professor, Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry • Bokias Georgios – Assist. Professor , Polymer Science, Department of Chemistry Theocharis Achilleas – Assist. Professor, Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry
School of Helth Sciences • Kalofonos Haralabos - Professor, Director of the Division of Oncology and Clinical Oncology Laboratory – Department of Medicine • Panagiotopoulos Elias – Professor, Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Medicine • Gkatzounis Georgios, Assist. Professor, Neurosurgery, Department of Medicine • Makatsoris Thomas – Assist. Professor, Clinical Oncology, Department of Medicine • Antimisiaris Sophia – Professor, Department of Pharmacy, collaborating faculty member of FORTH • Papadimitriou Evangelia – Assoc. Professor, Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy.
Polytechnic School • Tsitsilianis Constantinos – Professor, Polymer Science, Department of Chemical Engineering and collaborating faculty member of FORTH • Kostopoulos Basilis - Professor, Director of Applied Mechanics & Vibrations Lab. – Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics • Panteliou Sofia – Assoc. Professor - Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics • Mavrilas Dimosthenis – Assist. Professor , Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Inta-university Research Networks
Title
University of Patras Neuroscience Network (UPNN)
Coordinator: George Kostopoulos MD, PhD Telephone: 2610-969157, -155, Fax: 2610-997215 E-mail: [email protected], Website: neuronet.upatras.gr
1. NETWORK GOALS The University of Patras Neuroscience Network (UPNN) aims to foster intra-university collaborations among scientists of different disciplines, who share an interest in brain and nervous system mechanisms underlying our behavior. This basic knowledge is considered as of outmost importance for understanding human nature, but also for preventing/treating neuropsychiatric diseases and for designing new intelligent machines. The multidisciplinary approach, dictated by the very complex and integrated nature of brain function, which is organized in many levels (from the cellular to the psychological), has led to the emergence of a new discipline named Neuroscience. The UPNN therefore quite appropriately includes neuroscientists with primary education/occupation in disciplines as diverse as biology and psychiatry, mathematics and neurology, pharmacy and engineering etc. To achieve the network goals UPNN fosters and advances a. academic teaching in neuroscience, b. basic and applied (clinical, engineering etc.) research, c. public education. This is considered an important duty of neuroscientists because of the unjustified social stigma several neuropsychiatric diseases still carry and because of the new ethical concerns and other important issues raised by the new discoveries of brain research and the associated technology. d. Finally modern neuroscience offers formidable opportunities for industrial exploitation of new basic research findings. The network tries to alert basic scientists to such possibilities, which could boost the economy of our country
2. MEMBERS UPNN researchers and clinicians are based at the University of Patras from various departments and faculties, including the Department of Medicine, Department of Biology, Department of Pharmacy and the Department of Computer Engineering. Alphabetical list of UPNN members: o Fevronia Angelatou RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Martha Asimakopoulou RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Ioannis Barakis View CV in Greek o Panagiotis Giompres RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Georgios Gkantzounis View CV in Greek o George Dassios RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Aikaterini Dermon - executive committee member RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Elias Kouvelas RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Constantine Constantoyannis RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o George Kostopoulos - co-ordinator RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Theo Mantamadiotis - executive comm. member RDO profile (English) | View CV in English o Marigoula Margariti RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Nikolaos Matsokis RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek
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o Vassilis Megalooikonomou RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Adamantia Mitsacos RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Nikolaos Panagopoulos RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Costas Papatheodoropoulos RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Theodoros Papatheodorou RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Panagiotis Polychronopoulos RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Kostantinos Poulas - executive committee member RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Stavros Taraviras RDO profile (English) | View CV in English o Sokratis Tzartos RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek o Elisabet Chroni RDO profile (English) | View CV in Greek
3. CURRENT ACTIVITIES 3.1. TEACHING: Members of UPNN have organized several interdepartmental MSc. and PhD programs which include Neuroscience or Neuroinformatics as a specialization. Besides teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses in their Departments, UPNN members make substantial contributions to neuroscience teaching in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
3.2. RESEARCH: The UPNN strives to facilitate, integrate and cross-fertilize the research efforts of several currently independent or collaborating research teams, which conduct antagonistically funded research in diverse neuroscience fields including: • Cervical myelopathy studies • Computational methods in brain imaging (CT, fMRI, EEG) • Deep brain stimulation for extrapyramidal disorders, epilepsy and pain • Development of animal and cell models for studying normal and pathogenetic cell and organ mechanisms, with the aim to derive new therapeutic approaches based on stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries. • Developmental and systems neuroscience and brain plasticity • Diseases of peripheral nervous system and of motor neurons • Dopamine role in neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, learning and epileptogenesis • Electroencephalography of human sleep and epilepsy • Epilepsy clinical and neurosurgical studies • Mathematical analysis of EEG and MEG • Mechanisms regulating neural stem cells and how these mechanisms and cells are linked to the development of brain tumors. • Neuroinformatics: software development for brain signals analysis • Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and myasthenia gravis • Neuroanatomy: from basics to neuro-oncology • Neurodegenerative diseases and brain plasticity • Thyroid hormones interaction with neurotransmitter systems
3.3. SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS: Regular weekly meetings are held to discuss and inform our members as well as graduate students on state-of-the-art neuroscience research and methods currently undertaken in the university. Among others, UPNN has helped organize: - The 1st Johns Hopkins and Patras Universities Neuroscience Symposium "STEM CELLS AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM" May 14-15, 2010 - The series of lectures by distinguish guest scientists "From genes to therapy", throughout 2010 Furthermore UPNN is actively linked to the activities (and its members participate in the executive councils of) the "Hellenic Society for Neuroscience", the "Federation of European Neuroscience Societies" and the "International Brain Research Organization".
3.4. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION: The UPNN secretary collects and disseminates to UPNN members announcements about grant openings, scholarships, travel grants etc.
4. CONTACTS George Kostopoulos (UPNN Coordinator) email: [email protected] George Damaskos (UPNN Secretary) email: [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
BIOFLORA
Coordinator: Professor Gregoris IATROU, Deparment of Biology Telephone: +30-2610-997278 Fax: +30-2610-996210 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bioflora.upatras.gr
Brief Presentation
The Research Network “BIOFLORA” aims to the establishment of an advanced network for collaboration and communication of scientists working in the fields of isolation, identification, characterization of biological properties, and synthesis of natural products from wild plants of the Greek flora with emphasis on rare and endemic taxa.
Plant extracts in the past and natural products nowadays have been the main source for the development of potent pharmaceuticals. Plants and microorganisms have been the major sources of natural products throughout the centuries, but after one century of isolation and structural characterization of their natural products we realize that we have achieved only a glimpse into this vast reservoir of biodiversity. From the approximately 300,000-340,000 Spermatophytes all over the world, about 10% have been systematically investigated for the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. However, these numbers do not reveal the wealth of natural products therein, since more than one bioactive natural products may be in one plant, either all over the plant or in a particular part (e.g. roots). Their concentration varies greatly according to developmental age, location, time, climate, environment and they may be produced only as a response to an elicitor (chemical communication, physical stimuli).
The Greek flora is one of the richest in the world (7.000 taxa) considering its size and uniqueness (21% endemic taxa). Many of the endemic plant species are confined to very small areas, in some cases individual rock outcrops, and thus are extremely vulnerable to habitat loss, overgrazing, and urban expansion. Thus, “BIOFLORA” is an initiative to bring together scientists from the Departments of Biology, Pharmacy, Chemistry, and Medicine in order to promote multidisciplinary collaboration in the field of natural products and wild medicinal plants of Hellenic flora in the University of Patras, to establish new contacts with interested scientists in Academia and Industry in Greece and
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abroad, to upgrade the pre- and post-graduate education in this field and finally arouse awareness about the value of rescuing the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological heritage of our country and biodiversity. Our ultimate wish is to highlight the wealth, diversity and opportunities in research in natural products with a view of integrating these in the production and development of novel pharmaceutical, phytochemical or nutraceutical products which would boost Hellenic industrial and/or agricultural sector.
At present, the Network consists of faculty members of the Department of Biology (Prof. Gregoris Iatrou, Prof. Dimitrios Tzanoudakis, Assist. Prof. Marigoula Margarity), Department of Chemistry (Prof. Nikos Karamanos, Prof. Theodore Tsegenidis, Prof. Dionyssios Papaioannou, Assist. Prof. Costas Athanassopoulos), Department of Medicine (Assist. Prof. Costas Georgakopoulos) and Department of Pharmacy (Prof. Paul Cordopatis, Assist. Prof. Vassiliki Magafa and Assist. Professor Fotini Lamari).
This Network has already produced recognized research work as a result of fruitful collaboration of its members, i.e. systematic research in characterization of phytochemical composition of Greek endemic taxa of genera Sideritis and Crocus and study of their neuroprotective and chemopreventive/anticancer potential. Apart from presentations in national and international scientific conferences and publications in peer-review journals, the establishment of this Network has contributed to the enrichment of the Herbarium at the Department of Biology and the establishment of a Library of plant extracts and natural/synthetic products at the Department of Pharmacy. A website (www.bioflora.upatras.gr) was created to inform the internet community about its existence and its aims. The first Meeting of the BIOFLORA Network took place at the Conference and Cultural Center of the University of Patras on Friday, 17 December 2010. Prof. Dr. Athanassios Giannis from the Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Leipzig was invited and had a lecture on “Natural Products as Tools for Biology and Medicine”. The other invited speakers were Prof. Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis from the Department of Pharmacy, University of Athens, who had a lecture on “Biodiversity of a guide for the discovery of new bioactive compounds” and Mr Manolis Mitakis who presented the aim and actions of the Hellenic Ethnopharmacology Society. All three invited speakers heralded the establishment of this Network with joy and expressed their willingness to participate in this Network. In its next steps, the Network aims to attract the interest and promote collaboration with other interested scientists and organizations in Greece and submit proposals for funding (e.g. Interreg). A cycle of lectures is organized and will take place this semester in order to advance education on relevant matters.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
NEUROTOX
Coordinator: Prof. N. Matsokis Telephone: +30-2610969229 or +30-2610969273 Fax: +30-2610969273 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.neurotox.upatras.gr/
Brief presentation
Under today’s difficult social conditions, human health is threaded as a result of the poor means of environmental protection and control of food quality and living conditions in general. This results in increased incidence of diseases which are caused by the combination of emotional stress and toxic pollutants, as for example cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Diseases of the CNS as Parkinson disease (PD), Alzheimer disease (AD) and Huntington disease (HD) are neurodegenerative diseases, in which the degeneration of neural cells is a result of the combination of at least three causes: a) Toxic environmental effects and bad nutrition, b) Aging of the population and c) Inherited (genetic) factors. These conditions are already established and will continue to increase if correct social measures, at multiple levels, are not taken.
Under the current conditions, we believe that it is a duty of the scientific community to intervene dynamically, by proposing means for environmental protection and for upgrading the quality of life so that citizens enjoy physical and emotional health and stability. In compliance with issues mentioned above, main targets of NEUROTOX are: Study and clarification of biochemical and molecular mechanisms, which ensure longevity and good health of cells and (eventually) organisms. Study of the effects of environmental pollutants on cell proliferation and functions; and additionally study of the mechanisms which are responsible for cell defense against harsh conditions. Study of neurodegenerative and neuro-protection mechanisms.
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Finding molecular markers for early diagnosis of diseases. Usage and administration of natural products/formulations at low doses in order to enhance the defensive mechanisms of organisms, without resulting in toxicity and/or side effects. Application of toxicological methods for investigation of potential toxic effects of the above mentioned formulations, and finding optimal administration regimens. From the results of the studies carried out after administration of various types and combinations of bioactive products of natural origin, we aim to develop active formulations and/or nutritional supplements, that will act as cell/neuron protectants and have the least possible side effects
NEUROTOX network involves seven different groups from four departments (Dept. of Biology, Dept. of Chemistry, Dept. of Pharmacy, Dept of Medicine) and two schools (Physical Sciences and Health Sciences) from the University of Patras, covering a wide research area (biological, chemical, biochemical, toxicological and pharmaceutical). More details of the groups participating in the network, as well as the organization and program of the network can be found in the network website (http://www.neurotox.upatras.gr).
For the dissemination activities, the network has already organized two successful half-day workshops (with speakers from the network and invited speakers), as well as a one-day workshop in the Cultural and Conference Center of the University of Patras. The workshops included presentations from the group members together with invited speakers from other Greek and European Universities and Research Insitutes. Poster sessions and round table discussions were also included to enhance the participation of the young researchers.
Finally, the network is always seeking opportunities for further expansion and development through contacts with other National and International networks and platforms and is also in contact with more groups in the University of Patras that might have research activities in relevant scientific areas.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Development and Biological Evaluation of Multipotent Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Pharmaceutical Agents
Coordinator: Prof. Denis Drainas Telephone: +30-2610969127 Fax: +30-2610969167 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.multipotentdrugs.upatras.gr
Brief presentation
The current research network has as main purpose to advance and strengthen the interactions between different research groups in the University of Patras, with scientific background in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, pharmacology and immunology. The network focuses on the development and biological evaluation of pharmaceutical compounds of the hybrid type or conjugates, with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action. The goal being that these substances are more potent than those already existing and with fewer side effects for future treatment of inflammatory diseases or bacterial infections. These include hypersensitivity reactions (autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma), neurodegenerative diseases, infections, cancer, and organ and cell transplantation. For the successful accomplishment of this goal research groups with complementary research activities from the School of Medicine, and the Departments of Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Biology are collaborating.
The existing cooperation that has been developed between members of the network concerning the study of polyamine conjugates of substances with biological activity ensures necessity and complementarity of research groups and their ability to work effectively. The network aims to further expansion with new members that will meet specific research needs that will arise in the near future.
Finally, the network, beyond its research activities, aimed at enhancing the educational process, graduate studies and to establish new research capabilities in frontier areas of Life Sciences.
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The network involves fifteen groups from four departments (Dept of Medicine (School of Medicine), Dept. of Biology, Dept. of Pharmacy, Dept. of Chemistry) and two faculties (Health Sciences and Physical Sciences) from the University of Patras. More details of the groups participating in the network can be found in the network website (http://www.mulipotentdrugs.upatras.gr).
The network has already organized two successful one-day scientific meetings, one in the School of Medicine (February 27, 2010), and one in the Cultural and Conference Center of the University of Patras (July 2, 2010). The later meeting included presentations from the group members together with invited speakers from European Universities. Also, in an effort to expand the collaboration of the network with international scientific groups, several network members participated in a joint workshop which was co-organized with the Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology of the University of Camerino, Italy (Camerino October 28-30, 2010). The programs can be found in the network website (http://www.mulipotentdrugs.upatras.gr). This joint workshop resulted an ERASMUS LLP agreement, between the University of Patras and the University of Camerino, which will facilitate in the near future the mobility and exchange of academic staff and students of all levels between the two Institutions.
In addition members of the network had already participated in the preparation and submission of scientific proposals in the field of health sciences (Program THALIS and Program SYNERGASIA)
Finally, the network targets to expand its collaboration with other National and International Networks which will complement the expertise of the research objectives of the Network.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Studying the structure and function of therapeutically important macromolecules (PHARMANET)
Coordinator: Prof. Andreas Papapetropoulos Telephone: +30-2610969337 Fax: +30-2610969337 E-mail: [email protected]
Brief presentation
Structural biology is a pivotal discipline investigating in depth the structure- function relationship of macromolecules, providing atomic-level insight into the conformational dynamics of both individual proteins and multi-component ensembles. By generating precise, structure-based, 3-D pictures of a single molecule or a multi-component system, structural biology adds a totally different dimension to our understanding of the molecule’s biological function. In addition, it allows accurate predictions regarding protein-protein and protein-small molecule interactions, and is therefore of particular importance in the rational design of new drugs. Coupling of structural with chemical biology and pharmacology expertise, as planned in our network, can provide insight beyond the simple elucidation of structure, for example it can define the ligand’s characteristics that are needed for optimal interaction with a specific “receptor”. The network’s main objectives are 1) to foster scientific interaction and collaboration between its members and interested faculty and researchers in the UoP, 2) train young investigators in the area of expertise of its members, 3) organize scientific meetings and lectures that are open to all the faculty and students of the UoP, and 4) apply for funding to national and international agencies. The groups that comprise the network have a proven record of common scientific activities (co-authored scientific papers, common research grants) which they wish to expand.
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The network brings together expertise from 5 different research groups from the Department of Pharmacy and the Department of Medicine covering a wide research area from biotechnology and structural biology to drug screening, pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. More details for the individual members of the network can be found in the network’s website.
So far the network has organized two lectures from invited speakers (Prof. Rui Wang, Vice President Research, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada and Dr. Adrian Hobbs, Reader in Cardiovascular Pharmacology, University College London, UK) in the Cultural and Conference Center of the University of Patras. Members of the network have applied for funding through FP7 calls (COST and REGPOT). The proposal submitted as a COST Action (BM1005 Gasotrasnimtters: from basic science to therapeutic applications) was approved in December 2010 by the Committee of Senior Officials of COST and was launched in 2011 with the kick-off meeting being scheduled for April 2011 (http://www.cost.esf.org/domains_actions/bmbs/Actions/bm1005). Results for the REGPOT proposal are expected in March 2011.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Pharmacogenomics in the management of polygenic disorders and pharmacological response (Pharmaglobal)
Coordinator: Prof. Christodoulos Flordellis Telephone: +30-2610996250 Fax: +30-2610994720 E-mail: [email protected]
Brief presentation The research network Pharmaglobal aims at: 1. Application of advanced biomedical technologies to the understanding of the pathogenesis of polygenic disorders, mainly coronary artery disease, dementia and myelodysplastic syndromes. 2. Development of innovative approaches for diagnosis, staging and prognosis of chronic polygenic disorders. 3. Contribution to the identification and validation of suitable targets for therapeutic intervention.
These goals will be accomplished through the integration of powerful analytical tools for the identification and clinical validation of various types of biomarkers (i.e., imaging, clinical, genetic and biochemical markers) that will enable the characterization of the phenotype at an early stage of the disease, the administration of the optimized pharmaceutical therapy and the prediction of the patients’ response to therapy.
More specifically, the network focuses on:
22 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks a) The development of imaging biomarkers that will enable monitoring of the disease in vivo by using both conventional techniques (MRI and PET) as well as new approaches based on microcameras, biosensors etc. b) Development of analytical tools (such as microarrays and a variety of – omic tools) for high-throughput screening and multianalyte in vitro testing of a variety of samples. c) Exploitation of genetically manipulated animal models and cell systems both for the investigation of the pathogenesis of the aforementioned disorders and the identification and validation of new pharmacological targets. d) Performance of clinical studies with the use of biomarkers as surrogate end-points for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the pharmacological interventions. e) Exploitation of state-of-the art computational techniques (bioinformatics) for the extraction and combinatorial use of clinically relevant information from the above experimental data.
23 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
ANGIO
Coordinator: Assistant Professor Dimitris Karnabatidis Telephone: +30 2613 603218 Fax: +30 2613 603218 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.angio.upatras.gr/default.aspx
Brief presentation Angiogenesis in the fundamental process through which vessels are developed. It is the basic requirement for a variety of physiologic and pathologic procedures. Examples of physiologic angiogenesis are the female menstrual cycle, wound and ulcer healing, as well as the myocardial infarction, etc. On the other hand we have pathologic angiogenesis in cases such as cancer, infections, etc.
The current Intra-University University of Patras network aims to research in therapeutic angiogenesis with the close cooperation of basic and clinical scientists. Members of the network are scientists from the University of Patras and other research institutions of Greece, like the Technological Educational Institute of Athens and the Research Institute Democritus. The network has already got financing for the funding of two PhD students working in the area of angioegenesis under the calls ‘Karatheodori 2010’ and ‘Iraklitos II’.
Network Goals, Members, Current Activities, Contacts Members: 1. Dimitris Karnabatidis, Assistant Professor of Interventional Radiology 2. Dimitris Siablis, Professor of Radiology 3. Konstantinos Katsanos, Lecturer of Radiology 4. Athanasios Diamantopoulos, Radiology Resedint 5. George Kagadis, Assistant Professor of Medical Physics – Medical Informatics 6. George Nikiforidis, Professor of Medical Physics 7. Dr. Antonis Daskalakis, Medical Physicist 8. Dr. Ioannis Drakos, Computer Engineer 9. Konstantia Tsioupinaki, Biologist, PhD student 10. Nikolaos Tsopanoglou, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology 11. Panagiotis Vassilakis, MD, PhD student
24 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
12. Vassilios Megalooikonomou, Associate Professor of Computer Engineering 13. Aggeliki Skoura, Computer Engineer, PhD student 14. Amalia Charisi, Computer Engineer, PhD student 15. Evaggelia Papadimitriou, Associate Professor of Pharmacology 16. Dimitris Kardamakis, Professor of Radiation Therapy, University of Patras 17. Dimitris Apostolopoulos, Associate Professor of Nuclear Medicine, University of Patras 18. Tryfonas Spyridonidis, MD, Nuclear Medical Doctor, University Hospital of Patras 19. Alexandra Varvarigou, Researcher A, NCSR Demokritos 20. Penelope Bouzioti, Researcher, NCSR Demokritos 21. George Loudos, Assistant Professor, Technical Educational Institute of Athens
Contact: Dimitris Karnabatidis Assistant Professor Department of Radiology University of Patras GR 265 04, Rion Email: [email protected] Tel: +30 2613 603218 Fax: +30 2613 603218
25 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Intra-University research network for the study of metabolic syndrome. (MetsNet)
Coordinator: Kyriakos E. Kypreos, Associate Professor in Pharmacology Telephone: +302610969120 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.med.upatras.gr/metsnet/index.htm
MetSNet is a metabolic syndrome (MetS) Research Network created at the University of Patras following an initiative of the Rector of Strategic Planning and Research Development, Dr. Vassilios Anastassopoulos, to bring in close collaboration investigators of the University with similar research interests. The activities of MetSNet Center include joined research through collaborations, graduate student training, organization of training courses, regular seminar series, and mini-conferences with the participation of prestigious internationally recognized speakers. In addition, through the medical doctors of MetSNet, the network has access to unique samples and specimens from various clinics of the University Hospitals of the University of Patras Medical School. MetSNet aspires to develop into a National Center of participating laboratories from all over Greece with a common interest in the study of the pathological conditions of metabolic syndrome.
Figure 1. Graphic depiction of the research interests and collaborations of the MetSNet center of the University of Patras
MetSNet regular members The regular members of MetSNet are:
26 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Kyriakos Kypreos, Associate Professor in Pharmacology (Coordinator of the Network) Dionysios Papachristou, Assistant Professor in Anatomy, Histology and Embryology (Financial administrator) Vassiliki (Bessie) Greka-Spilioti, Associate Professor in Pediatric Endocrinology (Secretary) Ioannis Habeos, Assistant Professor in Endocrinology (Member of the network) Georgios Spyroulias, Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy (Member of the network)
MetSNet has established long standing collaborations with leading European and International Research Groups. In the context of these collaborations, MetSNet has established recently strong collaborations with European Partnering Organizations (EPO) such as ICBP-NS in Romania, the German Diabetes Center in Germany, the Disease Model Laboratory of Cambridge University in the UK, the Department of Endocrinology at TNO-PG and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. In addition, MetSNet collaborates with prestigious research facilities in the USA and Canada, such as Boston University, Harvard University, UCLA and McGill University, and Pittsburgh University Medical School. The main research directions of our MetSNet and the existing collaborations with the European and International Partnering Institutes are graphically summarized in Figure 1 above.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES OF THE NETWORK
Within the first 12 months of its existence MetSNet has engaged into numerous activities ranging from research collaborations to participation in international conferences and platforms to dissemination activities for the general public.
1. Research activities. Currently there is a very active collaboration between members of the network on many different aspects of metabolic syndrome including obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis and bone metabolism. Research activities are supported mainly by prestigious international grants awarded to the principal investigators of MetSNet.
2. Organization of a Seminar Series for the benefit of the graduate students, junior researcher, professors, and the wider biomedical community of Patras and Greece. This seminar series has hosted so far a number of scientists of international reputation.
3. Dissemination activities for the general public On January 16, 2010, MetSNet hosted a workshop for the general public entitled “Obesity and related metabolic perturbations: from the child to the adult”.
4. Training and educational activities Taking advantage of the Erasmus LLP program, graduate students and faculty of the laboratories of MetSNet have visited laboratories in European Partnering Organizations in order to perform experiments, acquire new skills and receive training on methodologies important for the study of metabolic syndrome. In addition, MetSNet laboratories have served as hosts for students from other European Institutes. More such exchanges are planned for the coming academic year
27 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra -University Research Networks
Title
“Modelization and Analysis of Biomedical and Physical Systems” (MABIPHYS)
Coordinator: Tassos Bountis, Professor, Department of Mathematics Telephone: 0030 – 2610 - 997381 Fax: 0030 – 2610 - 997381 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Website: http://www.math.upatras.gr/~mabiphys
Brief presentation 1. Collaborating Teams and Network Members 1) Department of Mathematics, Laboratory of Nonlinear Systems and Applied Analysis, Director: T. Bountis, Professor, Sp. Pnevmatikos, Professor, Ko van der Weele, Professor, V. Papageorgiou, Associate Professor. 2) Department of Mathematics, Laboratory of Computational Intelligence (CI Lab), Director: M. N. Vrahatis, Professor, P. Alevizos, Assistant Professor, G. Androulakis, Assistant Professor, Department of Business and Management, Κ. Parsopoulos, Assistant Professor. 3) Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biosignal Analysis (BIOLAB), Director: Α. Bezerianos, Professor, G. Nikiforidis, Professor. 4) Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDLAB), Director: J. Tsamopoulos, Professor, V. Mavrantzas, Professor. 5) Department of Chemical Engineering, Process Control Laboratory (PCLAB), Director: C. Kravaris, Professor, J. Koukos, Assistant Professor 6) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (α) Th. Stouraitis, Professor, Director of Digital Signal and Image Processing (DSIP LAB), Group of Electronics and Computer Division: G. Moustakidis, Professor, Systems and Automatic Control Division: Α. Tzes, Professor, Director of Applied Networked micro Mechatronics group. Collaborators: G. Nikolakopoulos, M. Vagia and L. Dritsas (Lecturers). 7) Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Laboratory of Stochastic Mechanical Systems & Automation (SMSA LAB), Director: S. Fassois, Professor, J. Sakellariou, Lecturer, 8) Physics Department, Laser Laboratory (LaserLAB), Director: P. Persefonis, Professor, V. Giannetas, Associate Professor, M. Fakis, Lecturer.
28 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
2. Research Topics Several research groups participate in this Network from the Departments of Mathematics, Physics, Medicine, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Their research activities focus on the following areas: a) Nonlinear dynamics of physical systems: Theory and applications b) Brain dynamics and brain-computer interface c) Systemic Biology: Computational methods and applications d) Computational Intelligence and applications e) Physical and dynamical properties of granular matter f) Computational Fluid Dynamics and instabilities in polymeric fluids g) Control theory and simulation of dynamical processes h) Digital analysis of signals and images i) Dynamic identification and control of complex stochastic mechanical structures j) Nonlinear Optics and Photonics
Our teams apply the innovative concepts, methodology and modeling techniques of Nonlinear Science and Complexity, to analyze the time evolution and spatial structure of complex systems involved in diverse scientific and technological fields. Examples of such systems occur in nonlinear lattices, particle beam stability in high energy accelerators, computational intelligence and optimization, the dynamics of granular matter, diagnosing pathological features in heart rate signals, predicting epileptic seizures in brain dynamics, synchronizing and controlling mechanical systems such as chaotic oscillators and studying problems of wave propagation in nonlinear optics.
3. Activities of the Network: Members of the Network have organized and participated in the following activities, promoting their goals and collaborations within MABIPHYS:
2010: “THALES” proposal, entitled “Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems”. Prof. J. P. Van der Weele and T. Bountis, with the collaboration of research teams of 3 other European countries (UK, Netherlands and Belgium) obtained the approval of competitive research proposal entitled “Complex Matter”, 2011-2013, funded with 120000 euro by GSRT, see the webpage http://complexmatter.wordpress.com Ph.D. School in "Mathematical Μodeling of Complex Systems", Patras, 18-30 July 2011 (Main Organizers: Professors T. Bountis and Ko van der Weele of the Department of Mathematics) 5th International Summer School Emerging Technologies in Biomedicine High Throughput Communication between Brain and Machines, September 26th - October 1st, 2010, Patras,Greece (Main Organizer Prof. A. Bezerianos of the Department of Medicine) http://www.math.upatras.gr/~mabiphys/BezerianosSummer%20School.pdf Introductory Mathematics course for graduate students, September 22 – 25 2010, Department of Mathematics ( Main Organizers: Professors T. Bountis, S. Pnevmatikos and Ko van der Weele of the Department of Mathematics) Daily Workshop of the Network: Control of Dynamical Systems: Theory and Applications”, 19-20 February 2010, Achaia Beach Hotel. The Lecture Program, Abstracts and actual lectures are listed in the Network’s webpage http://www.math.upatras.gr/~mabiphys ------
29 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network for Research in Medical Radiation Physics (MRP)
Coordinator: Prof. George S. Panayiotakis Telephone: +30-2610969131 Fax: +30-2610996113 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://mrp.upatras.gr/
Brief description The network target is to continue and extend the research collaboration of basic and clinical scientists dealing with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation for diagnostic or therapeutic medical purposes. The network is involved mostly in the field of diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. In particular, the goals of the network are: • The development of novel imaging techniques for diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. • The optimization of the existing imaging techniques in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine with respect to image quality and patient dose. • The development and optimization of radiotherapy and exploitation of novel portal imaging techniques. • The processing and analysis of medical images, generated by diagnostic systems that use ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, for assisting diagnosis tasks. The network consists of research groups originating from three Departments (Medicine, Physics, Computer Engineering and Informatics), and three Schools (Health Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering) of the University of Patras, covering a broad scientific area. The network has already organized, in the framework of an International Conference, one successful mini symposium on Medical Physics and Image
30 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Analysis (9-10 July 2010) with sessions on Medical Physics and Dosimetry, Medical Imaging Detectors and Medical Image Analysis. The symposium included oral presentations, as well as invited lectures from scientists of Greek Universities and Research Institutes. The program and a summary of the events can be found in the website http://www.scce.gr/2010/lectures.htm In addition, the network, in collaboration with the Greek Atomic Energy Commission, has organized courses (11-13 February 2011) addressed mostly to radiographers, in order to promote their training in radiation protection further. Within the following month, the network is planning to organize a workshop on medical physics and image quality matters, which will include invited lecturers that are experts in the field. Furthermore, the innovative topics that the members of the network deal with allow for the preparation and submission of proposals to both national and international funding bodies. Finally, MRP members are seeking to expand the collaboration by developing new contacts with members of Greek and International Institutions, working on similar matters (e.g. medical physics, imaging, dosimetry).
31 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Predictive Medicine: Computational Replicas, Anatomic Reconstructions of Vessels as Volume Numerical Grids at Three-Dimensional Angiography and Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques to facilitate Therapeutic Decision-Making
Coordinator: Professor, George Nikiforidis Telephone: +30 2610969144 Fax: +30 2610969166 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://cfdmed.org
Brief presentation Aim The key purpose of the Research Network is to identify new and improved criteria and quantitative indicators for the effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and peripheral vascular system diseases. Vascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. These criteria will be based on quantitative combinatorial analysis, which incorporate state-of-the-art imaging of the vascular morphology and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodologies, which are directly related to the assessment of hemodynamic markers, factors and trends that apply to affected areas of the vascular system, such as strictures, blood clots and aneurysms.
Background Both the profiles of the research groups and their research activities, as it is evidenced by their published work and research projects, demonstrate the significant progress they have achieved on the fundamental issues of the proposed research and their expertise on applied topics in medical and in physical sciences. The collaborative research teams of the project have complementary characteristics and indispensable interdisciplinary maturity, they cover the majority of the scientific fields pertinent to the targets of the proposal, and they possess highly sophisticated equipment and high-priced installations required for the success of the project.
32 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
1. SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY OF MEDICINE NIKIFORIDIS GEORGE (Research Network Coordinator), PROFESSOR Member 2: KAGADIS GEORGE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Member 3: SAKELLAROPOULOS GEORGE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Member 5: SIABLIS DIMITRIS, PROFESSOR Member 6: KARNABATIDIS DIMITRIS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
2. SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS Member 7: KARAHALIOS GEORGE, PROFESSOR Member 8: LOUKOPOULOS VASSILIOS, Assistant Professor
3. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND AERONAUTICS Member 9 EKATERINARIS IOANNIS, PROFESSOR Member 10 POLYZOS DIMOSTHENIS, PROFESSOR
4. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Member 11 KOUTSOUKOS PETROS, PROFESSOR Member 12PARASKEVAS CHRISTAKIS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
5. INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND HIGH TEMPERATURE CHEMICAL PROCESSES (ICE-HT) Member 13 BOURGANOS VASSILIOS, RESEARCH DIRECTOR
33 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network on advanced biomaterials and biomedical applications
Coordinator: Prof. Yannis F. Missirlis Telephone: +30-2610969460 Fax: +30-2610969464 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://biomatnetwork.upatras.gr/index.html
Brief presentation The current network has the main target to advance and strengthen the interactions between different research groups in the University of Patras that have scientific background in different fields of biomaterials and biomedical applications. The network focuses on the development of complementary scientific, technological and educational actions related to issues dealing with the enhancement of biocompatibility and the antibacterial protection of materials used in biomedical devices. For the successful accomplishment of this goal the network involves research groups that have collaborated in the past in scientific activities and in the co-organization of educational and dissemination activities. In addition, new groups from the University of Patras have been included in the network in order to further enhance the network potential in fields as biomaterials preparation and in vitro characterization, molecular and biological biocompatibility mechanisms, drug delivery, toxicity evaluation and applications of biomaterials in surgery and urology. In the network are involved nine groups from five departments (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Dept. of Biology, Dept. of Pharmacy, Dept of Medicine) and three schools (Polytechnic, Physical Sciences and Health Sciences) from the University of Patras, covering a wide research area from materials preparation to in vivo tests of biomedical devices.
34 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
More details of the groups participating in the network can be found in the network website (http://biomatnetwork.upatras.gr/Participants.html). In order to accomplish the project goals the network is divided into three actions. Action1: Dissemination of results Action 2: Actions for network involvement into National and European projects Action 3: Actions for further expansion and development As for the dissemination activities, the network has already organized two successful one-day workshops (5 March 2010 and 22 October 2010) in the Cultural and Conference Center of the University of Patras. The workshops included presentations from the group members together with invited speakers from other Greek and European Universities and Research Insitutes. Poster sessions and round table discussions were also included to enhance the participation of the young researchers. The program and a summary of the events can be found in the network website (http://biomatnetwork.upatras.gr/Events.html). In addition, members of the networks together with Italian partners from Puglia region (University of Bari, University of Lecce and University of the Salento) had already participated in the preparation and submission of a scientific proposal in the field of biomaterials (EUROPEAN TERRITORIAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME “GREECE – ITALY” 2007-2013 call). The scientific proposal “Cross – border research and training cooperation in advanced biomaterials and biomedical devices” is focused on the improvement of the performance of cardiovascular and urological stents, based on the consortium’s already developed research activities in this field. Decision on our proposal is still pending. Finally, the network is always seeking opportunities for further expansion and development through contacts with other National and International networks and platforms and is also in contact with more groups in the University of Patras that might have research activities in the biomaterials and their clinical applications.
35 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
CALCULATING ECMO SUPPORT OF PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY INFECTION e-Respi
Coordinator: Prof. Dimitrios Dougenis Telephone: +30- 2610 999847 Fax: +30- 2610 994535 E-mail: [email protected]
Brief presentation New creative ideas and technologies as well as innovations in the field of calculating support of medical practice regarding extracorporeal oxygenation are fundamental and vital for the promotion of standards as well as the promotion of systematic research. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a therapeutic measure comprising an “artificial lung” and a rotor which are connected to a patient with severe, but reversible, respiratory insufficiency giving time to the lungs so as them to be cured. The ECMO system requires cannulation of central or peripheral vessels and establishment of a bypass circuit. In veno-arterial bypass, the venous blood is supplied to the system by the right atrium, it is oxygenated by the system and it returns to the systematic circulation via arterial access. In veno-venous bypass, the blood is redirected from the inferior vena cava to the system it is oxygenated and is returned to the systematic circulation via jugular vein. Veno-venous pattern is used when the heart is strong enough to eject the blood. In cases of heart failure veno-arterial bypass is necessary for supporting both the heart and the lungs.
Network Goals: The targeting goal of this intra-net network is to enhance the dynamic interaction within the research team of University Patras for the distribution of new ideas, innovations and increased know-how in regards to the Calculating ECMO Support of patients with acute pulmonary infection. This collaboration aims in the analysis and optimization of techniques of cardiorespiratory support in patients with acute lung infection from various bacteria or viruses such as H1N1. This process is expected to be achieved by means of intelligent algorithms and calculating methods, through which, the detection of critical parameters and the determination of thresholds essential for the assurance of the operation of the proposed technique will be achieved. The Principal goals of the e-Respi Research Network cover two directive axes:
36 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
• The adoption of more effective methodologies in the development of smart supportive techniques of the cardiosurgical processes • The improvement of possible imperfections and ambiguities of the upcoming research projects on this issue.
Current Activities: Some of the planned activities are already under execution, including those related with the integration and strengthening of collaborative research work among the members, necessary for the facilitation of the developing activities. Some of these are: • Cooperation and participation of all involved researchers in meetings so as to promote the dissemination and presentation of the so far findings. • Discussions on the configuration of the variables and thresholds of the e- Respi procedure over web, using useful feedback provided by the AHEPA research team. • Design of the web interactive portal that hosts the e-Respi platform • Preparation of a conference in order to present the findings of the current research network
Network Members: e-Respi researchers are based at the University of Patras and University of Thessaloniki from various departments, including the Department of Medicine, and Department of Computer Engineering. The e- Respi members are: • Dimitrios Dougenis (coordinator), Professor Department of Medicine, UoP . CV • Elefterios Gortzis, Assistant Professor TEI of Patras, Department of Medicine, UoP. CV • Spiridon Likothanasis, Professor Department of Computer Engineering, UoP . CV • Kriton Philos, Professor Department of Medicine, UoP. Attached CV • Efstratios Koletsis, Assistant Professor Department of Medicine, UoP. CV • Kyriakos Anastasiadis, Assistant Professor Department of Medicine, AUTH. CV • Charalambia Pylarinou, Phd Student Department of Mechanical and Aeronautics Engineering. CV
Contacts: Dimitrios Dougenis (coordinator): email: [email protected] Elefterios Gortzis: email: [email protected]
37 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
HPV - Patras
Coordinator: Konstantinos Poulas Telephone: 0030 2610 969953 Fax: 0030 2610 969955 E-mail: [email protected] Website:
Brief presentation
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are viruses (there are more than 100 types) that can cause warts. About 30 types of them put you at risk for cancer. These types affect the genitals and are transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. These types are classified as either low-risk or high-risk.
Cervical cancer was the first cancer identified in 1983 as being the result of HPV (HPV16). The connection was further evaluated when a second strain of HPV (HPV18) was also identified as the cause of cervical cancer. These two strains account for approximately 70 percent of all cervical cancers.
HPV infection excludes no one. It infects male or female regardless of age, nationality or ethnicity though some groups have a somewhat higher risk. HPV vaccines prevent infection with certain species of human papillomavirus associated with the development of cervical cancer, genital warts, and some less common cancers. Two HPV vaccines are currently on the market, protecting against the two HPV types (HPV-16 and HPV-18) that cause 70% of cervical cancers, 80% of anal cancers, 60% of vaginal cancers, and 40% of
38 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks vulvar cancers. These HPV types also cause most HPV induced oral cancers, and some other rare genital cancers.
The current Intra-University University of Patras network HPV-PATRAS aims to research in cervical cancer area with the close cooperation of basic and clinical scientists. HPV-PATRAS main target is to continue and extend the research collaboration of the members. In particular, the goals of the network are: • The development of an active regional network for the HPV study; • The identification of the HPV immunization status in local and national level; • The collaboration with local actors for the dissemination of the necessity for HPV vaccination.
Members
Department of Medicine 1. Evaggelos Anastasiou, Professor 2. Helen Jelastopoulou, Assoc. Professor 3. George Adonakis, Assist. Professor 4. Fevronia Kolonitsiou, Assist. Professor 5. George Michail, Lecturer 6. Panagiota Ravazoula Department of Pharmacy 7. Gregorios Sivolapenko, Assoc. Professor 8. George Patrinos, Assist. Professor 9. Konstantinos Poulas, Assist. Professor Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics 10. Athanasios Tsakalidis, Professor 11. Ioannis Tzimas, Assist. Professor
39 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
CancerNet
Coordinator: Stavros Taraviras Ph.D. Associate Professor, Dept of Physiology, Medical School, University of Patras. Telephone: 00302610997943 Fax: 00302610997215 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.istomedia.gr/stavros/ (temporary)
Brief presentation Network Goals Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and absorbs substantial funds for medical care. In Greece, life-style changes such as eating habits, high rates of smoking and extensive sun exposure are expected to contribute to an increase in cancer incidence. Despite scientific progress and introduction of new targeted therapies, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to disease remains limited. Intensive research is required into the molecular pathology of the disease. CancerNet members study carcinogenesis at the molecular level, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease, identify new molecular targets for effective predictive-diagnostic tests and new targets for pharmaceutical intervention. CancerNet brings together nine teams located at the Campus of Patras University, covering wide ranging interdisciplinary and applied biomedical research on cancer. Network members joined the University of Patras within the last decade, following successful international research careers in Europe and abroad. Their research teams, established in different Departments of Patras University (Departments of Medicine, Biology, Pharmacy and Material Sciences), carry out internationally competitive research which has attracted competitive funding (including funding by the European Research Council and the EU) and has resulted in high-impact publications. CancerNet aims to generate critical mass and synergy through collaborations between CancerNet members and expand the network both nationally and internationally. Our goal is to contribute to the understanding of the molecular pathology of cancer and translate our research findings into new medicines and diagnostic tools.
Members George Kalosakas, Lecturer Department of Materials Science,University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece. Tel.: +30 2610 969930, Fax : +30 2610 969368, Email: [email protected]
Zoi Lygerou, Associate Professor Laboratory of General Biology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, GR26500 Rio, Patras, Greece Tel +30 2610997689, Fax +30 2610991769, Email: [email protected].
Theo Mantamadiotis, Assistant Professor
40 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences University of Melbourne, Australia Tel: +61 3 8344 5861, Fax: +61 3 8344 4004, Email: [email protected]
Irene Margiolaki, Lecturer Department of Biology, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Patras, GR-26500, Patras, Greece Tel: +302610997408, Email: [email protected]
Eleftheria Rosmaraki, Lecturer Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology Department of Biology – University of Patras, 265 00 Patras – Greece Tel. +30.2610.997407 (office)/+30.2610.997205 (lab), Email: [email protected]
Alexandros Spyridonidis, Associate Professor Division of Internal Medicine Ι, Department of Internal Medicine University Hospital of Patras, Hematology Division, 26500 Rio-Patras, Greece Phone: +30 2610 999247, Fax: +30 2610993950, E-mail: [email protected]
Georgios A. Spyroulias, Associate Professor Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, GREECE, Tel: +302610 969950-2 Fax : +30 2610 969950, Email: [email protected]
Georgios T. Stathopoulos, Assistant Professor Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, University Campus 26504 Greece Tel: +30-2610-969154, Fax +30-2610-997215, Email: [email protected]
Stavros Taraviras, Associate Professor Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Patras University Campus, 26504 Rio, Patras Greece Tel. ++302610997943, Fax. ++302610997215, Email: [email protected]
Current Activities Aiming to generate a critical mass and synergy in the field of Cancer Biology at the University of Patras through interdepartmental cooperation, CancerNet activities are mainly focused on: 1. strengthening cooperation among CancerNet members 2. facilitating the application of interdisciplinary approaches in the field of cancer biology 3. contributing to the dissemination of activities and findings of network members and supporting applications for competitive funding 4. expanding CancerNet through collaborations with related groups both nationally and internationally 5. organising seminar series of invited speakers from Greece and abroad and meeting/conferences in cancer field
Contacts Stavros Taraviras, Associate Professor Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504, Patras Greece, Tel. ++302610997943, Fax. ++302610997215, Email: [email protected], [email protected]
41 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Network for the Study of Degenerative and Metabolic Diseases of Bone and Cartilage (OsteoNet)
Coordinator: Assistant Professot Dionysios J. Papachristou Telephone: +30 2610-969188 (Office), +30 2610-969199 (Lab) Fax: +30 2610-9691178 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.osteonet.gr
I. BRIEF PRESENTATION The «OsteoNet» Research Network focuses on the study of the molecular, genetic and mechanical factors and pathways that are implicated in the pathobiology of metabolic and degenerative bone and cartilage diseases, with emphasis to osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA). Even though OP and OA are the most common skeletal pathologic conditions of the Western world, the molecular mechanism that are responsible for their pathogenesis remain largely unclear. Consequently, reliable diagnosis and effective treatment are far from thorough. OsteoNet involves experienced research teams in the continuously evolving fields of skeletal pathology, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and bioengineering. The collaborating research groups cover a broad spectrum of research areas including studies on humans and experimental animal models, in vitro and ex vivo methodologies application, studies of the biological, biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of bone and cartilage in physiological and pathological conditions. We hope that the results generated from the scientific activities of the OsteoNet research groups will answer to crucial questions as regards the pathobiology of bone and cartilage pathologies and provide significant help in the accurate diagnosis of skeletal diseases. This will lead to the development of novel methodologies and practices that will ensure fast and save diagnosis. Moreover, one of the cardinal aims of OsteoNet is the development of novel patient-tailored, non-interventional therapeutic strategies that in combination with the current therapies will contribute to the improvement of the therapeutic result and thus to the improvement of the patients’ quality of life.
II. GOALS AND ACTIVITIES The main goals of OsteoNet are: 1) The productive and long-lasting collaboration of the research groups that participate in OsteoNet and study bone and cartilage diseases. 2) The continuing of the ongoing international collaborations and exchange of knowledge and expertise and the development and establishment of new academic/research collaborations. This will promote the establishment of new collaborative networks and the exchange of methodologies and knowledge
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among scientist of the University of Patras and International Institutions/Universities that study bone and cartilage. 3) The collaboration of OsteoNet with other domestic networks focusing on skeletal pathologies that will lead to the development of strong multi-group research teams that attract Greek and European research funding. 4) The study of the molecular mechanisms that underlying the pathobiology of OA, OP and other skeleton-related degenerative and metabolic diseases. 5) The development of novel therapeutic agents and targets that could be coupled with conventional and/or emerging therapies for the efficient prevention and treatment of those diseases. 6) The transfer of knowledge of the OsteoNet members to the faculty, students and research stuff of the University of Patras and other Greek Universities and Institutions.
III. NETWORK MEMBERS (For detailed research activities and profiles please visit: www.osteonet.gr) A. School of Health Sciences: • Papachristou Dionysios (Network coordinator) - Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine • Panagiotopoulos Elias – Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine • Megas Panagiotis – Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine • Mouzaki Athansia - Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine • Christos Kontoyannis - Professor, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy • Kypreos Kyriakos - Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine • Liossis Stamatios-Nikolaos – Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine • Orkoula Malvina – Assistant Professor, University of Patras, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy
B. School of Natural Sciences: • Vynios Demitrios - Professor, University of Patras, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry • Aletras Alexios – Associate Professor, University of Patras, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry
C. Polytechnic School: • Panteliu Sofia - Associate Professor, University of Patras, Department Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title:
COMPUTATIONAL SUPPORT OF CARDIOSURGICAL PROCESSES - Telem@chos
Coordinator: Prof. Spiros Likothanassis Telephone: +30- 2610 996903 Fax: +30- 2610 969001 E-mail: [email protected], URL: http://prlab.ceid.upatras.gr/
Brief Presentation It is widely acknowledged that the use of technology can bring considerable advantages to surgery and medical praxis at large. Despite significant advances in the direction of less-invasive surgery, many issues remain unresolved. Such is the case of endothoracic surgery, where many delicate tasks, regarding the endoscope controlling, are still difficult to handle and time-consuming. Given that delicate tasks occur frequently during a surgery, automating specific subtasks would greatly reduce surgeons’ fatigue and total surgery time, as well as improve the overall procedure. The focus of the network is on finding tools and methodologies to automate basic subtasks of the surgical procedure by providing advanced services, based on a combination of robotic technologies, supervised machine learning and visualisation techniques. In the context of a parallel project that includes the structure of Controller- supported Intelligent System (CIS) using robotic arms, the current network aims to collaborate and work on the conception of training an intermediate controller for enabling surgical subtasks in almost real world settings (anesthetized pigs, routine surgical instruments etc.) and remotely control and gradually train the endoscope to automate essential subtasks. Provided, that these concepts are reached, a later on implementation in combination with supervised machine learning, used to capture and generalize expertise without requiring the often tedious and costly process of traditional controller design, could enable the development of an intelligent system, able to perform cardiosurgical processes improved, both, in terms of design and intelligent endoscope moves based on each surgeons profile.
Network Goals: The ultimate goal of this intra-net network is to enhance the dynamic interaction among the members of the research team of University Patras for the communication of new ideas and innovations in regards to the Computer supported Cardiosurgical processes. All members aim to compare
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conventional less-invasive surgery, and find methodologies to enable CIS gradually minimize the need for an assistant giving the surgeon better control over the endoscope and a better view of the surgical site. Surgeons are expected to be supported with the use of intelligent machine learning, image processing and robotics technologies. The Principal goals of the Telem@chos Research Network cover two directive axes: • The assessment of current CIS tools and the improvement of endoscope controlling. • The design and adoption of more effective methodologies in the development of intelligent supportive techniques of the cardiosurgical processes.
Current Activities: The members of the network have already implemented some of the planned activities required to integrate and enhance the collaborative research work, necessary for the facilitation of the network goals. These are: • Active involvement (via physically presentation and teleconferencing) of network members in scheduled meetings so as to promote the dissemination and presentation of the so far findings. • Design of the web interactive portal that hosts the Telem@chos platform (http://www.wimms.org/telemachos/). • Organizing conferences in order to present the findings of the current research network - (4th Hellenic Scientific Symposium: ”Improvements in the Cardiothoracic Surgery” and “13rd Educational Seminar the Cardiothoracic Surgery”, Patras). • Assessment of the findings of the collaborative research that was performed. • Scientific Meeting at Latsio Municipal Hall, Pirgos, 11/2012 (co-organization with Intra Univ. R.N. e-Respi.
Network Members: Telem@chos researchers are based at the University of Patras from various departments, including the Department of Medicine, and the Department of Computer Engineering. The Telem@chos members are: • Spiros Likothanassis (Coordinator), Professor Depart. of Computer Engineering, UoP. • Dimitrios Dougenis, Professor Department of Medicine, UoP. • Athanasios Tsakalidis, Professor Department of Computer Engineering, UoP. • Efstratios Koletsis, Assistant Professor Department of Medicine, UoP. • Elefterios Gortzis, Assistant Professor TEI of Patras, Department of Medicine, UoP.
Contacts: Spiros Likothanassis: [email protected] , Elefterios Gortzis: [email protected] .
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46 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks
Environment and Sustainable Development Cluster
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
OCEANUS
Coordinator: GEORGE FERENTINOS Telephone: 0030 2610 997646 Fax: 0030 2610 991701, E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.oceanus.upatras.gr/
Network Aim The Oceanus network of Laboratories of the University of Patras was established to serve as an interdisciplinary sea-observatory, independent from socio- economic pressures, to serve the sustainability of the Greek seas and inland waters. The aim of the Oceanus network is to integrate expertise from different scientific disciplines to stimulate education and research in the development of new scientific and technological knowledge purposed planned for the protection and management of the Greek seas and inland waters.
Network Objectives • Fundamental oceanographic research for the better understanding of the functioning of the Greek seas and inland waters aiming at the sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources. • Consultancy and purpose-designed marine surveys for public authorities and private industry in issues related to the protection and sustainable use of the Greek seas and inland waters. • Development of a Greek scientific infrastructure for marine research and data management aiming at the sustainable use of the Greek seas and inland waters. • Dissemination and awareness activities to the public and sea-users of environmental issues to promote the concept that the socio-economic development of the Greek seas and inland water as directly linked to their protection and sustainable use. • Training of young scientists and professionals in the public and industrial sectors in new methodological approaches for the study of the marine environment to enhance their scientific and technological capacities to the protection and the sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources. • Design and co-ordination of activities with governmental and non-governmental organisations to address issues related to the protection and sustainable use of Greek seas and inland waters.
Network Activities • Operation of a data base of physical, chemical, biological and geological parameters of the Greek seas and inland waters classified in thematic spatial layers aiming at the planning of monitoring, evaluation, conservation and sustainable management of the Greek seas and inland waters.
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• Mapping and monitoring of natural hazards in the Greek seas and inland waters to develop the scientific knowledge related to the detection and prediction and needed for the development of protection strategies and risk reduction in areas all over Greece prone to natural hazards. • Scientific assessment of the conservation value of important habitats (i.e. Poseidonia Prairies and Coralline formations) in the Greek seas and inland waters threatened by human activities such as pollution, dredging and damping, fish- trawling, aquaculture e.t.c. • Study, analysis, appraisal and management of the marine ecosystems, fish stocks and aquaculture. • Detection, damage assessment and monitoring for the conservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage.
Network Research themes • The study of human impact on the Greek seas and inland waters • The study and management of the marine geological hazards and their impact on human activities in the Greek seas and inland waters • The sustainable use of biological resources of the Greek seas and inland waters • The detection, conservation and promotion of the marine cultural heritage.
Members Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology Ferentinos G., Professor, Papatheodorou G., Associate Professor, Geraga M., Lecturer
Marine Biology Research Group, Laboratory of Zoology, Department of Biology Koutsikopoulos C., Professor, Koumoundourou G., Assistant Professor, Fragopoulu N., Assistant Professor
Laboratory of Hydrology, Department of Geology Lambrakis N., Professor, Zagana H., Lecturer
Enviromental Radioactivity Research Group, Laboratory of Nuclear Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Papaefthymiou H., Assistant Professor
Water Biomonitoring Unit, Department of Biochemistry & Public Health, School of Medicine Kalpaxis D., Professor, Leotsinidis M., Associate Professor, Dinos G., Assistant Professor
Associate Members Laboratory of Geology for Aquatic Systems, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi * Avramidis P., Assistant Professor
Contacts Ferentinos G., Professor E-mail: [email protected] Papatheodorou G., Associate Professor E-mail: [email protected] Koutsikopoulos C., Professor E-mail: [email protected] Lambrakis N., Professor E-mail: [email protected] Papaefthymiou H., Assistant Professor E-mail: [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Development and Evaluation of Sorbent Materials for Environmental Applications (ARYs)
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Ch. Kordulis Telephone: +302610997125 Fax: +302610994796 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.chem.upatras.gr/faculty/kordulis
The intra-university research network, ARYs, of the University of Patras, was founded in September 2009. It is a network of 10 faculty members from the University of Patras with main goal the interdisciplinary interaction for the Development and Evaluation of Sorbent Materials for Environmental Applications. The founding faculty members originate from the Departments of Chemistry, Geology, Material Sciences, Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
The main scope of ARYs is to promote interdisciplinary collaboration that would lead to the development of new more effective sorbents and to the evaluation of these materials for their usage in various environmental applications. Five different axes of environmental applications have been identified as follows: a) water and wastewater treatment, b) protection of waterwells, c) remediation of soils and sediments, as well as aqueous systems, d) study of bioavailability and natural attenuation of pollutants (inorganic, organic, and microbial), and e) preparation of catalysts through the sorption of catalytically active species on catalytic supports.
The objectives of ARYs include: a) communicating the network members activities through a website (www.arys.upatras.gr) and a newsletter, b) participating in national, European, and international research networks or academic postgraduate programs, c) coordinating meeting with other experts on this topic, and d) submitting proposals for funding.
The groups and laboratories that founded the network ARYs are as follows: a) from the Department of Chemistry i) the Research Group of Catalysis and Interface Chemistry for Environmental Applications (Professors Christos Kordulis and Alexis Lycourghiotis), ii) the Research Group of Environmental Chemistry with Emphasis on Liquid Pollution (Lecturer Professor Hrissi K. Karapanagioti), and
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iii) the Radiochemistry Laboratory (Assistant Professors Vasilios D. Symeopoulos and Helen Papaefthymiou), b) from the Department of Chemical Engineering the Laboratory of Inorganic and Analytic Chemistry (Professor Petros G. Koutsoukos), c) from the Department of Civil Engineering the Environmental Engineering Laboratory (UPeeL) (Professor Constantinos V. Chrysikopoulos and Lecturer Professor Ioannis D. Manariotis), d) from the Department of Geology the Geo-Energy Resources Team (Professor Kimon Christanis), and e) a research group from the Department of Materials Science (Assistant Professor Nikolaos Bouropoulos).
The new members that have been added to the network are the research groups of: a) Research Director Ioannides Theophilos from the Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Proccesses, b) Principal Researcher Vladimiros Nikolakis from the Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Proccesses, c) Associate Professor Elias Stathatos from the Technological-Educational Institute of Patras d) Associate Professor Dimitrios Gournis from the University of Ioannina e) Professor Yiannis Deligiannakis from the University of Western Greece f) Senior Lecturer Professor David Werner from Newcastle University g) Lecturer Professor Kyriakos Burikas from the Hellenic Open University h) Assistant Professor Konstantinos Triantafyllidis from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Since September 2009, network ARYs has demonstrated the following activities: a) recruitment of a network manager (Dr. George Panagiotou, a Post Doc fellow from the Department of Chemistry), b) logo and website development (www.arys.upatras.gr), c) circulation of the 1st and 2nd Newsletter, d) proposal submission to the national call for research proposal “Thalis”, e) organization of the network yearly workshop on July 19, 2010, in Patras, with 13 research presentations, f) poster presentation presenting each groups activities at the 4th National Workshop of Porous Materials, on October 22-23, 2009, in Patras, Greece, g) guest editing of a GNEST special issue entitled “Development and Evaluation of Sorbent Materials for Environmental Applications”, h) presentation of the network through a paper published in the GNEST special issue, i) presentation of the GNEST special issue at the International Network for Sediment Research on July 6-7, 2010, in Newcastle, UK and at the 11th European Meeting on Environmental Chemistry on December 8-11, 2010, in Portoroz, Slovenia.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network for biocolloid fate and transport in environmental systems “BIOMET”
Coordinator: Constantinos V. Chrysikopoulos Telephone: 2610 996531 Fax: 2510 996573 E-mail: [email protected] Website:http://www.civil.upatras.gr/en/Proswpiko/MelhDEP/entry/Chrysikopoulo sConstantinos/?PageNo=3
Brief presentation The intra-university network for Biocolloid Fate and Transport in Environmental Systems (BIOMET) is an interdisciplinary group comprised of seven laboratories within the University of Patras with a common interest in biocolloids.
Surface and ground water contamination by biocolloids is a significant environmental concern throughout the world. The penetration of viruses into aquifers is often associated with pollution sources such as direct injection into wells, recharge basins, irrigation, landfills, open dumps, graveyards, broken sewer pipelines, leaking septic tanks, and urban runoff. It should be noted that although sludges are treated by various disinfection methods such as chlorination and heat conditioning prior to disposal, highly resistant viruses may remain infective.
The prediction of biocolloid fate and transport is necessary for the estimation of the potential health risk associated with aquifers contaminated by various biocolloids. Viruses which are released in the subsurface may remain infectious and may survive for long time periods. Viruses can be adsorbed on sand surface, clays, bacterial cells, natural colloidal dispersions and sludge particles. Adsorbed viruses survive for longer time periods than viruses suspended in the aqueous phase.
The transport and fate of biocolloids in porous media are mainly governed by virus inactivation and adsorption onto the solid matrix. Biocolloid transport in porous media is distinguished from solute transport because biocolloids undergo considerably different inactivation and adsorption mechanisms. Inactivation of liquid-phase as well as adsorbed or attached viruses is an irreversible sink mechanism, due to disruption of coat proteins and degradation of the nucleic acid. Unlike the case of solute decay, experimental observations suggest the inactivation rate is smaller for attached than liquid-phase viruses. Virus survival is prolonged for viruses adsorbed onto the solid matrix, because they are protected against disruption of coat protein and degradation of nucleic acid. Thus, inactivation rates of liquid-phase and attached viruses should not be assumed equal. The most important factor for virus inactivation in the subsurface is temperature. Viruses remain infective much longer at lower temperatures (1-8 °C) than at higher temperatures (20-32 °C). Therefore, near the top layer of an unsaturated
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subsurface formation where considerable temperature fluctuations may occur, it is important to account for virus inactivation variation due to temperature fluctuations. Although biocolloids may undergo sorption via physical adsorption, chemical adsorption or ion exchange in a fashion similar to solute adsorption, the major mechanism of biocolloid attachment results from electrostatic double-layer interactions and van der Waals forces. The size of biocolloids can be an important parameter if the porous medium is highly heterogeneous, where viruses may move faster than conservative tracers. This phenomenon is known as the pore size exclusion effect, caused by preferential transport of colloids through pores larger than their physical sizes. Consequently, pore size exclusion enhances colloid migration.
Several mathematical models are available in the literature for biocolloid transport in porous media. Three-dimensional analytical models have been developed in the past for biocolloid transport in homogeneous and saturated porous media. Growth of biofilms can be observed in the case of attached bacteria onto natural solids (clays) and kinetic experiments are necessary for the investigation of such dynamic processes, whereas equilibrium experiments are needed for the thermodynamic approach of sorption/attachment. Furthermore, experimental and theoretical studies revealed that in the case of simultaneous transport of colloids and contaminants in porous media, the distances of contaminant transport are longer than in the case of colloid absence. From a short literature review, it can be seen that the study of biocolloids fate and transport is complex and researchers with different backgrounds are needed for a comprehensive investigation of this problem.
MEMBERS AND CONTACT DETAILS Constantinos V. Chrysikopoulos, Coordinator, Professor, Environmental Engineering Laboratory (UPEEL), Civil Engineering Department, University of Patras ([email protected]) Ioannis D. Manariotis, Lecturer, Environmental Engineering Laboratory (UPEEL), Civil Engineering Department, University of Patras ([email protected]) Apostolos Vantarakis, Assistant Professor, Hygiene Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Patras ([email protected]) Athanasios Argiriou, Associate Professor, Atmospheric Physics Laboratory, Physics Department ([email protected]) Hrissi K. Karapanagioti, Lecturer, Research Group of Environmental Chemistry with Emphasis on Liquid Pollution, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras ([email protected]) Andreas Kazantzidis, Assistant Professor, Atmospheric Physics Laboratory, Physics Department ([email protected]) Michael Kornaros, Assistant Professor, Environmental Processes Engineering Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Patras ([email protected]) Christakis Paraskeva, Assistant Professor, Transport Phenomena and Physicochemical Hydrodynamics Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Patras ([email protected]) Ioannis Vakros, Dr, Research Group of Environmental Chemistry with Emphasis on Liquid Pollution, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras ([email protected]) Varvara Sygouni, Dr, Environmental Engineering Laboratory (UPEEL), Civil Engineering Department, University of Patras ([email protected]).
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network for Waste Valorisation and Sustainable Management of Resources - WasteValor
Coordinator: Assoc. Professor George Angelopoulos Telephone: +30 2610 969530 Fax: +30 2610 990917 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://wastevalor.upatras.gr/
Brief presentation The Network on Waste Valorisation and Sustainable Management of Resources was founded in 2009 at the University of Patras, Greece. It is an interdisciplinary centre that aims to mobilize existing human resources and infrastructure in order to achieve a synergistic approach in waste related issues. The Centre aims to act as a think tank, support top-class research and provide high-quality service to society. It is one of the cluster that received funding from the University of Patras itself, as a way to foster its growth. The ideal core of the Network lays in the application of holistic best practises by a skilled integration of many scientific, technical and management disciplines. This approach derives after the realisation that solely technical solutions are not enough to afford waste valorisation. The ultimate goal of the Centre is to assist in the transformation of society and contribute in sustainable growth. The Network aspires to contribute in the economical growth of the region it serves and function as a role model in terms of effectiveness and transparency. The Network is structured in 5 divisions. This structure conceptually follows the three states of matter: gas, liquid, solid. The stimulus for these divisions comes from the waste streams one encounters. Two other "vertical" teams complete the chart, one dealing with the technoeconomical aspects, the other with public policy and relations. The division enables a rapid identification of the more relevant research experts in the field. Obviously, these domains are a conceptual scheme and the work is done in collaboration.
Goals - Realistic and successful confrontation of environmental challenges - Benefit of high quality services in the society and the industry - Operation as centre of growth of innovative ideas - Conduct high level research - Participate in the policy making and legislation decisions for the waste management
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Members Faculty from the Department of Chemical Engineering: 1. George Angelopoulos, Assoc. Professor 2. Michael Kornaros, Assist. Professor 3. Ioannis Koukos, Assist. Professor 4. Petros Koutsoukos, Professor 5. Gerasimos Lyberatos, Professor 6. Panagiotis Nikolopoulos, Professor 7. Spyros Pandis, Professor 8. Christakis Paraskeva, Assist. Professor Faculty from the Department of Biology: 9. George Aggelis, Assoc. Professor Faculty from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics: 10. Vasileios Kostopoulos, Professor
Current Activities: - Five meetings between the members of the network during the first year. - Creation of web page in English and Greek: http//:wastevalor.upatras.gr - Creation of a logo. - Conference on 21st of June 2010 in Patras with the participation of academic and industrial parties. - Seminar by professor An-Ping Zeng (Institute of Bioprocess and Bio-systems Engineering, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, German) - Creation of a two-page flyer in both English and Greek - Case studies - Collaboration with other networks: WaterTech cluster of Western Greece and Knowledge Platform: SMaRT-PRO2, K.U. Leuven - Research proposal for Cost, Interreg IV (“Development of Integrated Strategies for the Valorisation of By-Products and Residues from Industrial and Agricultural Activities in the Regionas of Western Greece, Epirus and Apulia”) and Lead Era (“Design of an intersectorial waste valorisation plan”) programs.
Sponsors
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
HYDROCRITES
Coordinator: Associate Prof. Panayotis C. Yannopoulos Telephone: +30-2610996527 Fax: +30-2610996573 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.hydrocrites.upatras.gr/
Brief presentation The scope of HYDROCRITES network is to provide integrated services on advanced issues in the areas of Energy and Environment and especially in the protection and restoration of the environment and the sustainable management of anthropogenic and natural resources (surface and ground water, wastewater, gravel, lignite, agro-industry, infrastructure, fauna and flora etc.) and associated risks (flood or pollution risks, programmes of measures for the protection etc.) in the context of the development of river basins, lakes, islands and seas in national, European or international level. These services may be either in the form of consultation of local or national public authorities and/or private stakeholders, who are involved in the watershed management plans, monitoring programmes and programmes of measures, as well as in flood protection programmes or, alternatively, in the form of collaboration through commonly applied research and development programs. These goals concern measures that comply with the European Council Directives 2000/60/ΕC (Greek law 3199/2003) for establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy and 2007/60/ΕC regarding the assessment and management of flood risks. The accomplishment of the aforementioned goals is materialized by the following activities: a) development of collaborations with private and public authorities, non-governmental organizations and other national or international networks and participation in common research projects, b) organization or co- organization of meetings, national and international congresses on topics within the Network scientific area, c) participation as a consultant of Regions or other authorities, d) result dissemination, edition and publication of scientific material
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of several kinds (bibliographic collections, books, journals, book translations e.t.c.) related to water resources management and environment. HYDROCRITES involves research groups from the University of Patras and other universities, as well as from local and national authorities, with complementary scientific knowledge. At the moment, HYDROCRITES includes 37 members, as: 17 Regularly Members from 6 departments of the University of Patras and 2 Honorary Members from the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Patras, 11 Corresponding Members from 4 other universities (National Technical University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Democritus University of Thrace and Technological Educational Institution of Patras) and 4 public authorities (Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climatic Change, Region of Western Greece, Achaia Prefecture, Municipality of Patras) and 7 Researchers. Recent activities include: (1) An invited presentation of the Network Coordinator on the topic "The Network Hydrocrites of the University of Patras and its Contribution in the Management of Alfeios River Basin" in the Meeting organized by the Technical Chamber of Greece / Department of the Western Greece in Patras, 3rd of March 2010. (2) A meeting on the topic "The Rational Management of River Basins towards the Sustainable Development of the Western Greece", which has been co-organized by the Network and the Technical Chamber of Greece / Department of Western Greece, Patras, 12th of June 2010. (3) An oral presentation and a Poster on the theme "The Network 'HYDROCRITES' as a means of Developing Management Practices" in the Session "University Awareness and Innovation" of the Development FORUM 2010, Patras, 16th of October 2010. (4) An HRAKLEITOS-II project titled “Management of Environmental Information of River Basins and Decision Making – The Alfeios River Case-Study” leading to a PhD. (5) The Network Coordinator, in collaboration with five scientific groups has prepared and submitted the proposal titled “Investigation of Watershed Management Issues in the Context of Sustainable Development - The Alfeios River Case-study” to THALES Call, which decision is still pending. More details on the network and its members, as well as details for activities and projects can be found in the network website (http://www.hydrocrites. upatras.gr/). The network is always seeking opportunities for further expansion and development through contacts with other National and International networks and platforms.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Green Electric Energy
Coordinator: N. A. Vovos Telephone: +30 2610 996403, Fax: +30 2610 996803 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://greenenergy.upatras.gr
Brief presentation
The Green Electric Energy Intra-university Research Network focuses on renewable Distributed Generation (DG) and micro-grids accommodating DG, so that sustainable development is achieved with demand covered and minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, research will be performed on electrical, electronic, information, telecommunication and control systems capable of supporting technologies for the monitoring, protection and limitation of negative effects on environment from human activities connected with electric energy issues. The wide range of research objectives covers most of the applications for green electric generation and protection of the environment.
The basic development strategy for the first period will focus on the promotion and recognition of the network at national and European level and integrated into Centers of Excellence, so that transnational partnerships can be formed and large projects can be claimed. Smaller projects will also be pursued so that the cooperation between individual research groups in the network are developed and appropriate research and managerial infrastructure is founded. Given the complexity and the need for cooperation on the basis of different research fields, required by modern research projects, synthesis of the interdisciplinary objectives of the research groups forming the network is considered essential. All members of the network, individually or together have achieved research targets, products and services necessary for the qualitative improvement of living, but the creation of the Network will expand and organize these efforts. The Network provides the means for the successful completion of such a synthesis and paves the way for an improved communication between members of the faculty from different research groups and fields. The research network contains cooperative action on power systems, control, telecommunications, computers, digital and analog electronics aiming at generation, transmission and distribution of green electric power (including all renewable electric energy sources, micro-grids, distributed generation, power quality issues, Flexible AC Transmission Systems, GIS-based optimal management of renewable distributed generation etc.). Furthermore, network researchers will conduct research on forest-fire tracing, telecontrol or control of energy systems for energy saving, effects of magnetic fields on humans, environment-friendly transportation (e.g. electric cars), intelligent electric home appliances that communicate through the electric installation in order to improve quality of living and energy saving and generally data transmission, monitoring and control over power lines. The following
58 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks fields will also be investigated: industrial automations for the limitation of environmental effects of different industrial processes, modern technologies of metering, monitoring, control and management of pollution and air quality, radiation minimization of wireless telecommunications, scheduling of airlines for fuel and emissions reduction, telemedicine for the healthcare of tourists for locals or remote territories, etc. The research staff is consisted of: • Members of Academic Staff of Power Systems Division from: i) Power Systems Laboratory, ii) Electromechanical Energy Conversion Laboratory, iii) High Voltage Laboratory, iv) Electrotechnic Materials Laboratory. • Members of Academic Staff of Electronics and Computers Section from: i) Applied Electronics Laboratory, ii) VLSI Design Laboratory, iii) Computer Systems Laboratory. • Members of Academic Staff of Telecommunications & Information Technology Section from: i) Wireless Communications Laboratory, ii) Wire Communications Laboratory, iii) Laboratory of Electrotechnics. • Members of Academic Staff of Systems and Control Section from: i) Systems and Measurements Laboratory, ii) Automatic Control Laboratory.
The administrative structure of the network is a microcosm of the administrative structure of the Department with a network coordinator in place of the Chairman, a Steering Committee in place of the Board of directors and the general meeting of members of the network in place of the general meeting of the academic staff. The election method of these bodies of the network, their duration and how decisions will be taken is relevant to the management of the department. The general meeting of the members of the network defines the general policy and makes the required strategic research choices, which are implemented by the coordinating committee with a coordinator, who chairs both bodies. All network members are eligible to participate in all activities of the network. The General Assembly of the Network decides who the Principal Investigator for a project is going to be, according to the effort put by members for the successful participation in this project and their scientific competence.
The scientific target of the Network is one of the main issues of modern living; therefore, it is a spearhead of European Union (EU) and state funding. The creation of scientific consortiums with wide research capabilities is vital for the successful competition over grants, such as the one created with this Network, because there is a trend for EU funding to be focused on great research projects. Collaboration with other research networks in national and EU scale expands the capability of this network to attract funds even further. This aforementioned platform allows the research team of the network to participate in great research projects, which would be practically impossible to be done under the existing dispersed structure of research planning within the faculty. On the contrary, individual research groups from within the Network can participate in international research activities, when they are covered by the managerial structure of the Network. At the moment, the network is awarded a grant as a part of the Heraclitus II project and is actively pursuing a major grant for the Thales Interinstitutional Project.
Research activities will also attempt to promote the required background in undergraduate and postgraduate studying level, according to the decisions taken by the Faculty's Council. In this framework, there will be an attempt to coordinate teaching efforts within the undergraduate curriculum and assign dissertation themes accordingly, so that the objective of the Network is reinforced. In postgraduate level, new MSc programs in the field of green electric energy is under approval and fundamental research could lead to the completion of several theses. Cooperation with other Networks will lead to common research and proposals for grants, organization of conferences and seminars or even training of graduates on the latest scientific advances connected with the activity of the network.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Earth Observation Network for Environmental Planning, Sustainable Development and Crisis Management (OBSEARTH)
Coordinator: Sabatakakis Nikolaos, Associate Professor Telephone: +30 2610 997563 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://obsearth.upatras.gr
Participating Research Groups • Department of Geology, Laboratory of Engineering Geology, Sabatakakis Nikolaos, Associate Professor ([email protected]). • Department of Architecture, Laboratory of Urban and Regional Planning, Polydorides Nikolaos, Professor ([email protected]). • Department of Civil Engineering, Laboratory of Geodesy and Geodetic Applications, Steiros Eustatios, Associate Professor ([email protected]). • Department of Biology, Laboratory of Plants Ecology, Georgiadis Theodore, Professor ([email protected]). • Physics Department, Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Athanassios Argiriou, Associate Professor ([email protected]). • Physics Department, Electronics Laboratory, Anastassopoulos Vassilis, Professor ([email protected]).
Brief Description and Objectives
The environment changes continuously due to human intervention or natural disasters. Among the significant environmental issues we can just name
• Urbanization without planning • Deforestation and land use change • Landslides • Sustainable exploitation of water resources • Human intervention in sea and shore ecosystem • Atmospheric pollution and climate change
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These problems are not addressed in an integrated and systematic way by most public authorities and this affect the quality of life for European citizens. Therefore, it is important to have a combination of scientific and societal planning for the protection of the environment and the improvement of the quality of life. The first step towards this direction is the adequate reporting and observation of Earth surface changes.
The main objective of the OBSEARTH network is to exploit the available technologies for monitoring Earth surface as well as its atmosphere combining space borne sensors and ground stations in environmental, security and sustainable development fields. In this way, we aim to create an integrated and continuously updating mapping of the changes and the problems in order to address them in a multidisciplinary scientific framework.
The network has significant experience and expertise in the fields of biodiversity, engineering geology, urban planning, ground and underwater deformations, atmosphere pollution, satellite positioning systems, earth observation and remote sensing, digital processing of satellite images and region surveillance. Through this experience OBSEARTH targets to become a reliable consultation instrument for subjects lying within this knowledge spectrum, to the National Public Authorities. It is important to highlight the multidisciplinarity and complementarity of the research groups of the network that guarantees a holistic approach in the fields of environment, security and sustainable development as well as its effectiveness for the on time problem definition and successful planning for solving them.
Objectives and Activities
Within the OBSEARTH network we have a strong and coherent research pole for the determination of environmental, climate and urban problems monitoring aiming to
a) Develop an integrated database of problems and requirements b) To propose integrated scientific solutions to problems and user requirements
The use of remote sensing and space technologies along with information technology provide unique capabilities in order to design and develop integrated services that will promote education and improve the protection and security of the environment. The complementarity of the network’s research groups in research fields as well as in equipment provides a significant advantage in this research entity of the University of Patras to submit competitive proposals in the fields of FP7 Security and Environment or other related national programmes.
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Information and Communications Technology Cluster
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Embedded Systems research Network_ESNET
Coordinator: Prof. Stavros A. Koubias Telephone: +30-2610996427 Fax: +30-2610996818 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://esnet.upatras.gr/index.php/research
Brief presentation
The aim of ESNET is to develop educational activities on theoretical and applied aspects of embedded systems both at the undergraduate and post-graduate level research as well as to participate in major national and international R&D programs in cooperation with other research teams/networks in the area of autonomous or networked real-time embedded systems. Several teams from three Departments of the University of Patras (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Physics) participate in the ESNET which covers the following research areas according to the European platform “. • Reference designs that offer standard architectural approaches for a given range of applications to address the complexity challenge and build synergies between market sectors. • Middleware that enables seamless connectivity and wide-scale interoperability to support novel functionality, new services and build the ambient intelligent environment. • System design methodologies and associated tools for rapid design and development. The application areas of ESNET include the following (according to the classification of the “ARTEMIS” platform): • Industrial Systems - large, complex and safety critical systems, that embraces Automotive, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and specific growth areas such as biomedical. • Nomadic Environments - enabling devices such as PDAs and on-body systems to communicate in changing and mobile environments, that offer users access to information and services while on the move. • Private Spaces - such as homes, cars and offices, that offers systems and solutions for improved enjoyment, comfort, well-being and safety. • Public Infrastructure - major infrastructure such as airports, cities and highways that embrace large scale deployment of systems and services that
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benefit the citizen at large (communications networks, improved mobility, energy distribution, intelligent buildings, etc). In more detail, ESNET covers the following scientific areas: • Reference design and architechture Composability Dependability & security High performace embedded computing Low-Power Interfacing to the environment • Seamless connectivity & middleware Middleware architectures Developing ubiquitous connectivity schemes Self-configuration and self-organization of computational components Perception techniques for object and event recognition • Design methods & tools Development of specific tools Development of the management of the design process Interoperability between tools and procedures Open interface standards and securing of intellectual property Method and tools for systematic traceability of component properties Methods and tools for simulation, automatic validation and proving Methods and tools for developing product lines of embedded systems Therefore, ESNET focuses on the core areas of networks of embedded computers; real-time communication; real-time resource management and scheduling; operating system and middleware support for real-time or embedded systems; energy and temperature management; QoS management; multimedia embedded systems; security, dependability and reliability for real- time embedded systems; real-time system modeling and analysis; composability; control theoretical approaches and performance feedback control; formal methods, software engineering and programming methodologies for real-time embedded systems; distributed real-time information and database systems.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
TECHNOESE
Coordinator: Prof. Nikos Fakotakis Telephone: +30-2610-996-473 Fax: +30-2610-997-336 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.wcl.ece.upatras.gr/fakotakis
Brief presentation
Artificial Intelligence is a broad scientific field aiming at the development of intelligent artifact; that is, artifacts capable of exhibiting behavior similar to that of a human. Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a relatively new scientific area (approximately 50 years old), it has developed rapidly over the years and it has offered results and methodologies with a profound impact in a wide range of other fields. The breadth and impact of AI is evident in the numerous new university departments and research institutes around the world dedicated to this field (for example, at the University of Edinburg, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Polish Academy of Sciences, Kyushu Institute of Technology Japan, the University of Georgia USA, Ulm University Germany, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid Spain, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst USA, etc).
The University of Patras employs a significant number of academics whose primary research interests are related to AI. In particular AI researchers can be found at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, and the Department of Business Administration. Moreover there are many more academics in Patras that use AI techniques in their work.
The aim of TECHNOESE is to coordinate AI-related activities undertaken at the University of Patras and foster AI events (seminars, mini-courses, summer schools, conferences, etc).
Among the immediate objectives of the TECHNOESE Network are to:
• facilitate collaboration between AI researchers at the University of Patras • consult the University on AI-related issues • develop new cross-departmental AI courses
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• promote AI research at a national and international level
Members of the TECHNOESE Network
There are currently nine members in the TECHNOESE Network with a wide range of interests spanning from purely theoretical topics to applied research: • Prof. Nikolaos Avouris Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering Software Technology for Interactive Systems Design. Human-machine interaction in industrial, educational and environmental fields. Special interest and experience in Distributed Intelligent Systems, collaborative systems, usability and accessibility of interactive systems, mobile systems, web applications and services, application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in the above areas. ([email protected]) • Prof. Nikos Fakotakis Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering Voice Processing, Natural Language Processing, Computational Linguistics, Visual Character Recognition, Machine Learning, Quantum Algorithms in AI. ([email protected]) • Prof. Nikos Karacapilidis Dept of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics e-Collaboration, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Knowledge Management Systems, Group Decision Support Systems, Computer-Supported Argumentation, Enterprise Information Systems. ([email protected]) • Prof. Anthony Tzes Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering Networked Controlled Systems, Adaptive and Robust Control, Robotics, MEMS Control, Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic Applications for Intelligent Transportation Systems, Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers, Software Enabled Control. ([email protected]) • A/Prof. Basilis Boutsinas Dept of Business Administration Data Mining, Business Intelligence. ([email protected]) • A/Prof. Vasilis Megalooikonomou Dept of Computer Engineering and Informatics Data Mining, Data Compression, Pattern Recognition, Biomedical Informatics, Multimedia Database Systems, Intelligent Information Systems. ([email protected]) • A/Prof. Pavlos Peppas Dept of Business Administration Belief Revision, Reasoning about Action, Nonmonotonic Reasoning, Modal Logic, Knowledge Management. ([email protected]) • Asist. Prof. Ioannis Hatzilygeroudis Dept of Computer Engineering and Informatics Hybrid Knowledge Representation, Intelligent/Expert Systems, Intelligent Education Systems. ([email protected]) • Asist. Prof. Kyriakos Sgarbas Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering Voice Processing, Natural Language Processing, Computational Linguistics, Visual Character Recognition, Machine Learning, Quantum Algorithms in AI. ([email protected])
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Nanoelectronics Network
Coordinator: Prof. Dimitrios Nikolos Computer Engineering Department Tel: +302610996929 Fax: +302610991909 Email: [email protected] Website: http://nanoelectronics.upatras.gr/index.html
Brief presentation The Nanoelectronics Network targets at strengthening the collaboration between the different, usually complementary, research groups of the University of Patras in this wide research area, create critical mass and presents its research and expertise outside the university for establishing collaborations in research and development projects with companies universities and research centers both in Greece and abroad. A further objective is the development of the educational process regarding the Nanoelectronics field at the university in MSc postgraduate level attracting foreign students. The Intra-University Nanoelectronics Network of University of Patras consists of six laboratories belonging to departments of university of Patras, namely Dep. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dep. of Computer Engineering and Informatics and Dep. of Physics. The above laboratories have common interest in the area of the nanoelectronics field, covering a wide research area from digital to analog design and from low power circuit design to system design. More details of the groups participating in the network can be found in the network website (http://nanoelectronics.upatras.gr/index.html). The Network work is divided in three actions: • Action 1: Dissemination of results • Action 2: Creation and enhancement of cooperations for research and development projects with companies and universities both in Greece and abroad. • Action 3: Development of the education in the University at MSc postgraduate level attracting foreign students.
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To enhance the dissemination by targeting selected groups, noting that their researchers have frequently difficulties in coming to Patras, the network has also accepted the process of having a talk through telepresentations as a first step. A good number of projects of the network partners has been awarded during the life of the network: Solid-state Storage Devices and Systems, funded by IBM Zurich Research Laboratory (Coordinator Antonakopoulos), END: ENergy-Aware Design funded by ENIAC JU, European Union and GSRT (Co. Goutis), VLSI-FEC, funded by private industry (Co. Paliouras), MEMSENSE, funded by Corallia (Co. Antonakopoulos) MEMSENSE: sensors systems, funded by Corallia (Co. Vlassis) Next Generation Milimeter Wave: Radio-Link, funded by Corallia (Co. Vlassis), Next Generation Milimeter Wave: VCO design at 60GHz, funded by Corallia (Co. Birbas), Lab-on-chip: analog/digital reading system for biosensors, funded by Corallia (Co. Birbas), Lab-on-chip: FPGA systems, funded by Corallia (Co. Goutis), Analog Integrated Filters, funded by Ministry of Education, Herakleitos- II (Co. Phychalinos), Optimization techniques, funded by Ministry of Education, Herakleitos- II (Co. Goutis), RNS Filters, funded by GSRT (Co. Paliouras), Decoding techniques, funded by Ministry of Education, Herakleitos- II (Co. Paliouras). In addition, a good number of proposals have been submitted and decisions are pending. Collaboration with universities and research institutes and companies have been enhanced, e.g. IBM Zurich, ST Microelectronics, IMEC Belgium, University of Torino e.t.c. A survey of the activities in research and teaching (mainly MSc) in the area of nanoelectronics in the East European Countries and Arab Countries was done using the information available in the world wide web. The aim of this is to enhance the R&D collaboration in projects and attract foreign MSc students. The nanoelectronics cluster has continued and enhance its collaboration with the microelectronics and embedded systems companies of Hellenic-SIA (Semiconductor Industry Association). New spin off companies have been created by students of the network. A very good number of publications of the network have appeared in Journals and Conferences.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network on Research and Applications of Wireless Communication and Sensor Networks (WCNS)
Coordinators: Professor Kalivas Gregoris, Tel: +302610996424 +302610997822 Fax: +302610996818 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wcns.upatras.gr
Brief presentation
Network Goals.
The main objectives of the WCNS research network are: to bring out research directions of common interest and take specific initiatives in these directions (such as, R&D projects at national and international level) - to co-organize conferences, workshops and summer schools aiming mainly at the training of the young researchers - to coordinate educational activities at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
In particular, WCNS focuses on the following thematic research topics: - Cooperative communication techniques - Cognitive wireless communications - Wireless sensor networks - Cross-layer system design - Energy consumption optimization - Wireless-optical networks and testbeds
Members. (a) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Theodoros Antonakopoulos, Professor - Grigorios Kalivas, Associate Professor - Stavros Koubias, Professor - Stavros Koulouridis, Lecturer - Dimitris Toumpakaris, Assistant Professor
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(b) Computer Engineering and Informatics Department
- George Alexiou, Professor - Kostas Berberidis, Professor - Sotiris Nikoletseas, Assistant Professor - Emmanouel Varvarigos, Professor - Kyriakos Vlachos, Assistant Professor
Current Activities.
a) Dissemination Activities.
1. We have published informative leaflets and posters in both printed and electronic form, in order to inform the research community about the research possibilities and activities of our network. 2. We have developed a website to present the research potential of the network. 3. We have organized meetings and presentations for the dissemination to possible users of the network know-how. 4. We plan to organize a summer school. 5. We have organized regular seminars of recent research publications of the network members.
b) Activities for collaboration with other networks and participation in R&D programs.
1. We plan to organize activities for the participation in European networks, projects, technological fora and organizations. 2. We also aim to financially support young researchers in order to prepare research proposals in emerging fields within the area of interest of our network.
Contacts. Prof. George Alexiou Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece telephone: +30 2610 996932 e-mail: [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Web Science Net – Technologies for future Internet
Coordinators: Prof. Nikolaos Avouris and Prof Odysseas Koufopavlou Telephone: +30-2610 996435 and +30-2610 996444 Fax: +30-261096898 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: http://websciencenet.blogspot.com/
Brief presentation The WebScienceNet research network is organized by faculty members of various departments of the University of Patras, which have a common interest in the development and study of technologies and systems that use the Internet as a tool. The network is dedicated to the Science of the Web, with particular emphasis on technologies for the future Internet. Over 20 faculty members of 10 different departments and units of the University are active members of WebScienceNet while many more have participated in the activities in the first year of its existence. Subject of the network is to promote collaboration of researchers and practitioners who are active in Web Technologies and in general the Science of the Web. The disciplines that contribute to the formation of this new research area are related to many different aspects of networked computers and their use in modern societies. The motivation for this network lies in new developments in networking technology and new social conditions, that make it necessary to rethink the Internet under a new broader perspective, and study technologies, networks, services and content that become the new setting of future developments of this medium. Significant advances concerning the web as social medium and new political and societal processes that were born as a result of this, new forms of entrepreneurship, new issues relating of trust and privacy, redefinition of the private and public sphere are some of the important new dimensions that are proposed as areas of study and action in WebScienceNet.
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Directions of synergy relating to the future Internet include: (1) Network Infrastructure, (2) Internet of Services, (3) Internet of Things, (4) Web of Knowledge, (5) Internet by and for People) and (6) Experimental Facilities. First year Overview The first year (2010) has seen the built up of WebScienceNet and first steps towards building links with the research community of the University and other groups in the country. Two major events were organized (July 2010 and December 2010) that attracted large number of participants, the Network assembly organizational structure was established, working groups were created on specific subjects and the web site of the network was created. In the second year steps towards educational and research activities are going to be made with special focus in participation in a European Master in Web Technologies and Cloud Computing (proposal in the frame of Erasmus Mundus). The Executive Board is made of: N. Avouris, O. Koufopavlou, I. Garofalakis, P Triantafillou, N. Tselios
Views from Day Event of WebScienceNet, December 2010, Patras
On December 10th, 2010 an event was organized that was attended by over 70 faculty and research staff and students. The event was opened by the Head of the Electrical & Comptuer Eng. Department of the University of Patras, Prof. A Tzes. Then the coordinators of the Network Profs N Avouris and O. Koufopavlou introduced the WebScienceNet framework. Next in the morning session there where three distinguished invited speakers: Prof G. Metakides provided an overview on the web and focused in particular on the need for open standards and neutrality. Next Prof P. Spirakis gave a speech on trust and its modeling on the internet, while the morning session ended with a talk by Prof I. Antoniou from the Aristotle University on mathematical modeling of the web. In the afternoon session more talks by colleagues from University of Athens, Crete, Thessaly and GRNet as well as a round table with participation of the audience were included.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network for Application of Information and Communication Technologies in Culture, Education and Sciences
Coordinator: P. Pintelas Telephone: +302610997313, 996767 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://dipee.upatras.gr/
Brief presentation
Research interests of the Network include: • ICT in Cultural Heritage and its applications • Development of Computer Assisted Instructional (CAI) systems • Distance Learning • Multimedia Systems and tools for educational and training applications • Virtual Reality technology in the development of CAI, CBT and ITS • Machine Learning for student modelling in Tutoring Systems • Educational Data mining
The network includes the following laboratories of the University of Patras. • Educational Software Development Laboratory (Department of Mathematics) • High Performance Information Systems Laboratory (Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics) • Information and Communication Technologies in Education – (Department Of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education) • Computers & Educational Technology Laboratory (Department Of Primary Education)
Members and Co-operating Researchers of the Educational Software Development Laboratory are: • Laboratory Director: Prof. Panayotis Pintelas • Prof. Anastasios Mikropoulos • Associate Prof. Achilles Kameas • Adjust Lectuter Sotiris Kotsiantis • Dr Dimitris Kanellopoulos • Dr Tasos Triantis • PhD candidates: Ioannis Livieris, Christos Rodosthenous, Ioannis Messinis
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The High Performance Information Systems Laboratory team includes the following researchers: • Laboratory Director: Theodore S. Papatheodorou, • Prof. Eustratios Gallopoulos • Lecuter E. D. Polychronopoulos • Prof. C. D. Polychronopoulos, • Dr. D. A. Koutsomitropoulos • Dr. D. K. Tsolis • Dr. S. P. Christodoulou • Postgraduate Students - Computer Engineers, MSc: N. Vasiliou, A. Kazantzi, A. Kandyli, S. Karagiorgoudi, K. Karantasis, E. G. Karatzas, A. Kassios, G. K. Tsolis
The Information and Communication Technologies in Education laboratory team includes the following researchers: • Director: Komis, V, Associate Professor • Lecturer N. Tselios
The Computers & Educational Technology Laboratory team includes the following researchers: • Director: Chris Panagiotakopoulos - Associate Professor • Anthi Karatrantou, MSc, PhD, Researcher • Anna Giannopoulou, MEd, PhD Candidate • Panagiotis Gakis, MEd, Schoolteacher • Dimitris Dimakopoulos, MEd, Schoolteacher • George Markakis, MEd, Schoolteacher
The researchers of the network are highly qualified, with numerous publications, which resulted from long-time involvement in the field. A satisfying level of latest information technology is provided to researchers (such as multimedia machines and peripherals in different platforms, authoring systems and similar software, VR hardware devices, Software tools etc.), and efforts are made to keep up with all the related technological advances. To promote research and development in these areas, the researchers of network involves itself in National and International projects and promotes co-operation with scientists in other Institutions at home and abroad, having at the same time long established links with industrial partners.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Algorithms and Games with focus on Large Scale Networks with Societal Applications (ALGOPAIGNIO)
Coordinator: Professor Christos Kaklamanis Computer Engineering Department Tel: +302610997868 Email: [email protected] Website: www.algopaignio.upatras.gr
Brief presentation Network Goals. The main aim of ALGOPAIGNIO is to develop interdisciplinary research, teaching and societal activities between different departments of the University of Patras in the area of Algorithms, particularly in Algorithmic Game Theory, with a focus on Large Scale Networks. Special attention is given to the increasing role of Networks in societal evolution.
In particular, ALGOPAIGNIO focuses on the following thematic research topics:
- Critical resource allocation in large scale networks - Computational social choice - The constrained satisfaction problem and the geometry of its solutions - Multi-party decision making - Algorithmic aspects of wireless sensor networks - Data Analysis of practice communities - Game theory and computational logic - Algorithms and large-scale network optimization - Extreme combinatorial structures
Members. (a) Computer Engineering and Informatics Department - Ioannis Caragiannis, Lecturer - Christos Kaklamanis, Professor - Lefteris Kirousis, Professor - Christos Makris, Assistant Professor - Sotiris Nikoletseas, Assistant Professor - Paul Spirakis, Professor - Athanasios Tsakalidis, Professor - Christos Zaroliagis, Professor
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(b) Department of Mathematics - Panagiotis Alevizos, Assistant Professor - Dimitris Kavvadias, Assistant Professor
(c) Department of Business Administration - Pavlos Peppas, Associate Professor - Ioannis Stamatiou, Associate Professor
(d) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Kyriakos Sgarbas, Assistant Professor
Current Activities. a) Teaching. Emphasis is given to the coordination of relevant courses at the three Departments involved, such as “Game theory”, “Design and analysis of algorithms” and “Algorithmic aspects of networks.
b) Research. The aim is to reinforce existing research synergies between the ALGOPAIGNIO members. Emphasis will be given to the coordination, maintaining the discrete character, of relevant research approaches of the groups involved. A main goal is to enhance the preparation of young researchers via international research awareness and cooperation. In that respect, we organized a mini session titled “Games played in Physics” devoted to the connection of Physics and Game Theory, jointly with the 3rd International Symposium on Algorithmic Game Theory (SAGT 2010), that was held in Athens, Greece. The mini session included the invited lecture “Intrinsic noise in evolutionary game theory” by Prof. Tobias Galla (University of Manchester, School of Physics and Astronomy). Also, we are running a series of research talks in Patras, including the invited talk titled "Bayesian dialogues" by Prof. Heracles Polemarchakis (University of Warwick, Department of Economics), as well as the talk “The price of anarchy in congestion games” by Dr. Dimitris Fotakis (Lecturer at the National Technical University of Athens). d) Societal activities. We plan to start with two event series, one on “Algorithms from Al-Khwarizmi to Alan Turing and the current research” and another one on “Games played by scientists”. The scope is to address the broad public as well as high school students preparing for university studies.
Contacts. Prof. Lefteris Kirousis University of Patras, Computer Engineering & Informatics Department, University Campus, GR-265 04 Rio, Patras, Greece Telephone: +30 261 099 6945 Facsimile: +30 261 096 0368 E-mail: [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
High Performance Computing Academic Research Network (HPC-net)
Coordinators: Professors Efthymios Housos Telephone: +30-2610996434 Fax: +30-2610996820 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://hpcnet.upatras.gr
Brief Presentation
HPC-net is an intra-institutional research network composed of teaching and research staff in the thematic areas of theory, algorithms, technology and applications of parallel/distributed computation, numerical methods for the solution of various scientific computational problems using multiprocessor computer systems and other related fields. The scientific objectives for the network are research and exploitation of existing high performance computing technology as well as newer forms of parallel/distributed computation, in order to provide solutions to computational intensive scientific problems. Typical such problems arise in the areas of:
• Medicine (research and development for the construction of human components especially in the neurological sciences) • Drug Design (high technology drug construction) • Biology (computational biology, nanotechnology, combination of nanotechnology and biology) • Physics ( astronomy, astrophysics, meteorology, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, material science and new material technology, fluid dynamics) • Chemistry ( computational chemistry, new materials study and modeling) • Mathematics( computational geometry, statistics, chaos) • Geology (seismology, petroleum explorations, other materials explorations) • Engineering ( nanotechnology, aeronautics, mechanics, robotics) • Operations Research ( optimization, combinatorial problems, scheduling)
The research network creates a meeting point off at least two different teams
78 University of Patras Intra-University Research Networks and cultures. The first team has extensive experience in application and development of the necessary technology, both in terms of software and hardware, in order to allow high performance computing. This team performs research for parallel/distributed computation and modeling for software and hardware. The second team has extensive experience in algorithms, numerical methods, high performance computing applications and applies these techniques in order to solve scientific problems. These two teams are symbiotic, as the first invents and develops solution for the second while the second provides the reason for the existence of the first and provides valuable feedback. HPC-net focuses on the symbiotic nature of these two teams, aims to increase the communication between them and to enhance the role of the University of Patras as an island of excellence in the area of high performance computing research and applications. Communication channels among different scientists whose common ground is the computational difficulty of their problems also creates fruitful possibilities and the exchange of common tools and application libraries.
Given that at the computational model of the future will highly distributed and networked it appears that parallel processing algorithms and computational models will appear in all curricula from the very early years of studies and will indeed be an avenue that should provide useful and rewarding experiences for all people involved even if they originate from fields that appear far from each other.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
BIOMETRIA
Coordinator: Prof. Spiros Fotopoulos Telephone:+302610996058 Fax:+302610997456 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.biometria.upatras.gr/
Brief presentation Biometrics is defined as the scientific discipline of recording and analysis of stable human features to identify an individual. It is an independent multi discipline area. Biometrics include physical characteristics (fingerprints, iris, face, signature, speech, iris, palm shape DNA etc.) as well as behavioral traits (motion, gait, etc.) that identify a person. A plethora of other biometrics could also be listed. Current research is investigating whether other biomedical traits can be considered biometric features. In this category falls the EEG. The goal in biometrics is the identification, categorization and recognition. The study procedures and analysis of biometric techniques mainly include Digital Signal and Image Processing and Pattern Recognition. Analytical techniques such as intelligent analysis, computational intelligence, computer vision etc are applied to biometrics. Biometrics is an internationally active part of research and technology, and constantly growing R&D area. The objectives of the present University of Patras intra-network BIOMETRIA is to: o coordinate and consult activities in biometrics , o bring together researchers from different labs to present and discuss recent developments and challenges in biometrics. o facilitate common activities o offer infrastructure, o strengthen related R&D activities in biometrics and o foster activities like, seminars, mini-courses, conferences, etc.
Co-operating Laboratories The network includes three laboratories of the University of Patras o Electronics Laboratory (ELLAB) – Department of Physics o The Signal Processing & Communications (SPC) Lab of the Computer Engineering & Informatics Department (CEID)
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o Wire Communications Laboratory of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Members: Spiros Fotopoulos, Professor at Department of Physics George Economou, Professor at Department of Physics Vassilis Anastasopoulos, Professor at Department of Physics Dermatas Evangelos, Professor at the Department Electrical Engineering Kostas Berberidis, Professor at the Computer Engineering and Informatics Department Psarakis Emanouil Assistant Professor at Computer Engineering and Informatics Department External Collaborators Dr. Christos Theoharatos , PhD in Computer Vision, Irida Labs Dr. Zois Elias , staff member at the Electronics Department, Athens Technological and Educational Institute, Athens, Greece Dr. Ifantis Apostolos , Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Patras, Greece
Activities Research activities are presented in the following papers in BIOMETRICS: o Online signature verification based on signatures turning angle representation using longest common subsequence matching K Barkoula, G Economou, S Fotopoulos - International Journal on Document Analysis DOI: 10.1007/s10032-012-0193-9 2012 o I. Rigas, G.Economou and S. Fotopoulos ‘Biometric Identification based on theEye Movements and Graph Matching Techniques’ Pattern Recognition Letters 33 (2012) 786–792 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.patrec.2012.01.003 o I. Rigas, G. Economou, S. Fotopoulos ‘ Human eye movements as a trait for biometrical identification’ IEEE Fifth International Conference on Biometrics: Theory, Applications and Systems (BTAS 2012), September 23- 26, 2012, Washington DC. o A Framework for Pose-based Gait Recognition using Kinect Ilias Theodorakopoulos, Dimitris Kastaniotis, George Economou, Spiros Fotopoulos and Christos Theoharatos, submitted to IEEE Sys.man and cybernetics (Sept. 2012)
Current Organization and planning activities include: o Development of a website to present the research potential of the network http://www.biometria.upatras.gr/. o A one day meeting ( 16/6/2012) of the cooperating labs http://www.biometria.upatras.gr/material.html o Extending collaboration with other labs in the Greek Universities and abroad o Preparatory work for the participation in European networks, projects, technological fora and organizations.
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New Materials and Constructions Cluster
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Network for Research in Advanced Aeronautical Structures (AEROSTRUCT)
Coordinators: Prof. George CHRYSSOLOURIS Assistant Prof. Dimitris MOURTZIS Telephone: +30 2610 997262 Fax: +30 2610 997744 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.lms.mech.upatras.gr
Brief Presentation The AEROSTRUCT Network has been formed following an initiative of the Research Committee of the University of Patras. Three Laboratories have joined forces, having as primary goal to retain their current excellence at local and European level and, through complementarities, to extend their research fields in an area of outmost importance to the Aeronautics research community: The area of advanced Aeronautical Structures with emphasis on Integral Structures. Both metallic and composite integral structures are targeted. Issues ranging from the manufacturing of structures up until the end of their life cycle are examined, including digital mock-up, virtual manufacturing and assembly, manufacturing system lay-out, product cost estimation, joining and forming techniques, stress analysis, prediction and assessment of the mechanical behavior under static and flight spectrum loading (progressive damage modeling and multi-site damage theory), health monitoring, damage assessment, repair processes and techniques as well as dismantling processes.
The AEROSTRUCT network currently consists of three laboratories, all belonging to the University of Patras: i) The Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS) belongs to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, of the University of Patras, Greece. LMS is involved in a number of EU funded research projects in a variety of disciplines, and it has four professors and 70 researchers organized in different research groups. Particular emphasis is given to the co-operation with European industry. LMS performs Research and Development (R&D) work related mainly to the following areas: Innovative Manufacturing Processes, Advanced Human-Centered Design Techniques including Virtual Reality, and Production Systems Planning, Control and Networking.
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LMS is cooperating as partner or technical coordinator with well know European manufacturing and hi-tech companies leading specific industrial sectors in several European RTD projects.
ii) The Laboratory of Technology and Strength of Materials (LTSM) also belongs to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics of University of Patras. LTSM has 5 professors, 4 post-doctorate fellows and 10 Ph.D. students. LTSM performs high quality research on the Development and Characterization of Materials, Strength Evaluation of Structural Components as well as Analysis & Design of Aeronautical Structures. LTSM has participated in more than 80 national and European competitive research programs, mostly related to aeronautics, and has been established as a focal point in Greece in terms of research on aeronautical materials and structures. Since 2002 LTSM coordinates the European Aeronautics Science Network (EASN) which aims to support and upgrade the research activities of the European Aeronautics Universities. iii) The Electronics Laboratory belongs to the Physics department. The main research activities of the lab include design of analog integrated circuits (VLSI), development of embedded systems for digital signal processing, computer vision, image and signal detection, ICT technologies and sensor network. The laboratory staff includes 8 professors and more than 20 researchers.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Product Concurrent Engineering (PROCEN)
Coordinator: Argyris Dentsoras, Associate Professor Telephone: +302610969474 Fax: +302610969474 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://procen.hpclab.ceid.upatras.gr/en
Brief presentation Network Goals During last decades, the development of new products and machines is based on new design methodologies. These methodologies, starting from the very early design phases and ending up with the detailed design stages, take into account concurrently and continuously the available manufacturing technologies. This approach succeeds in keeping very low the number of required design iterations and results finally to small development times and considerably low costs. Additionally, it offers many advantages and offers considerable social, environmental and financial profits. The main idea that triggered the establishment of PROCEN Network is the promotion of concurrency of product development in Greek academia and industry. It was recognized that new methods, techniques and processes that emerge from research activities should be diffused to industrial enterprises that are involved in design and product development. At the same time, feedback from industry could be proved to be beneficial by triggering further research activities in the university regarding the aforementioned important issue. So the main goals set by PROCEN were: • Enforcement of common research activities among participating laboratories • Promotion of common research proposals among its members in both Greece and EU that focus on innovative methods of concurrent product development • Financial support of its activities • Further development of the infrastructure and human resources of the laboratories for supporting activities relevant to network’s subject • Establishment of a scheme that could act as a in both Greece and EU • Promotion of the idea of concurrent product development in the programs of under- and postgraduate courses of the Greek Universities • Diffusion of research results in the academic community through seminars, workshops, conferences, etc. • Promotion of the concept in enterprises and institutions involved in product development
Members The Network for Product and Machine Concurrent Engineering (PROCEN) is funded by the University of Patras and its formation is the result of collaboration of three (3) laboratories of School of Engineering. Two of them (Laboratory for Machine Design and
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Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation) belong to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the third (Laboratory of High Performance Information Systems) belongs to the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics. The participating academic staff (in alphabetical order) is: • Nick Anyfantis, Prof., Laboratory for Machine Design • Argyris Dentsoras, Assoc. Prof., Laboratory for Machine Design, (network coordinator) • Dimitris Katsareas, Ph.D., Mech. Eng., researcher, Laboratory for Machine Design • Dimitrios Koutsomitropoulos, Ph.D., Comp. Eng., senior researcher, Laboratory of High Performance Information Systems • Dimitris Mourtzis, Assist, Prof., Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation • Pantelis Nikolakopoulos, Lecturer, Laboratory for Machine Design • Sofia Panteliou, Assoc. Prof., Laboratory for Machine Design • Chris Papadopoulos, Prof., Laboratory for Machine Design • Theodoros Papatheodorou, Prof., Laboratory of High Performance Information Systems • Nick Papakostas, Ph.D., researcher, Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation • George Chryssolouris, Prof., Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation
Current Activities PROCEN network started its activities on October 2009. On March, 2010, its website (http://procen.hpclab.ceid.upatras.gr/) started functioning. On May 19, 2010, the first workshop took place in the Conference Center of the University of Patras. In this workshop, six (6) lectures were presented accompanied by a short discussion session. Forty (40) persons – coming from academia and industry – participated in this workshop. Currently, the second workshop is being organized and is expected to take place next December. Visits are also planned to other universities in Greece in order to present the network and to make it known to people that could be interested in establishing common activities in the field of concurrent product development both in Greece and EU. Meanwhile, the website is continuously updated with news about events (conferences, workshops, proposal calls, etc,) that are relevant to the objectives set by the network.
Contacts Argyris J. Dentsoras, Associate Professor, Machine Design Lab., Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, 26500 Patra, Greece, tel. & fax: +30-2610-969474. [email protected]
Dimitris Mourtzis, Assist. Prof., Lab. for Manufacturing Systems & Automation Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, 26500 Patra, Greece, Tel.: +30-2610-997262 /997848, Fax.: +30-2610-997744 [email protected]
Dimitrios A. Koutsomitropoulos, Ph.D., Comp. Eng., senior researcher, Lab. of High Performance Information Systems, Dpt. Of Computer Engineering and Informatics University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece, Tel.: +30-2610-996900 Fax.: +30-2610-969001 [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Network on Nano-MAterials and Devices “Nano-DEMA”
Coordinator: Prof. Stella Kennou Telephone: +30-2610969585 Fax: +30-2610997631 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://nanodema.upatras.gr
Brief presentation Nanomaterials are of great interest for research and technology in the atomic and molecular scale. In the nanoscale, the properties of materials may be completely different from those in the bulk. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field which combines knowledge from physics, chemistry and material science in both basic research and technological applications. The main target of this network is to enhance collaboration between research groups with different scientific backgrounds active in various fields of nanomaterials and their applications in nanodevices and to take advantage of existing research infrastructure in the University of Patras. The network focuses on the development of complementary scientific, technological and educational actions related to issues of growth and characterization of nanomaterials and nanodevices. Twelve groups from four departments (Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Dept. of Chemistry, Dept. of Physics, Dept. of Material Science) and two schools (Engineering and Physical Sciences ) from the University of Patras are involved in the network, covering a wide research area from nanomaterials growth and characterization to their application in nanodevices. More details of the groups participating in the network and the infrastructure can be found in the network website (http://nanodema.upatras.gr/Research groups). The objectives of the NanoDEMA Net are:
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- To create a strong cluster in nanomaterials and nanotechnology at the University of Patras.
- To attract European and national research projects and young researchers.
- To organize schools, seminars, workshops and conferences.
A further target is to explore the possibility to establish a new research center in science and technology of nanomaterials and nanodevices at the University of Patras.
The first action of the Network has been to present itself in different conferences in Greece and abroad by its members and to organize an introductory one-day workshop (25 June 2010 ) in the Physics Department of the University of Patras entitled: “NanoDEMA presentation - Future collaboration”. This workshop included presentations by group members focusing on their research activities and invited speakers from Greek industry and research centers, whereby the possibility of future collaborations was discussed. A second workshop is organized in collaboration with the Scientific Society Micro&Nano, to be held on the 25th of February 2011 at the Cultural and Conference Center of the University of Patras, under the title: “Growth and Characterization of nanomaterials – Applications”. Moreover members of the network together with partners from other Greek universities and research centers have already participated in the preparation and submission of two scientific proposals (THALIS) in the field of nanomaterials and devices (“Nanostructured Organic/Hybrid devices of Improved performance” and “Germanium MOS technology”). The results are pending. The Network is always seeking opportunities to create collaborations with other networks and industry in Greece and Europe in order to explore collaboration possibilities and to attract research funding in the university.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Nanophotonics – Advanced Materials
Coordinator: Professor Stelios Couris Telephone: +30-2610996086 Fax: +30-2610996086 E-mail: [email protected] Website: under construction
Brief presentation The current network has the main target to advance and strengthen the interactions between different research groups in the University of Patras that have scientific background in Nanophotonics. The network focuses on the development of complementary scientific, technological and educational actions related to the control of materials by light and control of light by materials. These are interdisciplinary scientific activities that involve several areas of Physics and Materials Science. For the successful accomplishment of the network’s goal, the network involves research groups that have collaborated in the past in scientific and educational activities and new research groups from the University of Patras, in order to strengthen the existing collaborations and create collaborations in new scientific topics.
The network is composed by six research groups from two University Departments (Department of Physics and Department of Materials Science), covering a wide area of experimental and theoretical research topics, ranging from fundamental issues, such as quantum and nonlinear optical interactions of laser fields with matter, to applied issues and creation of actual device applications, such as creation of high efficiency sensors by photonics. The group consists of ten University professors, two professors under appointment and one retired professor. More than twenty five postdoctoral, doctoral, postgraduate and undergraduate researchers are also involved in the network. The members of the network have more than 750 papers in international refereed journals that have obtained more than 13000 citations by other researchers.
In order to accomplish the project goals the network is divided into three actions. Action1: Dissemination of results Action 2: Actions for network involvement into National and European projects Action 3: Actions for further expansion and development
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As for the dissemination activities, the network has already organized a general interest scientific talk by Professor E.N. Economou of FORTH-IESL (Rector Building, University of Patras, 21 January 2010) and an one-day workshop with topic “50 Years of Laser” (6 December 2010) at the Cultural and Conference Center of the University of Patras. The workshop included oral presentations from invited speakers from other Greek Universities and Research Institutes, and poster presentations from network members. The program of the workshop can be found in this link LaserFest2010.
In addition, several members of the network organized (including the two conference chairs, the scientific secretaries and members of the organizing committee) the International Commission of Optics Topical Meeting on Emerging Trends and Novel Materials in Photonics, in Delphi, Greece, 7-9 October 2009. The conference had more than 240 attendees from 34 different countries. The proceedings of the conference have been published in American Institute of Physics Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1288, 2010, and in Photonics and Nanostrutures: Fundamentals and Applications (Elsevier), in press, 2011. Also, members of the network have collaborated and applied research proposals in several national (e.g. Heraclitus, Thales, Archimedes, Collaboration), and international (e.g. bilateral and EU FP7) research grants, having already a number of successful research proposals.
Finally, the network is always seeking opportunities for further expansion and development through contacts with other national and international groups and networks that have research activities in Nanophotonics-Advanced Materials.
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-university Research Networks
Title
Nanomaterials Theoretical Design (NANOTHEO)
Coordinator: Prof. Aristides D. Zdetsis, head of the Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Patras Telephone: +30-2610997458 Fax: +30-2610 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] URL: http://moleng.physics.upatras.gr/personnel/ADZdetsis.html
Brief presentation
Intra-University Research Network http://nanotheo.upatras.gr
Network Goals: The Aim of this Research Network is the “Molecular Engineering” and Theoretical Design of Functional and Functionalizable Nanomaterials of Great Scientific and Technological Importance, with Applications in Nanotechnology , Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanomedicine, and Nanobiology. These projects will be materialized through multiscale methods, based on bottom-up approaches starting from accurate and unbiased ab initio atomistic calculations, which are crucial for the design of new materials with tunable properties. The ab initio techniques will be properly coupled to and augmented by molecular dynamics, or Monte Carlo simulations, and/or semi empirical modeling (where required).
The remote long-range aim of NANOTHEO is the development and formation of a well-organized interdisciplinary group of experts in the multiscale theoretical design of novel nanomaterials, which eventually will be augmented and hopefully evolve into an autonomous unit or University Laboratory or Institute. Brief presentation: Nanotechnology, Materials science, Molecular Biology, Nanomedicine, etc., examined at (or functioning in ) the molecular level using advanced very high resolution spectroscopic and/or special nano-production techniques, bring up problems and questions demanding solutions based on accurate and unbiased atomistic calculations. Such high-level high-accuracy atomistic calculations, which should not be dependent on empirical or semi- empirical parameters, are also indispensible in cases where a molecular understanding or a “bottom up” approach is necessary for the design of novel nanosystems, or for the interpretation of the underlying mechanism, and the
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optimization of the functionality of the particular nanosystem. The ab initio techniques, which are the starting (and in several cases and the ending), point of the multiscale (and multilevel) approach, are based on accurate ab initio methods of quantum and computational Chemistry at various levels of complexity. For the realistic description (and design) of complex nanosytems the ab initio techniques should be properly coupled to and augmented by molecular dynamics, or Monte Carlo simulations, and/or “suitable” and “compatible” empirical or semi-empirical modeling (where required).
Representative starting projects, selected from several frontier fields of nanotechnology, materials science and molecular biolog,, include: 1) Theoretical design of group 14 functionalized Nanostructures with and without metal particles for (a) technological and (b) medical applications. 2)Bottom-up multiscale procedure for drug delivery through MOFs 3) “In silico” optimization of the catalytic properties of mesoporous silica 4) Molecular understanding of the self-assembly of dithiocarbamate / thiol compounds on Au" 5) Atomistic calculations of metal-hydrides (Mg:H) for hydrogen storage
All projects will be accomplished through the integration of powerful analytical and computational tools, combining the expertise of the current and future members and collaborating partners of the network.
Current Senior Members: 1) Aristides Zdetsis, Department of Physics 2) MiChael Sigalas, 3) George Kalosakas Department of Materials Science 4) George Maroulis 5) Alexios Lykourgiotis Department of Chemistry 6) Vlasis Mauratzas Department of Chemical Engineering 7) George Spyroulias Department of Pharmacy
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Education and Human Resources Cluster
A lecture to students from Department of Architecture
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Higher Education Policy
Coordinator: Stamelos Georgios Telephone: 00-30-2610-969729 Fax: 00-30-2610-993437 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Website: http://hepnet.upatras.gr/
Brief presentation The interdisciplinary interuniversity Network for Higher Education Policy (HEP) aims to cover the need for specified structure in research, education, publications and other activities in the area of policies for Higher Education in general and especially for the University, in Greece. It will also partially cover the gap that exists in the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Patras, as the proposed network is integrated into Social Sciences while all existing Departments of the Faculty belong to Human Sciences. The existing infrastructures that function as think tanks in the area of Higher Education have to do mainly with two areas, producing the relevant figuration Discourses for their argument context. These areas could be roughly attributed with two terms which are referring to both fact and theory: a. the area of the State b. The area of the Market The interdisciplinary interuniversity Network Policies for Higher Education (PHE) aspires to be a casing for thinking, free from distortions and conveniences of both the state bureaucracy and the market logic. These two logics are the starting point for distortions in the academicism of the university challenge. More specifically, this initiative from its figuration requires the production of Discourse from the university basis and the academic potential and thus producing the respective purely academic-university organization purpose. Therefore, the main advantage of this undertaking is the qualitative differentiation from the current applied models, since the produced Discourse has not started from the market or bureaucracy but has as its legislative authority and challenge the university itself as an academic community for knowledge production.
1. Network Objectives 1. 1. Research a. the development of research in the subject “University”, through the development of post-doctoral, doctoral and masters dissertations b. the development of research in the subject “University”, through the introduction of research proposals at notices of Greek and European projects. 1.2. Education c. the implementation of a seminar for PhD candidates and post-doctors on: European Educational Policies: Theories, Methodologies, Analysis, Interpretations
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d. to investigate the conditions for creating a Post-graduate program of studies with the subject “Policies for Higher Education” 1.3. Production and Release of scientific discourse for the “University” e. the adoption by the University of Patras of an institutional seminar with subject “Citizenship and Globalization” f. the creation of an e-review
2. Faculty Members Stamelos Georgios, Professor Kyprianos Pantelis, Associate Professor Balias Stathis, Assistant Professor Kamarianos Ioannis, Assistant Professor
3. Current Activities
3.1. Phd Candidates a. Aggelopoulos G., Interdisciplinarity as a new “Paradigm” of University Studies: interdisciplinary research practices at post-graduate level. b. Dimiza St., Interdisciplinarity as a new “Paradigm” of University Studies: interdisciplinary research practices at post-graduate level. c. Kavasakalis A.K, The establishment of a Quality Assurance mechanism on Greek University: the formation of Advocacy Coalition Policy Networks in the sub-system of Greek University. d. Pitsou Ch. S., A study about the implementation of Human Rights Education in the Pedagogical Faculties of pre- primary and primary education in Greek Universities from 1995 to 2010.
3.2. Researches in progress a. Study on the production processes of scientific-academic knowledge: the transition from uni-disciplinarity to interdisciplinarity of university studies. b. University, Citizenship and Human Rights. Study for the introduction of Human Rights Education and Citizenship in the curricula of the Teacher Education Departments (1995-2010).
3.3. Institutional Seminar During the academic year 2010-2011, 4 institutional seminars are programmed on the issue: University - Citizenship – Globalization.
3.4. Academia e-review First issue: Autumn 2011.
3.5. Contacts Stamelos Georgios: [email protected], [email protected] Kyprianos Pantelis: [email protected] Balias Stathis: [email protected] Kamarianos Ioannis: [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Intra-University Research Networks
Title
Economics and Management of Knowledge and Innovation (EMaKI)
Coordinator: Kostas D. Tsekouras, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Patras Telephone: +30-2610969831 Fax:+30-2610996265 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://emaki.upatras.gr http://application.econ.upatras.gr/en/faculty/teskouras
Brief presentation Economics and Management of Knowledge and Innovation (EMaKI) is a research network founded at the University of Patras, and has members from different academic disciplines who are interested in the issues of organizational knowledge and innovation. Its vision is to enhance the cooperation between Industry and Academia for improving knowledge processes within organizations, as well as the social transfer of knowledge and its diffusion to economic agents and society. The basic principle of EMaKI is that producing, managing and diffusing knowledge are not equally important or identical under different scientific disciplines. This fact unavoidably leads to confusion and sometimes misconceptions of research activities in these areas. However, combining different disciplines contributes to a better and more holistic treatment of research issues/problems related to learning and to the economy and management of knowledge. Therefore, Academics from the disciplines of Management, Economics, Informatics and Education from different Departments of University of Patras, have come together in a joint effort to exploit the advantages of the complementarities among their research activities. Towards this direction, ΕΜaΚΙ is investigating the interactions and interrelationships that form the Social Capital – Intellectual Capital- Innovation - Economic Growth square. More specifically, EMaKI’s research interests can be expressed via three questions:
• How does Technology, and particularly informatics, promote innovation, and assist the production and development of intellectual capital. • How can knowledge transform into technology. How knowledge flows are managed within organizational structures. • How can innovation contribute to the economic growth of businesses/organizations at a regional, national and international level.
It can be argued that the existence of this network aims at contributing to the research fields of innovation and knowledge adopting an interdisciplinary perspective. In order to improve EMaKI’s ability to deal with these issues -in the course of time, its members need to expand and form a core of know-how (methodologies, tools and approaches) that will address to all organizations that face serious barriers to innovation.
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Network Goals, Members, Current Activities, Contacts EMaKI as an intra-university network was given the opportunity to set and pursue specific goals. Firstly, it is aiming at contributing to the research on the effects of knowledge and innovation at the organizational, regional, national and international level. Secondly, it is very important to be in a position where its members can provide organizations with the necessary tools to upgrade and manage their knowledge base and innovative behaviour. Its third goal refers to promoting the importance of knowledge and innovation as key factors in successful organizational performance. Last but not least, tightening the relationships and flows between University and Society, with a special interest in the industrial structures of the Western Greece region, constitutes the ultimate goal of this network. The members of Economics and Management of Knowledge and Innovation have in common their interest in the fields of Knowledge and Innovation but they come not only from different disciplines but also they serve in different Departments of the University of Patras. Table 1 below presents the founding members of EMaKI.
EMaKI founding members • Manolis Adamides, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineers and Aeronautics. • Euthalia Dimara, Professor of Statistics, Department of Economics. • Nikos Karacapilidis, Professor in Management Information Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics. • Thanasis Karalis, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood. • Vasilis Komis, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood. • Kostas Tsekouras, Associate Professor of Industrial Organization, Department of Economics • Manolis Tzagarakis, Lecturer, Department of Economics. • Areti Gkypali, PhD student, Department of Economics. • George Gkotsis, PhD student, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics.
Since its foundation EMaKI, members have participated in several academic conferences, have organized a workshop and have participated in two research proposals regarding knowledge and innovation (for further information see http://emaki.upatras.gr). They consistently have been working towards expansion and sustainability of its existence. In addition, they have contacted the Dynamics of Industries and Markets in Europe (DIME) network and pursuing future research and other kinds of collaboration.
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