NIKOLAOS EPISKOPOS | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. NIKOLAOS EPISKOPOS | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

👤 Mr. NIKOLAOS EPISKOPOS, IBM, Greece

Nikolaos Episkopos is an accomplished Data Scientist, Software Developer, and Data Science Consultant with over eight years of professional experience. Based in Athens, Greece, Nikolaos specializes in AI, cybersecurity, and predictive medicine, contributing to impactful EU-funded R&D projects and Open Source Software initiatives. His innovative work includes AI solutions for fraud detection, federated learning toolkits for intrusion detection, and optimizing data pipelines. Passionate about the intersection of technological advancements and societal impact, Nikolaos has played pivotal roles in enhancing banking services, securing SCADA systems, and developing blockchain-based video streaming systems. As a professional with a robust academic background and diverse technical skills, he combines creativity and precision to deliver groundbreaking solutions.

Professional Profile

Orcid

🌟 Evaluation of Nikolaos Episkopos for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Summary of Suitability

Nikolaos Episkopos demonstrates an exceptional profile as a data scientist and software developer with significant contributions to research and development projects, particularly in the domains of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and healthcare. With over eight years of professional experience, he has effectively bridged academia and industry, showcasing the ability to lead and innovate in complex technological domains. His work has resulted in tangible outcomes, including funding acquisitions, novel AI solutions, and impactful publications.

Nikolaos’s recent achievements at IBM and INLECOM highlight his ability to tackle real-world challenges through data-driven innovation. At IBM, he developed advanced AI models for fraud detection, contributing to financial security solutions. His role at INLECOM involved technical project management and significant contributions to EU Horizon projects, where his efforts secured funding and established strategic partnerships. These accomplishments reflect his leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative skills in advancing scientific research.

🎓 Education 

Nikolaos holds a Master’s degree in Data Science & Information Technologies from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where he honed expertise in AI, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Currently pursuing an MSc in Cybersecurity at the University of West Attica, he is expanding his knowledge of threat modeling and advanced cryptographic techniques. His academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, as he consistently excelled in designing AI models and deploying secure, scalable systems. Nikolaos’ education equips him to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity, combining rigorous academic training with practical, hands-on experience to solve complex technical challenges effectively.

💼  Professional Experience

Nikolaos Episkopos has held roles at leading organizations like IBM, INLECOM, and MetaMind Innovations. At IBM, he spearheaded the development of AI solutions for card fraud detection and enhanced banking services. At INLECOM, he managed Horizon projects, securing significant funding and partnerships while optimizing algorithms for AI tools. During his tenure at MetaMind Innovations, he developed Federated Learning toolkits for intrusion detection, authored academic papers, and secured SCADA systems. At Fogus Innovations, Nikolaos implemented blockchain-enabled video streaming optimization and co-authored publications on advanced AI platforms. His ability to lead technical projects, develop AI models, and foster innovation underscores his exceptional contribution to the tech industry.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Nikolaos has been recognized for his contributions to EU-funded Horizon projects, which have brought substantial funding and technological advancements to his organizations. He co-authored papers published in prestigious journals like IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing and Computer Science Review, highlighting his expertise in AI and cybersecurity. Additionally, his innovative solutions in fraud detection and SCADA security have been acknowledged within the tech community. Nikolaos’ commitment to open-source projects on GitHub further demonstrates his dedication to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. His achievements reflect a career driven by excellence and societal impact.

🌍 Research Skills On Computer Science

Nikolaos excels in designing and deploying AI-driven solutions across domains such as cybersecurity, predictive medicine, and fraud detection. His expertise encompasses Federated Learning, blockchain integration, and data analysis using tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Spark. Skilled in optimizing algorithms and building scalable data pipelines, Nikolaos has delivered solutions that reduce execution time and enhance efficiency. His academic research, coupled with industry application, positions him as a thought leader in leveraging AI for societal impact.

đź“– Publication Top Notes

1. A comprehensive survey of Federated Intrusion Detection Systems: Techniques, challenges and solutions
  • Author(s): Ioannis Makris, Aikaterini Karampasi, Panagiotis Radoglou-Grammatikis, Nikolaos Episkopos, Eider Iturbe, Erkuden Rios, Nikos Piperigkos, Aris Lalos, Christos Xenakis, Thomas Lagkas, et al.
  • Citation: Computer Science Review, 2025-05
2. To DASH, or Not to DASH? Optimal Video Bitrate Selection and Edge Network Caching in MEC-Empowered Slice-Enabled Networks
  • Author(s): Dionysis Xenakis, Nikolaos Episkopos
  • Citation: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 2024-04
3. PEER-TO-PEER VIDEO CONTENT DELIVERY OPTIMIZATION SERVICE IN A DISTRIBUTED NETWORK
  • Author(s): Nikolaos Episkopos
  • Citation: Dissertation/Thesis, 2022-10-24
4. Cache-Aware Adaptive Video Streaming in 5G networks
  • Author(s): Nikolaos Episkopos
  • Citation: Dissertation/Thesis, 2021-05-04
5. SECONDO: A Platform for Cybersecurity Investments and Cyber Insurance Decisions
  • Author(s): Aristeidis Farao, Sakshyam Panda, Sofia Anna Menesidou, Entso Veliou, Nikolaos Episkopos, George Kalatzantonakis, Farnaz Mohammadi, Nikolaos Georgopoulos, Michael Sirivianos, Nikos Salamanos, et al.
  • Citation: Trust, Privacy and Security in Digital Business (TrustBus), 2020-09-14
6. On-device caching of popular video content on Android-powered devices
  • Author(s): Nikolaos Episkopos
  • Citation: Dissertation/Thesis, 2018-08-14

Milos Kojic | Computational Modeling | Research Excellence Award

Prof Dr. Milos Kojic | Computational Modeling | Research Excellence Award

Professor of Nanomedicine at Houston Methodist Research Institute, United States

Dr. Milos Kojic is a highly accomplished researcher with an extensive background in mechanical engineering, computational methods, and bioengineering. His career spans over five decades, during which he has made significant contributions to finite element methods (FEM), discrete particle methods, software development, biomechanics, and inelastic material deformation. Dr. Kojic has held multiple prestigious academic and industry positions, authored over 250 papers, and published several key textbooks and monographs. His research and leadership have had a profound impact on both academia and industry, particularly in the fields of nonlinear structural analysis and computational mechanics.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Dr. Milos Kojic has an extensive and distinguished educational background, rooted in mechanical engineering and computational methods. He began his academic journey at the University of Kragujevac in Serbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from 1960 to 1964. His outstanding academic performance during this period earned him a scholarship and a prestigious award as the top student in his class. Continuing his studies, Dr. Kojic pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanics at the University of Belgrade from 1964 to 1969, where he deepened his understanding of mechanics and mathematical methods. Seeking to further expand his expertise, Dr. Kojic enrolled at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where he completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering between 1970 and 1972. His doctoral research focused on the “Influence of Fluid Pressure Gradient on Plasticity of Porous Media,” demonstrating his early commitment to pioneering work in the field of computational mechanics. During his Ph.D. studies, Dr. Kojic received a prestigious Fulbright Foundation Scholarship and an assistantship from Rice University, underscoring his academic excellence and potential. His educational path laid a strong foundation for his remarkable career in research, teaching, and software development, particularly in the areas of finite element methods and biomechanics.

Work Experience 🏛️

Dr. Milos Kojic has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades, with diverse experiences in both academia and industry. His professional journey began at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kragujevac, where he progressed from Assistant Professor to Full Professor, teaching courses in mechanics and computational methods. Over a period of more than 30 years, Dr. Kojic led a team of researchers in developing numerical methods for nonlinear structural analysis, heat conduction, fluid flow, and biomechanics. He also supervised over 30 M.S. and Ph.D. theses, shaping the next generation of engineers. In parallel, Dr. Kojic played a key role in industry, particularly with the Automobile Factory in Kragujevac, where he developed the general-purpose finite element code PAK, which has been widely used for solid and fluid analysis. His work at ADINA R&D in the U.S. further demonstrated his expertise, where he contributed to the integration of stress analysis for plasticity and thermo-plasticity into the ADINA software suite.

Skills 🛠️

Dr. Milos Kojic possesses a diverse and advanced skill set spanning multiple disciplines within mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, and bioengineering. He is an expert in Finite Element Method (FEM), having pioneered its application in nonlinear structural analysis, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. His work extends to Discrete Particle Methods (DPM), which are essential for modeling complex material behaviors. Dr. Kojic is also highly proficient in software development, having led the creation of the general-purpose PAK finite element code, which has been widely used in both academic and industrial settings. His deep understanding of elasticity and plasticity allows him to address complex material deformation problems, while his expertise in biomechanics has driven innovation in computational models for bioengineering. Additionally, his knowledge of coupled problems—where mechanical, thermal, and fluid dynamics are interconnected—further highlights his ability to tackle multifaceted engineering challenges. Dr. Kojic’s combination of theoretical insight and practical application makes him a leading figure in computational mechanics and bioengineering.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Milos Kojic has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his distinguished career. As an undergraduate, he received a scholarship for his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and graduated as the top student in his class at the University of Kragujevac, earning the university’s prestigious Award for Outstanding Performance. During his Ph.D. studies at Rice University, he was awarded a Fulbright Foundation scholarship and an assistantship, reflecting his academic excellence. In 1983, he secured a research grant as the principal investigator of a Yugoslav-American project in nonlinear finite element analysis in collaboration with MIT. Dr. Kojic has also been honored with special awards for his research contributions to the automobile industry and for his teaching and research efforts at the University of Kragujevac, where he received accolades such as the Award for Contribution in Teaching and Research in 1988. His contributions to the region’s industrial development were recognized by the Chamber of Industry of Kragujevac in 1992, and he was awarded the Diploma of the City of Kragujevac in 1993 for his role in advancing the city and its university. Among his most notable accolades, Dr. Kojic was awarded the Serbian Engineering Society Gold Medal in 2001 and the St. Sava Award for Life Achievements in 2020, celebrating his lifelong contributions to mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, and the development of the University of Kragujevac. His career-long commitment to academic and industrial development has left an indelible mark on both Serbia and the global scientific community.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Milos Kojic’s research focus centers on advancing computational methods and their applications in mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and interdisciplinary fields. A pioneer in finite element methods (FEM) and discrete particle methods, he has developed innovative software solutions for nonlinear structural analysis, inelastic material deformation, and coupled problems. His work encompasses elasticity, plasticity, and biomechanics, addressing complex issues like fluid-structure interaction and stress analysis in porous media. Dr. Kojic’s research also extends into bioengineering, where he has made significant strides in computational modeling of biological systems. His multidisciplinary approach integrates traditional mechanical engineering with cutting-edge bioengineering techniques, contributing to both theoretical developments and practical applications in fields such as nanomedicine and biomechanical analysis. Through his extensive research and software development, Dr. Kojic continues to push the boundaries of computational mechanics and bioengineering.

Conclusion:

Dr. Milos Kojic is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Research Excellence Award. His pioneering work in computational mechanics, finite element analysis, and biomechanics has made lasting contributions to both academia and industry. His leadership in the development of software tools like PAK, and his extensive mentorship of the next generation of researchers, exemplifies his commitment to advancing scientific research. Although there is room to explore more contemporary research collaborations, his lifetime achievements, broad expertise, and substantial impact make him an exemplary candidate for the award.

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