Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Freris, University of Science and Technology of China, China
Dr. Nikolaos M. Freris is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Currently serving as a professor and Vice Dean at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), he leads the AIoT Laboratory, advancing cutting-edge innovations in distributed learning and cyber-physical systems. Dr. Freris earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0. With extensive international experience, including positions at IBM Research, EPFL, and NYU Abu Dhabi, his work bridges theoretical advancements and practical applications in intelligent systems. A prolific speaker and educator, he has delivered numerous keynotes and distinguished lectures worldwide. His passion for innovation and knowledge-sharing solidifies his reputation as a leader in AI-driven technologies, fostering global collaborations and pioneering impactful research.
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Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Freris Summary of Suitability for the Award
Nikolaos M. Freris is an exceptionally accomplished researcher and academic, making him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His educational background is impeccable, with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and two master’s degrees (Mathematics and Electrical & Computer Engineering) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, all earned with perfect GPAs. His work bridges cutting-edge domains such as systems, decision and control, communication networks, and optimization, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex interdisciplinary challenges.
Professionally, Dr. Freris has held prestigious positions at globally recognized institutions, including his current role as a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), where he also serves as Vice Dean of the International College and Director of the AIoT Laboratory.
Education
Dr. Nikolaos M. Freris holds a robust academic foundation in engineering and computer science. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in systems, decision, and control, and achieving a perfect 4.0/4.0 GPA. During his doctoral studies, his groundbreaking dissertation explored optimization models for wireless networks, including clock synchronization and video streaming. He also earned dual Master’s degrees from the same university in Mathematics and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Prior to his postgraduate pursuits, he graduated summa cum laude with a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, where his thesis addressed innovative approaches in biomedical engineering. This exceptional academic journey underpins his expertise in robotics, AI, and distributed systems, driving his impactful research and academic contributions globally.
Professional Experience
Dr. Nikolaos M. Freris boasts a dynamic career in academia and industry. Since 2019, he has been a Professor of Computer Science at USTC, where he directs the AIoT Laboratory, pioneering advances in distributed learning and robotics. He also serves as Vice Dean of the International College, fostering global academic partnerships. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi and a Global Network Assistant Professor at NYU Tandon, leading research on cyber-physical systems. His industry experience includes roles as a Senior Research Scientist at EPFL, managing Qualcomm-funded projects, and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at IBM Research Zurich. His early career featured internships at Deutsche Telekom and Xerox, where he explored innovative computational solutions. With a strong track record of leadership in interdisciplinary projects, Dr. Freris continues to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Nikolaos M. Freris is a recipient of numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to computer science and engineering. His academic excellence is reflected in his perfect GPA achievements during his Ph.D. and Master’s studies. He has delivered keynotes at leading conferences such as the International Conference on Internet of Things and AIoT forums. His research on distributed learning, robotics, and AIoT has earned him accolades, including invited talks at institutions like Zhejiang University and international symposiums. As a leader in global academic initiatives, he was recognized for his innovative teaching and impactful research by organizations such as IEEE and CAS. Dr. Freris’s accolades underscore his commitment to advancing intelligent systems and fostering collaborations across disciplines, enhancing the global understanding of cutting-edge technologies.
Research Skills On Robotics
Dr. Nikolaos M. Freris demonstrates exceptional research skills in robotics, distributed systems, and artificial intelligence. His expertise spans optimization theory, machine learning, and cyber-physical systems, with applications in AIoT and intelligent transportation. He specializes in communication-efficient algorithms, real-time data learning, and bio-inspired robotics, contributing to sustainable solutions for modern technological challenges. As the founder and director of AIoT and Cyberphysical Systems Labs, he leads transformative research initiatives that bridge theoretical models and real-world implementation. His methodological rigor and creative problem-solving skills are evident in his widely cited publications and pioneering keynote addresses. Dr. Freris’s ability to synthesize complex systems into actionable innovations positions him as a thought leader in emerging AI and robotics domains.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Randomized extended Kaczmarz for solving least squares
- Authors: A. Zouzias, N. M. Freris
Journal: SIAM Journal on Matrix Analysis and Applications
Citations: 349
Year: 2013
Title: Fundamental limits on synchronizing clocks over networks
- Authors: N. M. Freris, S. R. Graham, P. R. Kumar
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
Citations: 270
Year: 2010
Title: Fundamentals of large sensor networks: Connectivity, capacity, clocks, and computation
- Authors: N. M. Freris, H. Kowshik, P. R. Kumar
Journal: Proceedings of the IEEE
Citations: 151
Year: 2010
Title: A new randomized block-coordinate primal-dual proximal algorithm for distributed optimization
- Authors: P. Latafat, N. M. Freris, P. Patrinos
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
Citations: 89
Year: 2019
Title: Fundamental limits on synchronization of affine clocks in networks
- Authors: N. M. Freris, P. R. Kumar
Conference: 2007 46th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control
Citations: 79
Year: 2007
Distortion-aware scalable video streaming to multinetwork clients
- Authors: N. M. Freris, C. H. Hsu, J. P. Singh, X. Zhu
Journal: IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
Citations: 69
Year: 2012
Fast distributed smoothing of relative measurements
- Authors: N. M. Freris, A. Zouzias
Conference: 2012 IEEE 51st IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (CDC)
Citations: 64
Year: 2012
Multiplayer Stackelberg–Nash game for nonlinear system via value iteration-based integral reinforcement learning
- Authors: M. Li, J. Qin, N. M. Freris, D. W. C. Ho
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems
Citations: 56
Year: 2020
A synchrophasor data-driven method for forced oscillation localization under resonance conditions
- Authors: T. Huang, N. M. Freris, P. R. Kumar, L. Xie
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Power Systems
Citations: 56
Year: 2020
A model-based approach to clock synchronization
- Authors: N. M. Freris, V. S. Borkar, P. R. Kumar
Conference: Proceedings of the 48th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (CDC)
Citations: 53
Year: 2009