Our Team

Janika Leoste, PhD in Educational Sciences and MSc in Economics and Finance, is Associate Professor of Educational Robotics at Tallinn University and Assistant Professor of IT Didactics at Tallinn University of Technology. Her research covers AI in learning, educational robotics, STEAM education, and hybrid teaching. She has published over 60 scholarly articles and supervised 12 MA and 6 PhD students. Since 2019, she has taught university courses on robot-integrated and project-based learning. Her prior experience includes software and game development, cartoon production, and robotics teaching. She has secured multiple national and EU research grants, including Horizon Europe’s ERA Talents project EdTech Talents.

Slavko Rakić is a Research Professor at the Tallinn University of Technology, IT College, specializing in AI didactics, digital education, and service engineering. He leads the Hybrid Intelligent Assessment System for Inclusive and Ethical GenAI Use in Higher Education project funded by the Estonian Research Council and serves as Serbia’s National Ambassador for the European Commission’s DigiEduHack initiative. He has been actively involved in numerous Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and CEEPUS projects, fostering innovation in digital learning and AI-driven education. With over 60 scientific publications, Rakić contributes to advancing inclusive, ethical, and technology-enhanced higher education across Europe.

Jaanus Pöial is an Associate Professor at Tallinn University of Technology (IT College) specializing in programming languages, semantics, and virtual machines. He holds a PhD in Computer and Systems Software from the Institute of Cybernetics, Estonian Academy of Sciences (1987). His academic career spans over three decades at TalTech and the University of Tartu, with visiting lectureships in Austria, France, Ireland, Germany, and Finland. He has served on numerous academic councils and program committees and has co-authored over 40 scientific publications. His research interests include program analysis, telepresence robotics in education, and AI-supported learning environments.

Sirja Sulakatko (DSc) has over five years of experience in developing IT specialists in various roles (programming, UX, cybersecurity, etc.). Her doctoral thesis focused on competence development and teamwork essentials. These experiences together provide a strong foundation to support DITEC team in identifying and addressing skill gaps among IT graduates. Sirja emphasizes the importance of “human” skills in applying technical knowledge and has a wide professional network in Estonia, including cooperation with the IT Cluster, Estonian Employers’ Confederation, and Estonian HR Association. Her main role is to make sure that the insights of DITEC will be applyed in the courses provided by IT College.

Prof. Demetris Vrontis, Ph.D., is the Vice Rector for Faculty and Research and Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. He is the Founding Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the EuroMed Journal of Business and serves in senior editorial roles across multiple international journals. As President of the EuroMed Academy of Business and Managing Director of Gnosis Mediterranean Institute for Management Science, he leads major academic and research initiatives in management and innovation. Prof. Vrontis has published extensively, authoring over 500 peer-reviewed articles, 70 books, and 90 book chapters, making significant global contributions to strategic management and marketing.

Prof. Alkis Thrassou, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Nicosia and Director of the Gnosis Mediterranean Institute for Management Science. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds (UK), he serves as Chief Editor of Palgrave Intersections of Business and the Sciences and Managing Editor of Palgrave Studies in Cross-disciplinary Business Research. His academic work has earned thousands of citations and international recognition, ranking him among the top scholars globally in marketing and business research. A Chartered Marketer and Management Consultant, Prof. Thrassou combines academic excellence with extensive experience in strategic management, innovation, and applied business practice.

Dr. Stelios Stylianou holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Cyprus and extensive experience in managing European research and development projects. Before joining the University of Nicosia, he served as Director of the Tenders Department at RTD Talos for 15 years, coordinating numerous EU and local initiatives for SMEs and NGOs. Currently, he is Head of Funded Research Administration at the Gnosis Mediterranean Institute for Management Science, overseeing the implementation of national and European research projects. Passionate about social impact, he actively participates in NGOs and community initiatives promoting civic engagement and sustainable development.

Styliani Papadopoulou is an Associate Researcher at the Gnosis Mediterranean Institute for Management Science, University of Nicosia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and contributes to the planning and coordination of diverse research initiatives. Her work supports interdisciplinary projects, fostering collaboration across academic and professional domains. As an emerging researcher, she is developing expertise in project management, research methodology, and innovation practices. Styliani brings a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and dedication to advancing impactful research within the university’s expanding portfolio of European and international collaboration projects.

Annita Charalambous is a Project Manager at the Gnosis Mediterranean Institute for Management Science, University of Nicosia, specializing in the development and administration of EU-funded projects. She previously worked in senior roles at CARDET and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), including the Economic and Social Research Council. Annita holds a BSc in Psychology from Panteion University and an MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology from the London School of Economics. She has extensive experience in research policy, grant design, and strategic project implementation across academic, public, and nonprofit sectors, supporting the alignment of innovation with societal priorities.

Thomas Hollstein received his PhD (HW/SW-Codesign) from TU Darmstadt in 2000. Currently he is a full professor at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and an adjunct professor at TalTech. Research interests: Dependable Embedded Systems Design, System-on-Chip (SoC) Design, Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and self-learning artificial intelligence .  He is vice-spokesman of the AAL research center “Future Aging” in Frankfurt. Thomas Hollstein is IEEE senior member, has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers and is PC member of several international conferences and workshops.

Dominic Gibietz is a PhD candidate and research assistant in the field of applied computer science at the research center “FUTURE AGING” of the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on developing a self-learning model based on machine learning for anomaly detection in ambient assisted living (AAL) environments.

Heiko Hinkelmann is professor for digital systems design at the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences since 2016. He is member of the interdisciplinary Research Center FUTURE AGING and working on research projects on smart and assistive technologies, including smart living systems and applications, assistive robots and self-learning AI. He is also head of the bachelor’s degree program Computer Science – Smart Systems.

Eicke Godehardt is a professor of computer science at Frankfurt UAS) since 2014, having previously held the same position at Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) since 2012. Before academia, he conducted research at Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics and SAP Research in Darmstadt. Currently serving as the head of computer science and the interdisciplinary master’s program Inclusive Design – Intelligent Systems. Eicke Godehardt is actively involved in numerous German and European research projects and contributes with over 50 scientific publications.

George Georgiou, the Director of ECECT, is a mechatronics engineer and PhD (Cand) Computer Science, with more than 25 years’ experience in the fields of sensors, wireless sensor networks, automation, automated image processing, mapping and visualizing data, machine design, and retrofitting of existing equipment. He has also worked on projects related to IoT, data analytics, smart agriculture, smart cities, and Cloud applications. He has a passion for using computing and Internet-related Technologies as a tool to solve problems that need an innovative approach and solution.

Foteini Georgiou holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and an MSc in Robotics. She has experience in computer programming, 3D design and simulation, embedded systems, electronics, and drones. At ECECT, she applies her expertise in research and educational projects focused on digital skills, robotics and sustainability. She also delivers training in STEM for children, and digital skills, robotics, and AI for adults. Foteini is a volunteer judge many Robotics competitions in Cyprus such as Robotex, FLL, WRO), is a member of the IET Young Professionals committee, and a National Coordinator for the European Robotics Week.

Maria Kyprianou holds a BSc in Business and Public Administration from UCY, specializing in management, and a Master’s in Green and Digital Management from UoL. She also earned a certificate in Social Media and Entrepreneurship, highlighting her skills in digital marketing, online communication, and integrating digital tools in business contexts. During her studies, Maria actively participated in the FRTUCY Formula Racing Team, developing her mechanical engineering mindset, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Her expertise in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration supports the project’s goal of enhancing employability, engagement, and innovation in IT education across the EU.

Helmut has been working in IT for 35 years. His areas of expertise are data protection, information security, home automation, and robotics. He co-founded BDG GmbH and managed the company as its CEO for 15 years. BDG offered IT solutions, managed security services, and consulting in the areas of security, system architectures, and GRC. For several years, he accompanied the development of a smart home testing standard for the German VDE testing institute. In 2017, he founded PureSec GmbH, which combines the world of IT security with the increasingly important topics of home automation, AAL, digital assistance, and robotics.

Thomas, who holds a degree in industrial engineering, has more than 24 years of international experience in the electrical engineering industry and in the field of traditional and renewable energy generation. He gained his professional experience in various technology companies, including in the areas of management, strategic development, logistics and dismantling project management, marketing, and sales. In 2005, he founded tks solutions gmbh, which offers partners in developing countries services related to the procurement, logistics, and installation of used power plant equipment. With his technical knowledge and sales experience, he complements the PureSec team in the areas of product development, marketing, and sales.

Eneken Titov, PhD is a Member of the Management Board of AS Mainor, a Member of the Council of the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (Eesti Ettevõtluskõrgkool Mainor), and a Professor of Management. She holds a PhD in social sciences, and her field of expertise includes both research and practical experience in organizational and team leadership. Eneken is a recognized lecturer and trainer on topics such as human-centered leadership, teamwork, change management, and organizational development. She also has practical management experience as a leader of both organizations and several (including international) teams.