The People Behind
EPBS Research
EPBS Research brings together academics, researchers, project leaders, digital learning specialists and implementation experts working across European research, innovation and professional education. Our mission is simple: to turn research into practical learning, useful tools and collaborative projects that help professionals and organisations respond to complex challenges.
Our Mission
To connect research, education and implementation so that ideas do not stay on paper. We turn research insight into learning experiences, project outputs, digital tools and professional capabilities that can be used in real organisational contexts.
Our Vision
To build a European research and learning community where universities, industry, public institutions, experts and learners work together to support responsible innovation, digital transformation, sustainability and social impact.
What Brings Us Together
EPBS Research is built around a shared belief: research should create value beyond publication. It should inform learning, strengthen collaboration and help people act with better evidence, better tools and better judgment.
Research with purpose
We focus on research that can move into practice, policy, education and organisational change.
Learning by design
We translate knowledge into curricula, digital learning pathways, micro-credentials and applied learning experiences.
European collaboration
We work across countries, sectors and institutions to build stronger research and innovation ecosystems.
Practical implementation
We support projects from concept and proposal development through coordination, delivery, dissemination and exploitation.
Human impact
We believe research matters most when it helps people learn, adapt and contribute to better systems.
Meet the Team Behind EPBS Research
Our strength lies in a multidisciplinary team combining research leadership, European project development, digital learning design, implementation expertise, governance, operations and specialist domain knowledge.
Together, the team helps move ideas from research proposals and European projects into learning experiences, tools, partnerships and practical outputs.
Giorgos Demetriou
Associate Dean of Research and
Innovation
Innovation
Sophia Alexaki
Assistant Professor in Smart Health and
Social Innovation
Social Innovation
Chantel Charde Haskins
Office Governance and Operations
Officer
Officer
Hernan Ruiz Ocampo
Principal Research Development and
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
Vlatka Katusic
Senior Research Development and
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
Antri Constantinou
Senior Research Development and
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
Panayiota Karanicola
Research Development and Implementation
Expert
Expert
Panagiota Savva
Research and Digital Learning
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
Sofia Hamika
Research and Digital Learning
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
Chrysostomos Dimitriou
Research and Digital Learning
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
Elena Altani
Research and Digital Learning
Implementation Expert
Implementation Expert
How We Work
EPBS Research works across the full research-to-impact journey: identifying real challenges, building partnerships, designing projects, developing learning outputs and supporting implementation.
Listen to real challenges
We work with partners, institutions and professional communities to understand the problems that matter.
Build research-backed insight
We connect academic expertise, project evidence, policy context and practitioner knowledge.
Design learning and project outputs
We translate insight into curricula, digital tools, resources, frameworks, workshops and applied learning experiences.
Implement with partners
We coordinate across teams, countries and institutions to turn ideas into funded projects and usable outputs.
Share what works
We communicate results, support adoption and build communities around research-informed practice.
GIORGOS DEMETRIOU
Associate Dean of Research and Innovation
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Giorgos Demetriou is a senior executive with over two decades of experience in European defence, security policy, research, and innovation. He has held leadership roles at the European Defence Agency, ENISA, and the European Parliament, where he co-led the EU’s Strategic Research Agenda and drove key initiatives on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies. As Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at École des Ponts Business School, he leads the school’s research strategy, oversees major EU-funded projects, and fosters international and industry partnerships. Giorgos holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, and an Executive Master’s in International Politics. He has managed over €40 million in EU research funding, published widely, and supports Cyprus’s preparation for the 2026 EU Presidency.
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Nationality - Cypriot
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Languages - English, Greek
ANTRI CONSTANTINOU
Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert
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Antri Constantinou is a senior research and project manager with over 13 years of international experience in sustainability, circular economy, and green innovation. She has held key roles at PwC Cyprus, the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation, and in the UK at the London Waste and Recycling Board (Advance London) and the London Fire Brigade, where she led major initiatives on sustainability strategies, circular business models, and green transition pathways. As Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert at EPBS, she drives the development of competitive EU research proposals, oversees the implementation of funded projects, and contributes to research-informed teaching in sustainability, digitalisation, and entrepreneurship. Antri holds an MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technologies from the University of York and has co-authored several scientific publications in sustainability, circularity, and green innovation.
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Nationality - Cypriot
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Languages - English, Greek
HERNAN RUIZ OCAMPO
Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert
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Hernan Ruiz Ocampo is a senior researcher and project manager with expertise in circular economy, sustainable water management, and EU-funded project implementation. He has coordinated large-scale European projects focused on business modelling, curricula design, course development, dissemination, and research exploitation. Hernan holds a PhD in Process and Bioprocess Engineering, two MSc degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering and in City and Urban Environments, and an MBA in Innovation Management. He is also pursuing an Executive DBA. He has authored peer-reviewed publications on water treatment, big data applications, and the circular economy, and regularly presents at international conferences. At EPBS, Hernan serves as a Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert, where he coordinates EU-funded projects, leads research proposals, and develops applied research outputs connecting sustainability, innovation, circular economy, and digital transformation.
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Nationality - Bolivian
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Languages - English, Spanish, French
Vlatka KATUSIC
Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert
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Vlatka Katusic is a senior researcher, project manager, and Climate Pact Ambassador with expertise in environmental law, circular economy, sustainability, communication, and EU-funded project implementation. She has led dissemination, exploitation, and research activities at École des Ponts Business School. Vlatka holds an MSc in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, an MBA in Innovation Management, and is currently pursuing an Executive DBA at EPBS. She has co-authored scientific publications on circular economy, big data applications, and sustainable business models, and frequently presents at international conferences. At EPBS, Vlatka serves as a Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert, responsible for coordinating EU-funded projects, contributing to competitive research proposals, and integrating circular economy insights into teaching, dissemination, and applied research outputs.
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Nationality - Bolivian/Croatian
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Languages - English, Spanish, French, Croatian
panagiota savva
Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert
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Panagiota Savva is a digital learning and quality assurance specialist with extensive experience in managing educational platforms, course validation, and digital operations. She previously served as Digital Operations & Quality Assurance Manager at the Circular Economy Alliance, where she oversaw digital platforms and quality processes, and as a Quality Assurance Officer at Unicaf, focusing on academic standards, learner support, and institutional compliance. Panagiota holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism and a Bachelor’s degree in Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature. At EPBS, Panagiota serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert, specialising in digital education infrastructure, platform management, and quality assurance. She designs and implements micro-credential curricula, develops online and hybrid courses, and ensures compliance with data protection and quality assurance standards across EPBS’s research and educational activities.
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Nationality - Cypriot
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Languages - English, Greek
sofia hamika
Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert
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Sofia Hamika is a digital operations and communications professional with expertise in platform management, quality assurance, and digital content production. She has worked with the Circular Economy Alliance, overseeing digital platforms, online learning systems, and communication campaigns, and has gained experience in the business development sector. Sofia holds a BA (Hons) in Media, Culture and Production from Southampton Solent University. At EPBS, Sofia serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert. She supports the design and rollout of research-based micro-credentials and online learning tools, ensures GDPR and quality compliance, and contributes to enhancing the visibility and dissemination of EPBS’s research outputs.
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Nationality - Latvian
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Languages - English, Russian, Latvian
chrysostomos dimitriou
Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert
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Chrysostomos Dimitriou is an IT and digital learning specialist with expertise in information systems, business development, and research support. He has held positions at the University of Nicosia, providing IT support for enterprise digital platforms, and at the Circular Economy Alliance as a Business Developer and Information Systems Officer, contributing to EU-funded project administration, digital infrastructure, and dissemination activities. He holds advanced certifications in circular economy practices and is completing a BSc in Management Information Systems. At EPBS, Chrysostomos serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert. He supports the integration and maintenance of learning platforms, contributes to the development of micro-credential curricula, ensures GDPR-compliant digital processes, and assists in the dissemination and commercialisation of research outputs.
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Nationality - Cypriot
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Languages - English, Greek
PANAYIOTA karanicola
Research Development and Implementation Expert
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Panayiota Karanicola is a chemical engineer and researcher specialising in food-waste valorisation, bioprocess development, and sustainable resource management. She holds an MEng in Chemical Engineering and is completing her PhD on waste-based biorefineries for the production of high-value bioproducts. At EPBS, Panayiota serves as a Research Development and Implementation Expert, contributing to the implementation of EU-funded projects and the development of research outputs in the fields of sustainability and circular economy.
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Nationality - Cypriot
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Languages - English, Greek
Sofia alexaki
Assistant Professor in Smart Health and Social Innovation
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Sofia is a clinician and endocrinologist with international clinical and research experience across Belgium, France, the UK, Greece, and Cyprus. She works at the intersection of medicine, digital health, and social innovation, focusing on how emerging technologies—including Virtual Human Twins, AI, and Smart Health solutions—can enhance patient care and advance inclusion for people with disabilities. She serves as Assistant Professor in Smart Health and Social Innovation and Coordinator of the Smart Health and Social Innovation Lab, where her research centres on data-driven circular economies, the Internet of Medical Things, and digital transformation in healthcare.
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Nationality - Greek
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Languages - English, Greek
Office Governance & Operations Officer
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Chantel Charde Haskins is the Office Governance & Operations Officer at EPBS Research, where she provides executive, operational, and governance support to the Associate Dean of Research and Innovation. She plays a key role in coordinating office operations, internal processes, and strategic initiatives that support the school’s research activities. With over nine years of experience in office management, operations, compliance, and executive support, Chantel has worked in investment and corporate environments supporting senior leadership. Her background includes managing complex workflows, handling confidential HR, legal, and financial documentation, and contributing to operational governance. She has experience in onboarding and contract coordination, process optimisation, stakeholder liaison, and reporting. Chantel is known for her structured, detail-oriented approach and strong organisational skills, enabling her to align daily operations with strategic and institutional objectives in complex, cross-functional environments.
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Nationality - South African
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Languages - English, Afrikaans
Elena altani
Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert
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Elena Altani is a digital learning professional with strong experience in international, multicultural environments, specializing in digital education. At EPBS, she serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert, focusing on Learning Management Systems, online course development, and the delivery of high-quality digital learning experiences. She coordinates interactions between educators, learners, and stakeholders, ensures the smooth execution of online programs, and develops and manages courses on digital platforms. Alongside her role, Elena is an experienced online language instructor, designing structured learning materials and supporting diverse global audiences. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Economy from the University of Essex and a Bachelor’s degree in International and European Studies from the University of Piraeus. With strong multilingual communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in digital collaboration tools, Elena excels in environments that demand organization, reliability, and clear communication, combining academic insight with hands-on expertise.
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Nationality - Greek
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Languages - English, Greek
3D-Circular
3D-CIRCULAR is a pan‑European initiative dedicated to powering the EU’s twin green and digital transition by closing the skills gap. Through an ambitious alliance of industry and research partners, the project is designing next‑generation master’s and doctoral programmes, as well as certification pathways that blend deep‑tech innovation with circular‑economy principles. This new educational ecosystem will reskill and upskill young talents and seasoned professionals alike, ensuring Europe’s workforce can drive sustainable growth and lead the digitally native circular economy of tomorrow.
Role of EPBS:
EPBS acts as both an academic and operational hub — bridging digital learning innovation, risk governance, and capacity building across the consortium.
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