George Kosmadakis is a Mechanical Engineer and holds a Ph.D. on hydrogen combustion in engines. He has been working on sustainable energy solutions within various projects since 2007 with a special focus on waste heat recovery technologies, heat pumps and solar thermal applications. George is working at NCSR Demokritos since 2017 and he is the appointed project coordinator.

Theodoros Papingiotis is a Mechanical Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in solar thermal technologies. He has a research background in the experimental analysis of solar collectors as well as the computational modeling and thermodynamic analysis of energy systems, with a particular focus on concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors for solar cooling applications.

Erika Ntavou is a Mechanical Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in low temperature heat-to-power conversion systems combined with reverse osmosis desalination technology. She has also conducted post-Doc research on solar Organic Rankine Cycle systems for water desalination and zero brine discharge. Her research area of expertise lays on low temperature heat to power conversion systems (study, development, design, construction supervision and operation), study and design of autonomous energy systems on islands, desalination systems’ pumps (centrifugal, high pressure, positive displacement piston-diaphragm), brackish, seawater and wastewater treatment systems, reverse osmosis water treatment systems and zero brine water treatment systems.

Enrico Dal Cin is an Energy Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in optimisation methods applied to energy systems from the University of Padova, Italy, where he also worked as a postdoctoral researcher. He has extensive expertise in the application of Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and evolutionary algorithms for the design and operational optimisation of distributed energy systems integrating multiple energy vectors, commonly referred to as Multi-Energy Systems (MES). His work spans renewable-based energy conversion technologies, combined heat and power systems, energy storage, microgrids, and district heating networks. He has also contributed to the optimisation of supercritical CO₂ (sCO₂) power cycles for waste heat recovery applications. His current research focuses on integrating machine learning methods into energy system optimisation to enhance forecasting and planning capabilities.

Alexandra Pavlidi is a Chemical Engineer and a Ph.D. student at NTUA, where her research focuses on “Comparison of methods for green hydrogen capture, transport and release based on environmental, energy, and economic criteria.” She is working at NCSR “Demokritos” since 2024 and focuses on process design and modeling of hydrogen-fueled powertrains combined with waste heat recovery technologies for maritime and naval applications.

Tania Anagnostaki is a Mechanical Engineer and graduate of the National Technical University of Athens, specializing in energy systems. She has been working since 2026 as a Junior Research Associate at the EXCELLEND ERA Chair Project at NCSR “Demokritos”, where she focuses on the development of computational models and the application of machine learning methods for the design and optimisation of energy systems. Her academic background includes a diploma thesis on the modeling and experimental investigation of an Organic Rankine Cycle, during which she developed artificial neural network models to predict system performance. Her expertise centers on energy systems modeling, machine learning applications, and data-driven optimisation techniques.

George Meramveliotakis holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Energy Systems, focusing on the modeling of energy systems with heat pump configurations and the experimental evaluation of a prototype system. Since 2021, he has been involved in research at NCSR “Demokritos”, contributing to several EU and nationally funded projects. In parallel, he has gained experience in the refrigeration industry as an R&D Mechanical Engineer. His expertise includes the design, thermodynamic analysis, simulation, and experimental testing of heat pumps for residential and industrial applications, along with experience in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems and industrial automation.

Georgios Choustoulakis is a Junior Research Associate at NCSR Demokritos, contributing to the EXCELLEND ERA Chair project. He holds an M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Energy from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh).

His work focuses on the design and development of innovative Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems, with research interests centered on the computational modeling of electrolytic hydrogen production through WHR technologies and Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC).

Combining thermodynamic analysis with hands-on R&D experience from the Hellenic Military (KETAK) and the Aristotle Racing Team (ART), he is experienced in Python programming and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), contributing to the development of advanced and sustainable energy solutions through high-fidelity engineering design.

Nikolaos Maistralis is a Mechanical Engineer who graduated from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). His diploma thesis focused on the dynamic modeling and parametric analysis of a renewable trigeneration system using TRNSYS, integrating geothermal heat pumps and solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors. He has experience in the implementation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design, Energy Performance Certification (EPC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications. His interests include system integration and control strategies, with an emphasis on operational parameters, energy efficiency metrics and thermal behavior of buildings.

Emmanouil (Manolis) Mathioulakis is a Chemical Engineer and holds a Ph.D. on heat and mass transfer. He has been working at NCSR Demokritos in the Solar lab since 1995, with a particular interest on the experimental facilities, the design of test benches and the metrology of energy properties and measurement techniques. Manolis will support the work of the new members of the team regarding the experimental work and testing.

Katerina Tzortzatou is a Chemical Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and Industrial Simulation. She has previously served as innovation manager in several industries and has held a position as a researcher. Katerina currently works as Scientific Programme and Acceleration Officer in the Innovation Office of NCSRD providing fundraising services and project management support.

Sarantis Kotsilitis is an Information and Communication Systems Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in Energy Monitoring Technologies for Energy Efficiency and Device Health Assessment. He has extensive experience as a technical lead for European-funded projects (H2020) and private sector ICT projects. His core expertise focuses on Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) and machine learning applications for energy efficiency, industrial process optimization, and the development of intelligent monitoring and control frameworks.

Ino Tafa is a communications and outreach professional with extensive experience in institutional communication, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of research and innovation activities. She holds an MSc in Media and Communications from Brunel University London and has contributed to the communication and visibility of numerous European projects and research initiatives, helping bring their outcomes closer to broader audiences.

She currently serves as Senior Lead for Institutional Communications & Engagement at NCSR “Demokritos”, where she develops and implements communication and engagement activities that strengthen the institute’s visibility and outreach. Her work includes organising events that foster collaboration and communicating research outcomes in a clear and accessible manner. She has also contributed to communication activities surrounding innovation initiatives at Demokritos, including programs connected to the broader NATO DIANA ecosystem.

Maria Symirdani is a communications professional with a BA in Communication and an MA in International Relations, bringing a strong background in project communication and outreach within EU-funded initiatives.

She has experience supporting project teams in strategic communication and ensuring compliance with communication guidelines for European projects, helping research activities reach broader audiences while aligning with EU visibility standards.

Maria Christodoulidou is an Electrical Engineer and works at the Solar lab since 2008, being also in charge of the quality assurance and project management tasks. Maria will support the project management with a particular focus on the interaction with the NCSRD research office.

Asimina Karamitrou is a Chemical Engineer graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and is currently completing her MSc in Energy Production and Management at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Her diploma thesis, conducted at NCSR “Demokritos”, focuses on ammonia decomposition for maritime applications and waste heat estimation.

She has professional experience in the renewable energy sector, having worked on photovoltaic park projects and wind resource assessment studies, with involvement in renewable energy system evaluation, performance analysis, and regulatory compliance.

She is currently involved in research projects related to the development of decision-support models for infrastructure climate resilience and energy storage applications. Her research interests focus on sustainable energy systems, energy storage technologies, renewable energy applications, and the thermodynamic analysis and modeling of energy systems, alongside climate resilience and energy transition strategies.