Nikolaos Zygouris | ICT in Assessment of Learning Disabilities | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Zygouris | ICT in Assessment of Learning Disabilities | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at University of Thessaly, Greece

Nikolaos C. Zygouris is a distinguished academic in the field of clinical neuropsychology and digital cognitive assessment. With a solid foundation in psychology and specialized expertise in neuropsychological assessment for children and adolescents, Dr. Zygouris has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research that combines psychology, technology, and education. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Thessaly, he directs the Laboratory of Digital Neuropsychological Assessment. His work centers on the creation and validation of web-based cognitive screening tools, electrophysiological investigations, and innovative approaches for learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety among youth.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Zygouris began his academic journey with a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete. He pursued his doctoral studies in Clinical Neuropsychology at the Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, focusing on the intersection of neuropsychology and learning interventions. In addition to his formal academic education, he has undergone advanced training in repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) at the Temerty Center for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, and in Event Related Potentials (ERP) at EBneuro Academy, Firenze, Italy. These diverse educational experiences underpin his multidisciplinary approach to neuropsychological research and technological innovation in cognitive science.

Experience

Dr. Zygouris has held several influential academic and research positions. Early in his career, he served as a research associate in the Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University of Thessaly, where he contributed to cognitive development and brain function studies. He also served as the scientific head of the Special Therapies Center “Learning and Development,” where he led intervention programs for children with cognitive and learning impairments. Since 2019, he has held the role of Assistant Professor at the University of Thessaly, where he teaches and leads research on the application of informatics and new technologies in neuropsychological assessment. He is also the founder and director of the Laboratory of Digital Neuropsychological Assessment, where he oversees various innovative projects aimed at digitalizing and optimizing cognitive screening procedures.

Research Interest

Dr. Zygouris’s research interests lie at the confluence of neuropsychology, educational technology, and cognitive science. His primary scientific focus involves the use of electrophysiological techniques such as ERPs to evaluate brain activity and cognitive function in children and adolescents. He is particularly interested in the development and validation of web-based neuropsychological screeners for early detection and remediation of learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. He has also explored how robotics and educational games can enhance learning, executive functioning, and problem-solving skills among primary school students. His work frequently bridges the gap between theoretical neuropsychological models and practical, accessible interventions via digital tools.

Award

Throughout his career, Dr. Zygouris has been recognized for his contribution to scientific literature, innovation in education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has been invited to review for several prestigious journals, including Brain Sciences, Applied Neuropsychology: Child, IEEE Access, and Scientific Reports, reflecting the high regard in which his expertise is held within the academic community. His leadership in neuropsychological screening using digital platforms has placed him at the forefront of modern educational and clinical research in Greece and internationally.

Publication

Among his numerous scholarly outputs, seven notable publications illustrate the impact and diversity of Dr. Zygouris’s work:

“The Implementation of the Askisi-SD Neuropsychological Web-Based Screener: A Battery of Tasks for Screening Cognitive and Spelling Deficits of Children”, Education Sciences, 2025 – Cited by 4 articles.

“Validation of the Askisi-Lexia Neuropsychological Web-Based Screener: A Neuropsychological Battery for Screening Cognitive and Phonological Skills of Children with Dyslexia”, Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 2025 – Cited by 6 articles.

“Children’s Color Trails Test: Greek Normative Data and Clinical Validity in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder”, Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 2024 – Cited by 5 articles.

“Differences in Children and Adolescents with Depression Before and After a Remediation Program: An Event-Related Potential Study”, Brain Sciences, 2024 – Cited by 7 articles.

“The Effectiveness of a Reading and Cognitive Task-Based Web Delivered Intervention Program for Children with Reading Difficulties”, Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 2024 – Cited by 9 articles.

“Implementing a Web Application Screener for Preschoolers: Executive Functions and School Readiness”, International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, 2023 – Cited by 3 articles.

“Differences in Dyslexic Students Before and After a Remediation Program: A Clinical Neuropsychological and Event Related Potential Study”, Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 2018 – Cited by 15 articles.

Conclusion

Nikolaos C. Zygouris exemplifies the synthesis of rigorous psychological research with advanced technological methodologies. His career reflects a continuous commitment to understanding and supporting cognitive development through both scientific insight and practical digital applications. With over 100 contributions to journals, conferences, and books, he has influenced both academic and clinical practices in neuropsychology. His leadership in integrating informatics with neuropsychological assessments has paved the way for more efficient, scalable, and early detection interventions for children and adolescents facing cognitive and emotional challenges. As he continues to mentor students, conduct pioneering research, and innovate neuropsychological tools, Dr. Zygouris remains a key figure in the evolving field of digital clinical psychology.

Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Research Associate |University of the Aegean | Greece

Dr. Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica is a distinguished academic and researcher with over a decade of experience in education and technology-enhanced learning. Her career reflects a steadfast dedication to advancing innovative pedagogies, digital systems, and emerging technologies in education. As a researcher and tutor, she has contributed to numerous European and national projects, specializing in e-learning, immersive technologies, and digital transformation in education. With a rich portfolio of collaborative work and a strong academic foundation, she has established herself as a leader in her field, garnering accolades and recognition for her contributions to educational research and innovation.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Ilona holds a Ph.D. in Education Sciences from the European University Cyprus (2016–2022), achieved through a full scholarship, where she focused on pioneering advancements in educational technology. She also earned an MSc in Technology Education and Digital Systems with a specialization in e-Learning from the University of Piraeus, achieving an outstanding academic record (9.69/10). Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Systems, also at the University of Piraeus, where she laid the groundwork for her specialization in technology and education. Her education reflects a strong commitment to bridging the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering innovative practices in learning.

Professional Experience

With over 14 years of professional experience, Ilona has been at the forefront of European and national research initiatives. She has served as a tutor and research associate across institutions, including the University of the Aegean and the University of Piraeus. Her portfolio includes significant projects like “Metaverse Civic Education,” “Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy,” and “Pedagogical Alliance for XR Technologies in Education.” Her expertise extends to designing digital innovation hubs, cultural development policies, and sustainable education systems. Her roles have also included consulting, teaching, and leading interdisciplinary teams to implement cutting-edge educational strategies.

Research Interests

Ilona’s research interests encompass e-learning, immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and their applications in education and training. She is deeply invested in exploring the intersections of technology, pedagogy, and inclusivity. Her work emphasizes creating equitable learning environments and leveraging digital tools to enhance educational outcomes. She also explores themes such as teacher professional development, STEM education, and the integration of emerging technologies in diverse educational contexts.

Awards

Ilona’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the Emerging Scholar Award in e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies in 2023 and the Research Publication Award by the Laureate Network Office in 2016. Additionally, her academic pursuits were supported by competitive scholarships, including a Ph.D. scholarship from the European University of Cyprus (2016–2022) and an MSc scholarship from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) (2010–2012). These accolades underscore her contributions to the advancement of education and technology.

Publications

Ilona has contributed significantly to academic literature, with key publications addressing the role of emerging technologies in education.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Advances in Augmented and Mixed Reality in Education

    • Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

Augmented reality in lower secondary education: A teacher professional development program in Cyprus and Greece

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 27

Enlivened Laboratories within STEM Education (EL-STEM): A Case Study of Augmented Reality in Secondary Education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Mavrotheris, E., Dimopoulos, C., Tiniakos, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Empowering Teachers to Augment Students’ Reading Experience: The Living Book Project Approach

    • Authors: Mavrotheris, M.M., Charalambous, C., Mavrou, K., Stylianidou, N., Vasou, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Engineering attractiveness in the European educational environment: Can distance education approaches make a difference?

    • Authors: Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 12

Augmented reality in laboratory-based education: Could it change the way students decide about their future studies?

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 7

Research challenges in future laboratory-based STEM education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 7

Implementing a social networking educational system for teachers’ training

    • Authors: Pitsikalis, S., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 0

Learning out of the class: Creating e-courses for mobile devices

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Stavros, P.
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 3

Conclusion

Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of education and technology when combined. Her pioneering research, professional expertise, and dedication to innovation have significantly influenced the landscape of educational technology. With a commitment to fostering inclusive and future-ready learning environments, she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of educators and learners.