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
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.