Dr Charalambos Anastassiou completed a Marie Curie Post-Doctoral Fellowship (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015) “CAP-CANCER” under the supervision of Prof. George E. Georghiou. He has extensive industrial and academic experience in the development of surgical instrumentation that obtained FDA clearance and CE marking as medical devices that were used in the treatment of various conditions including cancer. He obtained a dual degree in Physics and Electrical Engineering with highest distinction and honours from the University of Iowa, and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University. He received multiple awards during his university studies and after obtaining his PhD, he joined OmniGuide (OG), a medical device start-up spun from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is the inventor of seven USA patents and has submitted another 12 USA patent applications. His 2008 journal article won the award for outstanding instrumentation research paper by Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology Journal for the year.

Dr Vasileios Vavourakis is an Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus, an Honorary Senior Lecturer at University College London, and Technical Chair of the BioDynaMo Consortium (https://www.biodynamo.org). The expertise of Vasileios and his team – the In Silico Modelling group (https://in-silico-modelling.ucy.ac.cy) – is in computational mechanics, numerical methods, mathematical modelling and high-performance computing. He is a member of the European Society of Biomechanics, the International Association of Computational Mechanics, the Virtual Physiological Human Institute, and the Marie-Curie Alumni Association. He has co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals and book chapters, he is a reviewer in several prominent journals in modelling and biomechanics, and has examined grants in UK’s EPSRC and NC3Rs, the Irish Research Council, Belgium’s FWO and Netherland’s STW. Dr Vavourakis has been a Marie Curie Fellow (2015-2017), as well as taken leading role in the in silico modelling in two FP7 and one EPSRC project. Currently, he is a team member of an H2020-HPC and two COST Action projects, and he leads an EIC Pathfinder and a Cyprus Cancer Research Institute project.

Dr. Zacharias Nikolaou completed his undergraduate (BA, MEng) studies at Cambridge University under a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholarship. He finished his PhD studies also at Cambridge in Aeronautical Engineering. He has worked in industry for Schlumberger Gould Research, and in academia as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde. He recently finished his Marie-Curie fellowship at the CORIA laboratory of INSA Rouen in France under the supervision of Prof. L. Vervisch. His expertise is in high-order computational fluid dynamic simulations of turbulent and reacting flows, chemical kinetics reduction, high-performance computing, and machine-learning.

Google scholar: https://scholar.google.no/citations?user=9v5w7ZwAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. George Vafakos is a Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineer specializing in atmospheric plasmas and fluid flow modelling. He graduated from University of Patras (Greece), where he also completed his MSc and PhD studies. He was also trained in the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI) in re-entry high temperature flows. Currently, he is a Research Associate at the University of Cyprus and a member of the In Silico Modelling Group. His research interests include computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, magnetohydrodynamics and plasma chemistry modelling.

Alexandros Iosif is a PhD researcher at the University of Cyprus, specializing in computational modeling of tumor behavior and the effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) on cancer metabolism and DNA repair mechanisms. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cyprus and an MSc in Simulation Sciences from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. His expertise focused on numerical modeling, HPC computational methods, sparse matrix solvers, model-based estimation techniques, and machine learning. Alexandros replicated experimental tumor data with BioDynaMo (Agent-Based Modelling), featured in a publication. For his MSc, he modeled Fontan patients’ cardiovascular biomechanics, comparing rest and exercise hemodynamics.Currently, his research explores the integration of advanced simulation techniques to investigate the biological impact of CAP on tumors, contributing to a deeper understanding of plasma-based cancer  therapies.

Dr. Karvelas is a researcher specializing in applied mathematics and fluid mechanics, holding a PhD in the field, along with an MSc in Energy and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering. He has served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Thessaly, University of West Attica, and Nazarbayev University, gaining expertise across diverse academic environments. His research spans computational modeling, transport phenomena, FEM-based simulations, and numerical methods for partial differential equations. He has published 23 journal articles (h-index: 13, Web of Science) and presented at multiple international conferences. Additionally, he has served as a guest editor and reviewer for several scientific journals. Currently, Dr. Karvelas is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cyprus under the MSCA Onisilos program, contributing to the IgnitePlasma project. His long-term vision is to lead a research group focused on computational simulations for cancer treatment, foster industry collaborations, and pursue tenure-track academic positions.

Dr. Laura Fouassier is a permanent Inserm researcher at NABI (Nanomedicine, Extracellular Biology, Integratome, and Health Innovations), a laboratory established on January 1, 2025, by Université Paris Cité, CNRS, and INSERM, which aims to develop next-generation therapeutic approaches and make them accessible to the greatest number of patients. She joined this laboratory in July 2025, where she is deputy director of NABI and leads a research team. After completing a science thesis at Sorbonne University, she did a post-doc in the USA for two and a half years, before being recruited to Inserm at the CRSA (Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine). She leads a research group, including 2 post-doctoral fellows, on biliary pathophysiology, in particular the tumor microenvironment and innovative physics-based treatments (including atmospheric cold plasma and nano-hyperthermia). She has co-authored over 64 peer-reviewed articles (PubMed) in journals and book chapters. Dr. Fouassier is a member of several international associations and networks, including the French association ACABI, the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENS-CCA), and of two E-COST action (Precision medicine in biliary tract cancer and Therapeutical applications of Cold Plasmas). She teaches university courses, she is also actively involved in evaluating doctoral theses for several French and European universities, in the mentoring program launched by Sorbonne Université, and in peer review for various scientific journals.

For more information on my research activities, please visit her website:

https://nabi.u-paris-sciences.fr/people/

and

https://laurafouassier14.wixsite.com/fouassierlab

Thierry Dufour (TD) is Associate Professor at Sorbonne Université and currently heads research activities at the Laboratory of Plasma Physics (LPP, UMR 7648 – SU, CNRS, École Polytechnique). His current research focuses on cold plasma applied to life sciences, addressing cancerology (treatment of cholangiocarcinomas and non-small cell lung carcinomas), clinical engineering (cold plasma endoscopy), agriculture (seed decontamination, dormancy release, stimulation of seedling growth) and evolutionary biology (tardigrades, halites and diatomes). In parallel, he leads fundamental studies in plasma physics (guided streamers, self organization). As of 2024, TD has authored 45 peer-reviewed articles and 12 conference proceedings, holds 6 patents, and has contributed to over 100 conference presentations. H-index : 21 (Google Scholar). TD is actively involved in several academic and professional committees. He is a member of the LPP Council, the Plas@Par Steering Committee, and co-heads the “Initiative Physique des Infinis” research program at Sorbonne Université. His affiliations include the GDR Happybio under CNRS (#2025), as well as the PLASTHER and PLAGRI COST Actions. Additionally, he is a co-founder and former CEO of Auxoway S.A.S.

More info: https://www.lpp.polytechnique.fr/-Thierry-Dufour-

I’m a young postdoctoral researcher in cancer biology recruited by Dr. Laura Fouassier on the EIC IgnitePLASMA project for 4 years. My job will be to carry out the project’s biological experiments in cell cultures and mouse models at Sorbonne University in collaboration with Dr. Thierry Dufour. I previously worked on cell biology of liver cancer, especially on the implication of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. I’m highly interested in translational research in order to improve patients’ treatment care.

Emérick Maurian BIAFFEU NEMATCHOUA is currently PhD student at the Laboratory of Plasma Physics, where he is conducting his research under the guidance of Dr. Thierry DUFOUR and Dr. Laura FOUASSIER. His doctoral researchfocuses on understanding the penetration mechanism of cold plasma through biological tissues in a context of biliary and pancreatic cancers. His experimental works are achieved on various models (physical, calibrated liquids, artificial skins, ex vivo murine and human tissues) in order to better decipher which cold plasma components are responsible for the evidenced therapeutic effects. Previously, he obtained a Master’s degree in Physics and Technologies of Cold Plasmas from the University of Lorraine, where his research centered on the sputtering of a tungsten radiofrequency electrode in an argon plasma. Passionate about plasma physics, he is particularly interested in the diversity and wide-ranging applications of this field in various aspects of daily life.

Strong background in biomolecular and biochemical sciences, supported by professionally oriented training, including a two-year degree in Biotechnology from Lycée Galilée, Gennevilliers, and a Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Bio-industry and Biotechnology from Paris-Saclay University. Recruited as an Assistant Engineer within the Ignite Plasma project, providing technical support to Laura Fouassier’s team.

Dr Panagiotis Svarnas holds a Full Professor post at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Patras (Greece), where he leads the Plasma Technology Group. He is also consultant of national and international companies. His specialty refers to high voltage engineering, electrical discharges, and cold plasma physics and technology. He has been trained in the University of Patras (BSc, MSc, and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering), in the University of Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (France; PhD in Plasma Physics with the highest honor), in Ecole Polytechnique-France (2-year Research Associate), in the National Center of Scientific Research (CNRS/Alcatel) of France (1-year Research Associate), in the University of Liverpool, UK (2-year Research Associate) and in the University of Princeton, USA (1-year sabbatical visitor Professor). Furthermore, he holds a BSc degree in Mathematics & Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (UK). He has published more than 200 articles in international journals and conferences, he holds 4 patents, he has supervised more than 50 MSc and PhD theses, and he has participated in numerous national and international projects. Prof Svarnas has been recognized by the Greek Ministry of National Defense for his scientific excellence in foreign research institutes. He has been elevated to Senior Member of IEEE and he is member of the Greek Technical Chamber (TEE).

Georgios S. Dimitrakakis was born in Athens, Greece, on April 1974. He received the B.Sc. degree in physics in 1997 and his PhD in electrical engineering, in 2009, both from the University of Patras, Patra, Greece. He received the electrical engineering degree from the Technological – Educational Institute of Western Greece, Patra, Greece in 2022. He has participated in several research projects on the subjects of power electronics, geophysics and seismic wave recording instrumentation and has served as a teacher in academia since 1998, both in Greece and abroad (UAE). He has been a co-author of seven (7) international, peer reviewed scientific journal papers and fifteen (15) international scientific conference papers. His research interests include modeling and analysis of power losses in power electronic converters, design of high-frequency magnetic components for power electronic applications, experimental evaluation of power losses at high frequencies, resonant converters, design of high-voltage circuits, voltage quality in micro-grids and analogue electronics closed loop control for seismic sensors.

Konstantinos Giotis is an Electrical and Computer Engineer specializing in the energy sector. He holds an Integrated Master’s diploma from the University of Patras (Greece) and is currently a joint PhD candidate at the Process and Material Sciences Laboratory of Sorbonne Paris North University (France) and the High Voltage Laboratory of the University of Patras (Greece). His research focuses on (i) physics and technology of atmospheric-pressure cold plasmas, (ii) plasma diagnostics, and (iii) high-voltage and power electronics.

I am an Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate student at the University of Patras, currently conducting my MSc thesis on cold atmospheric pressure plasma. As part of the IgnitePLASMA project, my work focuses on designing the mechanical components of the platform, implementing control systems, and performing plasma characterization and measurement techniques, including optical emission spectroscopy (OES).

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Patras pursuing an integrated MSc degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I am currently conducting my master’s thesis on cold atmospheric pressure plasma. Alongside my studies, I have been recruited to contribute to the IgnitePLASMA project for one year. My work will primarily focus on the design and development of the plasma reactor, the implementation of control systems, and the characterization of the plasma source.

George is a technology guru with deep product development experience from idea to commercial product. His vision remains at the core of Synnous offering: to ensure that clients are able to use technology effectively and profitably to build stronger relationships with customers.

Ioanna leads the Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication efforts for the Ignite Plasma project. She manages grant compliance and reporting with the relevant grant authorities, oversees brand development and digital presence strategy, and ensures effective stakeholder communication across international teams. With a degree in Economics and training in Agile project management, intellectual property for deep-tech businesses, and talent management for growth through the EIC, Ioanna builds on Synnous’ expertise in digital product development and implementation in healthcare and medical technologies. She helps in bridging technical innovation with market readiness, bringing experience from private health sector environments to translate breakthrough research into solutions that create meaningful impact for patients and healthcare organizations.

Dr Demetris Papamichael is the Director of Medical Oncology at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, a post he has held since 1999. He is an Associate Professor at St. George’s Hospital/Medical School, University of London at the University of Nicosia Campus. He obtained his medical degree from Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Imperial College, London in 1987. Dr Papamichael trained in internal medicine and obtained his Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in 1991. His subsequent training in Medical Oncology was completed at the Royal Marsden and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals in London. Dr Papamichael is an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Merit Award winner. He is an active researcher and has been an investigator in clinical trials coordinated by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the United Kingdom Medical Research Council/National Cancer Research Institute. Dr Papamichael’s main clinical and research interests include lower GI cancer, and cancer in the elderly. He has published his work in peer-reviewed international journals. He is a member of ASCO, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG). He is a member of an ESMO/SIOG Cancer in the Elderly Working Group and participates in the EORTC CRC Task Force. He is actively involved in the organisation of teaching courses run by the European School of Oncology (ESO) and is a member of the Scientific Committee of the School.

Dr Georgios Tsironis is a Medical Consultant at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre since 2021. His clinical practice and ongoing research interests focus on gastrointestinal and gynaecological malignancies. GT has a long-documented history of treating oncology patients at all stages of the disease, as well as experience in the use of newer and innovative treatments, as he has participated as a sub-investigator in dozens of international phase II, III and IV clinical studies. GT has a significant number of scientific publications in medical journals, and he is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

Dr Christiana Matthaiou is a Medical Consultant at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Cyprus since 2021. She has site specialized interest in gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies. She is a member of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). CM has a significant number of scientific publications in medical journals and has participated in many local and international conferences and courses.

Dr Elisavet Papageorgiou is the Head of Clinical Trials Unit (BSc, MSc, PhD in Human Genetics) at BOCOC since 2024. She was employed back in 2018 as the Clinical Trials Coordinator and has since been responsible to oversee all research activities at the centre including translational research and Clinical Trials. She has considerable experience in overseeing and directing research activities related to the introduction of novel approaches using cutting edge technologies and methodologies. She has received awards recognizing her excellence in research, actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals including Nature Medicine, and has received conference invitations as a guest speaker and invited reviews from journals. In addition to her research credentials, EP brings IP management and business experience. She is Co-inventor and Co-founder of NIPD Genetics Ltd, a company offering services worldwide for Non-invasive Prenatal Testing.

Marie Lequoy is hepatologist and oncologist at Saint Antoine Hospital. She is mainly responsible for the management of primary liver and biliary tract cancers from diagnosis to treatment in the hepatology department.

She is responsible for clinical research on liver and biliary tract tumors and many innovative institutional and  industrial trials are offered to patients.

She is required to supervise medical students from the second year to the end of the internship and has supervised medical theses.

She is part of the INSERM UMRS 938 team in which she did a master’s degree and is currently pursuing collaborative and transversal work on her favorite themes: hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancers.

She is also a member of the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF), a member of ACABI (French association for the study of cancer and disease of biliary tract) and a founding member and secretary of the Paris Liver Cancer Group (PLCG – Paris Liver Cancer Group)