Angelos Athanasiadis | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) | Greece

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis is a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in FPGA-based acceleration of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and heterogeneous computing systems. He holds an M.Eng. in Electronics and Computer Systems and an MBA with high distinction. His research focuses on energy-efficient FPGA architectures, full-precision CNN inference on reconfigurable hardware, drone-assisted monitoring systems, distributed embedded system emulation, and timing-accurate simulation of cyber-physical systems. Angelos has contributed to EU-funded research projects such as ADVISER and REDESIGN, and has gained industrial experience in embedded system development and R&D at Cadence Design Systems, EXAPSYS, and SEEMS PC. He developed a parameterizable high-level synthesis matrix multiplication library for AMD FPGAs and designed FUSION, an open-source framework integrating QEMU with OMNeT++ via HLA/CERTI for deterministic, sub-microsecond synchronized, multi-node emulation of heterogeneous computing systems. His work supports realistic prototyping of systems combining CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs in accuracy-critical domains such as aerial monitoring and autonomous embedded platforms. With a strong foundation in both academic research and industrial applications, Angelos advances the field of FPGA-based acceleration and distributed embedded computing, bridging innovation with practical deployment.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2025). An efficient open-source design and implementation framework for non-quantized CNNs on FPGAs. Integration, 102625.

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2025). Energy-efficient FPGA framework for non-quantized convolutional neural networks. arXiv preprint arXiv:2510.13362.

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2024). An open-source HLS fully parameterizable matrix multiplication library for AMD FPGAs. WiPiEC Journal – Works in Progress in Embedded Computing Journal, 10(2).

Katselas, L., Jiao, H., Athanasiadis, A., Papameletis, C., Hatzopoulos, A., … (2017). Embedded toggle generator to control the switching activity during test of digital 2D-SoCs and 3D-SICs. 2017 27th International Symposium on Power and Timing Modeling, Optimization and Simulation (PATMOS).

Katselas, L., Athanasiadis, A., Hatzopoulos, A., Jiao, H., Papameletis, C., … (2017). Embedded toggle generator to control the switching activity. 2017. (Conference details same as above; possible short version or extended abstract.)

Talita Ferreira | Data Regulation | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Talita Ferreira | Data Regulation | Best Researcher Award

University of Salamanca | Spain

Talita Ferreira is an experienced pharmacist and regulatory affairs specialist with over 20 years of expertise in the pharmaceutical industry, leading strategic projects across Latin America, the USA, and Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of São Paulo and is pursuing a PhD in Business Economy at Universidad de Salamanca, with a research focus on healthcare management, organizational strategies, decision-making processes, and knowledge management. Talita has served as CEO and founder of multiple companies, including Avanti Farmacêutica, Pharma Avanti, and Legis Consulting, providing regulatory, quality, and strategic support to pharmaceutical organizations. She has collaborated with global institutions such as the World Health Organization and the International Pharmaceutical Federation, supporting vaccine manufacturing expansion, regulatory compliance, and biowaiver alignment initiatives. Her professional experience spans regulatory submissions, due diligence, GMP inspections, and regulatory intelligence, contributing to product launches, portfolio expansion, and process improvements. Talita combines her industry expertise with academic experience as an assistant professor and facilitator of business simulation games in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Known for her effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, she is committed to fostering innovation, compliance, and sustainable growth within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

da Silva Ferreira, T., Pauletti, G. M., Fernandes, E. A. F., Campos, A. F., Aceituno, A., … (2024). “Knowledge-based: facilitating access to medicines in Latin America.”

de Oliveira, L. G., de Souza Marcelino, V., & da Silva Rangel, F. C. (2018). “Perception of chemicals graduates about the adoção of teaching methodologies in a virtual learning.

Ferreira, T. S. (2019). “Technical alignment of collaborators through the management of knowledge.” University of São Paulo.

Ferreira, T. S., Pauletti, G. M., & Vázquez-Suárez, L. (2025). “How the Stakeholders’ Perception Contributes to the Pharmaceutical Strategies: A Regional Case Study in Latin America.

Ferreira, T. S., Pauletti, G. M., Fernandes, E. A., Campos, A. F., Aceituno, A., … (2023). “Knowledge-Based: Strategic Access to Medicines in Latin America.

Edward Douthett | Qualitative Research | Excellence in Research

Dr. Edward Douthett | Qualitative Research | Excellence in Research

George Mason University | United States

Dr. Edward B. Douthett is an accomplished academic and accounting professional serving as an Associate Professor of Accounting at George Mason University’s School of Business. He holds a Ph.D. and M.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and a B.S. in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University. Before entering academia, Dr. Douthett gained extensive industry experience at Exxon Chemicals and Exxon Company USA, where he held key roles in financial reporting, analysis, auditing, and management. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia, his teaching expertise spans managerial and cost accounting, financial accounting, and performance evaluation across undergraduate, MBA, and EMBA programs. His academic contributions emphasize cost management, performance measurement, and international business environments. Dr. Douthett’s work bridges theory and practice, integrating real-world corporate insights into academic learning. He has been recognized for his excellence in teaching and leadership, particularly as the Northern Chapter Virginia Society CPA Professor of Public Accounting. Dedicated to fostering ethical decision-making and analytical skills among future accounting professionals, Dr. Douthett continues to inspire innovation in accounting education and practice.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Amoruso, A., Douthett, E., & Duchac, J. (2025). The effect of the legal environment on assurance services: evidence from international registrants in U.S. capital markets. Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting.

Copley, P., Douthett, E. B., & Zhang, S. (2021). Venture capitalists and assurance services on initial public offerings. Journal of Business Research.

Douthett, E. B., & Copley, P. (2020). The Enrollment Cliff, Mega-Universities, COVID-19, and the Changing Landscape of U.S. Colleges. CPA Journal.

Douthett, E. B. (2020). Do Auditors Protect Shareholders Against Financial Expropriation by Corporate Insiders? The Journal of American Academy of Business.

Douthett, E. B. (2020). Do auditors provide assurance beyond the financial statements? Evidence from the market for new issues. Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research.