SIPPRE

Assistant Professor @ECE UoP

Open Diploma Thesis Position: VR & Brain-Computer Interfaces with Meta Quest 3S

/ / Diploma Theses, Equipment

The SIPPRE Research Group is excited to announce an open position for a Diploma Thesis in the cutting-edge area of Virtual Reality (VR) and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI).

Using our newly acquired Meta Quest 3S headset, the selected student will develop an innovative VR application that interacts with brain (EEG) or muscle (EMG) signals. The specific direction (EEG or EMG) will be defined as the project evolves.

What we are looking for

  • No prior experience is required – motivation and willingness to learn are the most important assets.

  • Familiarity with Unity or game development is a plus, but not mandatory.

  • Strong commitment, creativity, and enthusiasm for research in VR, neuroscience, and human-computer interaction.

What you will gain

  • Hands-on experience with VR development and biosignal-based interfaces.

  • Training and support from the SIPPRE team in signal processing, machine learning, and interactive system design.

  • Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment (Meta Quest 3S, EEG/EMG systems).

  • A chance to contribute to emerging research in BCI and VR applications, opening pathways for publications and future research.

If you are curious, motivated, and ready to dive into the world where technology meets the human mind and body, this thesis is for you!

📩 Interested students should contact Assoc. Prof. Athanasios Koutras for further details.

Open Diploma Thesis Position: VR & Brain-Computer Interfaces with Meta Quest 3S Read More »

New Diploma Thesis Student Joins SIPPRE Group: Brain-Controlled Robotics Project Begins

/ / Thesis Presentations

We are pleased to welcome Panagiotis Leventogiannis, undergraduate student at the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, to the SIPPRE Research Group for his Diploma Thesis.

Panagiotis will embark on an exciting interdisciplinary project combining 3D printing, robotics, and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. His thesis involves constructing a robotic arm based on the open-source InMoov platform, which he will program to respond to brainwave signals captured through EEG. The aim is to explore real-time control of robotic systems using non-invasive neurotechnology—a cutting-edge challenge at the intersection of biomedical signal processing and human-machine interaction.

This project not only reflects SIPPRE Group’s continued focus on innovative applications of brain signal analysis, but also promotes hands-on experimentation with emerging technologies in cyber-physical systems.

We look forward to supporting Panagiotis on this ambitious journey and sharing the outcomes of his work with the broader research community.

New Diploma Thesis Student Joins SIPPRE Group: Brain-Controlled Robotics Project Begins Read More »

Presentation of Diploma Thesis by Zeta Kourgiala

/ / Thesis Presentations

We are pleased to share that the diploma thesis titled:

“Identification of Major Psychiatric Disorders Using Image Processing and Deep Learning Techniques”

was successfully presented on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, via the Microsoft Teams platform by our student Zeta Kourgiala.

Supervised by Assoc. Prof. Athanasios Koutras, this thesis explored a novel, non-invasive approach to psychiatric diagnosis by analyzing hand-drawn images created by individuals diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders. The data used in this study was kindly provided by Dr. Konstantinos Liolios, Psychiatrist. Ms. Kourgiala developed and evaluated multiple deep learning models, including CNN-based fusion architectures, to classify the drawings according to psychiatric categories. The work demonstrates the potential of combining clinical insight with advanced AI techniques to support mental health professionals in diagnostic assessment through visual data analysis.

The SIPPRE Group congratulates Zeta Kourgiala for her dedication and excellent presentation and looks forward to further research in this critical area of mental health and biomedical engineering.

Presentation of Diploma Thesis by Zeta Kourgiala Read More »

New Equipment Acquisition: Meta Quest 3S Headset for VR/AR Research

/ / Equipment, Lab News

The SIPPRE Research Group has recently acquired the Meta Quest 3S headset, a state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality device, to support ongoing and future research activities in immersive environments.

This new addition enables the development and evaluation of interactive experiments involving VR-based brain-computer interface (BCI) scenarios, augmented reality applications for signal visualization, and multi-sensory integration studies.

The device will also be used in the design of serious games and other interactive experiences developed in Unity, with a focus on biofeedback, emotional state monitoring, and cognitive load adaptation—bridging extended reality (XR) with real-time physiological signals such as EEG and EDA.

It will be available for use in student diploma theses and collaborative projects combining signal processing, human-centered computing, and immersive interaction.

Getting Involved

Students and researchers interested in utilizing the Meta Quest 3S for experimental or academic purposes are encouraged to contact the lab. Priority will be given to innovative proposals that integrate extended reality (XR) technologies with biosignal-driven interaction and adaptive system design.

Stay tuned for upcoming demos and project calls involving our new VR/AR and biofeedback setup!

New Equipment Acquisition: Meta Quest 3S Headset for VR/AR Research Read More »

Invited Lecture: Signal Processing in the Epilepsy Presurgical Workflow – May 30, 2025

/ / Courses, Lab News

The SIPPRE Group is proud to welcome Dr. Vasileios Kokkinos, Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern Medicine, for an invited lecture in the framework of the EUNICE course “Decoding Life Signals.”

📅 Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
🕓 Time: 16:00 Greece time (15:00 EET)
📍 Platform: Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register here

In this talk, Dr. Kokkinos will present the epilepsy presurgical evaluation workflow, focusing on the critical role of signal processing in identifying the epileptogenic zone. The lecture will highlight the intersection of neurophysiology, neuroimaging, and advanced analytics in guiding surgical interventions and improving outcomes for patients with epilepsy.

Invited Lecture: Signal Processing in the Epilepsy Presurgical Workflow – May 30, 2025 Read More »

Invited Lecture: EEG-Based BCI Systems in Frontier Research – May 22, 2025

/ / Courses, Lab News

As part of the EUNICE course “Decoding Life Signals: Innovations in Biomedical Signal Processing,” the SIPPRE Group is pleased to host Dr. Nyi Nyi Tun for an invited lecture on the future of EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems.

📅 Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025
🕓 Time: 16:00 Greece time (15:00 EET)
📍 Platform: Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register here

In this session, Dr. Tun will explore how modern EEG-based BCIs are enabling non-invasive therapies in neurorehabilitation and discuss the role of AI techniques in advancing classification accuracy and system performance. The talk will bridge fundamental signal processing concepts with cutting-edge BCI applications aimed at improving the lives of people in need.

Invited Lecture: EEG-Based BCI Systems in Frontier Research – May 22, 2025 Read More »

PlayStation Joins the SIPPRE Lab – Gaming Meets Research

/ / Equipment, Lab News

We’re excited to announce that the SIPPRE Lab has acquired a PlayStation console—transforming a popular gaming platform into a powerful research and teaching tool. Far beyond entertainment, the PlayStation will support interdisciplinary research, student projects, and diploma theses in fields such as signal processing, affective computing, and human–computer interaction.

Research & Educational Use

Our PlayStation setup will be used to explore:

  • BCI-controlled gameplay using EEG and EMG signals.

  • Emotion-adaptive games, where gameplay evolves based on real-time affective responses.

  • Multiplayer neural synchrony studies using EEG during cooperative or competitive gaming.

  • Psychoacoustic research and real-time analysis of sound environments in games.

  • Visual attention tracking using eye-tracking integrated with FPS/VR game mechanics.

  • Exergaming for rehabilitation and cognitive-motor training.

  • Neurophysiological immersion and flow assessment using HRV, GSR, and EEG.

  • Benchmarking biosignal hardware with structured, game-based protocols.

Getting Involved

  • Students: If you’re interested in conducting research using this setup, submit a 1–2 page proposal outlining your research question, methodology, and timeline.

  • Deadline: Proposals for the upcoming academic term are now being accepted. Priority will be given to innovative projects that explore human–computer interaction and emotional response in interactive environments.

For inquiries or to discuss potential projects, please contact Prof. Athanasios Koutras at koutras@uop.gr.

Let’s redefine gaming—as a gateway to next-generation research!

PlayStation Joins the SIPPRE Lab – Gaming Meets Research Read More »

Special Issue Call for Papers: Explainable AI in Medical Imaging

/ / Lab News

The SIPPRE Research Group is pleased to announce a Special Issue on “Explainable AI in Medical Imaging: Toward Transparent and Trustworthy Diagnostic Systems” in the journal Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417).

About the Special Issue

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers tremendous potential for improving medical imaging diagnostics. However, the “black box” nature of many AI models—particularly deep learning systems—presents significant challenges for clinical adoption. This Special Issue focuses on the rapidly evolving field of explainable AI (xAI), which aims to enhance transparency, interpretability, and trust in automated diagnostic systems.

Topics of Interest

We welcome submissions on various aspects of explainable AI in medical imaging, including but not limited to:

  • Novel methods and frameworks for interpretable AI in medical imaging
  • Theoretical foundations of explainable AI for medical applications
  • Algorithmic developments that enhance model transparency
  • Evaluation strategies for explainable medical imaging systems
  • Clinical validations of xAI techniques
  • Approaches balancing high performance with meaningful insights for clinicians

Guest Editors

  • Dr. Athanasios Koutras – University of the Peloponnese, Greece
  • Dr. Dermatas Evangelos – University of Patras, Greece
  • Dr. Ioanna Christoyianni – University of Patras, Greece
  • Dr. George Apostolopoulos – University of Patras, Greece

Important Information

  • Submission Deadline: November 20, 2025
  • Journal Section: Biomedical Engineering
  • Submission Types: Research articles, review articles, and short communications

How to Submit

Manuscripts should be submitted through the MDPI submission system. Please visit the Special Issue website for detailed submission instructions.

All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal and listed together on the Special Issue website.

Contact

For questions related to this Special Issue, please contact any of the Guest Editors or the SIPPRE Research Group.

Applied Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by MDPI. The journal has a CiteScore of 3.7 (2023) and is indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science), Scopus, and other databases.

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Research Participants Needed: Music & Brain Activity Study

/ / Brain Computer Interface, Experiments, Lab News

The SIPPRE Group at the ECE Department, is seeking volunteers to participate in our innovative NeuroRock EEG study.

The Experience
  • Listen to carefully selected instrumental rock music through high-quality headphones
  • Wear Enophones, a comfortable and non-invasive EEG headset that feels similar to regular headphones
  • Share your emotional responses to different music styles
  • Total time commitment: Approximately 60 minutes
What to Expect

During this relaxing session, you’ll listen to various rock music selections while we record your brain’s natural responses. The Enophones provide a comfortable recording experience with minimal setup—no gels or extensive preparation required.

This research supports our groundbreaking NeuroRock Hackathon where EUNICE students will analyze how the brain processes emotional aspects of music.

How to Participate

Please contact Associate Professor Athanasios Koutras (koutras [AT] uop.gr) for scheduling or additional information.

All data will be anonymized and handled according to research ethics guidelines.

Research Participants Needed: Music & Brain Activity Study Read More »

Announcing: NeuroRock Hackathon 2025!

/ / Brain Computer Interface, Lab News
Decode the Brain’s Response to Music

The SIPPRE Group is thrilled to announce our first-ever NeuroRock Hackathon, exclusively for EUNICE students enrolled in the “Decoding Life Signals: Innovations in Biomedical Engineering” course.

The Challenge

Teams will analyze EEG data recorded while participants experience emotional rock music. Your mission: develop algorithms to decode emotional states from brain activity and predict subjective experiences.

Key Information
  • Deadline: June 5, 2025
  • Format: Work in pairs to develop Python-based analysis
  • Experience Required: None! We provide starter code and guidance

This is your chance to apply classroom knowledge to real neuroscience data and explore the fascinating intersection of music, emotions, and brain activity.

Ready to Rock Your Brain?

Keep an eye on your course announcements for complete details, or contact Prof. Athanasios Koutras with questions.

For EUNICE students only. No prior EEG experience necessary.

Announcing: NeuroRock Hackathon 2025! Read More »