Professor Vassilis Kostopoulos is a distinguished Greek academic in Mechanical Engineering, currently serving at the University of Patras. With a PhD in Applied Mechanics, he has built a prolific career specializing in composite materials, aerospace structures, non-destructive evaluation, and nano-engineering. He has published over 260 peer-reviewed journal papers, authored several books, and amassed more than 8,800 citations with an h-index of 48. As principal investigator in 85 international research projects funded by bodies like the EU, ESA, and NSF, he has made significant contributions to advanced materials and aerospace research. He has served on multiple European advisory bodies (ACARE, Clean Sky), editorial boards, and has supervised 34 PhD and 185 MSc theses. His work has earned international recognition through patents and awards, including the TRA VISIONS Senior Scientist Award. Widely respected for his innovation, mentorship, and research leadership, he exemplifies excellence in academic and applied engineering research.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Professor Vassilis Kostopoulos received his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens in 1980. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics at the University of Patras, completed in 1987, with a focus on wave propagation, scattering, and non-destructive testing of composite materials. His academic formation established a robust foundation in mechanics, materials science, and engineering physics. Over the years, he expanded his expertise through advanced training, collaborations, and international academic exposure. His educational background underpins his deep theoretical and applied understanding of composite materials and aerospace engineering. In addition to his own education, he has contributed extensively to the academic growth of students through comprehensive undergraduate and graduate-level teaching in subjects such as dynamics, elasticity, and thermomechanical behavior of advanced materials. His educational journey has continuously evolved in parallel with his research and teaching responsibilities, ensuring a solid, interdisciplinary academic foundation.

Professional Experience

Professor Kostopoulos holds a long-standing faculty position at the University of Patras, where he previously served as Director of the Applied Mechanics and Vibrations Laboratory. He has also held visiting positions at prestigious institutions, including JRC Petten in the Netherlands and, more recently, the University of Delaware and George Emil Palade University in Romania. Beyond academia, he has actively contributed to European aviation and aerospace research policy through roles with ACARE, Clean Sky, and Clean Aviation Joint Undertakings. He has been a national delegate and evaluator for several EU framework programs (FP6, FP7) and other international research agencies. His editorial and peer review responsibilities span over 60 international journals. These roles highlight his influence across both academic and policy-making spheres. As a mentor, advisor, evaluator, and leader in multi-institutional projects, Professor Kostopoulos has consistently demonstrated professional excellence and leadership, further reinforcing his global academic reputation in the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Research Interest

Professor Kostopoulos’s research spans a wide array of cutting-edge engineering topics, primarily centered on composite materials and aerospace structures. His key interests include the design, optimization, and damage assessment of lightweight composite structures, with particular attention to fatigue, fracture, and high strain rate behavior. He is also deeply involved in non-destructive inspection and structural health monitoring, nano-augmentation of materials, anisotropic elasticity, and additive manufacturing. His work extends into space technologies, such as microsatellites, as well as UAVs and aeronautic applications. In recent years, he has ventured into biomechanics and bioengineering, focusing on implant design and fatigue in biomedical components. His interdisciplinary approach links advanced mechanics with real-world applications in aerospace, defense, and biomedical engineering. Notably, his integration of life cycle and cost analysis into material design reflects a forward-thinking approach. His comprehensive, problem-solving research focus continues to shape innovations in engineering science across multiple domains.

Award and Honor

Professor Kostopoulos has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his innovation, mentorship, and scientific impact. Notably, he was honored with the 1st Senior Scientist Award at the TRA VISIONS 2020 Researcher Competition, a major European recognition in transport and aerospace research. In 2024, under his supervision, the UPOGEE student team won the Special Award in the ESA Student Aerospace Challenge. Other honors include the Communication Award and Innovation Award at ESA educational events and UK competitions, as well as high placements in international contests such as iGEM and the CubeSat Mission Contest in China. His influence in mentoring award-winning student teams underscores his commitment to academic development. Additionally, he holds 3 European, 1 U.S., and 7 national patents, further highlighting his innovative contributions. These accolades reflect his leadership in research, education, and industry collaboration, establishing him as a prominent figure in European and global engineering research communities.

Conclusion