The current text presents information regarding the organization and operation of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, as part of documenting the feasibility of the current Undergraduate Program of Studies and the overall sustainability of the academic unit.
Elements of the academic subject of the Study Program: The rationale and attractiveness of the study program are based on the dynamics of the scientific fields it covers, the deep grounding in the scientific background, and the adoption of modern courses and specialization directions. It aims at the high absorption of its graduates by the job market, taking into account the significant future needs for specialized graduates in computer science and telecommunications as outlined by various sources. The availability of a large number of elective courses, organized into 5 specialization streams, leads to high specialization and customization of the degree. Additionally, based on the geographical dispersion of the departments that offer the same degree title, the department covers a wide area of northwestern and northern Greece (there is no other similar department of four years of study within its region), while there are fundamental differences with the polytechnic department "Computer Engineering and Informatics" of the respective institution (such as the detailed coverage of the field of Telecommunications).
Sustainability Elements: The sustainability of the academic unit is evidenced by the increasing interest of prospective students, the self-sufficiency of facilities and equipment, the adequacy and training of the teaching staff, the significant improvement in research indicators, the promotion of technological development and innovation, the high absorption of research funding, the outward orientation, and interaction with productive bodies. In 2022, candidates exceeded the available intake positions, while the department's base increased by 19%. Already in the 3rd year of the doctoral program cycle, the department has attracted over 25 doctoral candidates, with prospects for further growth. The MSc in "Computer Engineering and Networks" has been continuously operating since 2015, and postgraduate candidates surpass the available positions (with a significant percentage of graduates from similar departments). The research laboratories of the department focus on modern research areas, such as machine learning, bioinformatics, the Internet of Things, 5G/6G communications, and more.
Graduates' Access to the Job Market: Multiple recent surveys from businesses and productive entities testify to the significant growth in the technological sectors globally. Even businesses operating in traditional sectors (primary sector, manufacturing, trade, pharmaceuticals, etc.) seek technological adaptation to provide higher quality products, increase their productivity, and expand their activities into new markets. At the national and regional level (Epirus), the phenomenon has been equally intense in the last three years, during which technological giants and many other multinational companies have invested in Athens (Amazon, Microsoft), Thessaloniki (CISCO, Pfizer, Deloitte), Ioannina (TeamViewer, P&I, BestSecret), developing data centers and digital technology hubs. A similar dynamic is exhibited by the ecosystem of startups and knowledge-intensive enterprises. Growth in the fields of informatics and telecommunications is expected to continue in the coming years based on reports, predicting a very high demand for skilled human resources.
Development Actions: The department is undergoing a transitional period of high growth, leveraging the prospects and opportunities arising from its integration into a prestigious Academic Institution, the attraction of new sciences for postgraduate and doctoral studies, and its modern curriculum. It is increasing its research staff, staffing an organizational structure consisting of faculty members, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, master's, and undergraduate students. The academic unit is creating new laboratories for research, securing funding from competitive research and technological development programs, and ensuring funds for scholarships and researcher salaries. It is expanding its network of collaborations, participating in project consortia, and signing memoranda with other research entities. It strategically organizes its goals for the benefit of its students, the ecosystem, and the broader society.
In conclusion, the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications at the University of Ioannina offers a comprehensive, modern, and student-centered curriculum. It provides significant prospects for professional employment and addresses contemporary and highly interesting research subjects, positioning it dynamically against both domestic and international competition.
Elements of the academic subject of the Study Program: The rationale and attractiveness of the study program are based on the dynamics of the scientific fields it covers, the deep grounding in the scientific background, and the adoption of modern courses and specialization directions. It aims at the high absorption of its graduates by the job market, taking into account the significant future needs for specialized graduates in computer science and telecommunications as outlined by various sources. The availability of a large number of elective courses, organized into 5 specialization streams, leads to high specialization and customization of the degree. Additionally, based on the geographical dispersion of the departments that offer the same degree title, the department covers a wide area of northwestern and northern Greece (there is no other similar department of four years of study within its region), while there are fundamental differences with the polytechnic department "Computer Engineering and Informatics" of the respective institution (such as the detailed coverage of the field of Telecommunications).
Sustainability Elements: The sustainability of the academic unit is evidenced by the increasing interest of prospective students, the self-sufficiency of facilities and equipment, the adequacy and training of the teaching staff, the significant improvement in research indicators, the promotion of technological development and innovation, the high absorption of research funding, the outward orientation, and interaction with productive bodies. In 2022, candidates exceeded the available intake positions, while the department's base increased by 19%. Already in the 3rd year of the doctoral program cycle, the department has attracted over 25 doctoral candidates, with prospects for further growth. The MSc in "Computer Engineering and Networks" has been continuously operating since 2015, and postgraduate candidates surpass the available positions (with a significant percentage of graduates from similar departments). The research laboratories of the department focus on modern research areas, such as machine learning, bioinformatics, the Internet of Things, 5G/6G communications, and more.
Graduates' Access to the Job Market: Multiple recent surveys from businesses and productive entities testify to the significant growth in the technological sectors globally. Even businesses operating in traditional sectors (primary sector, manufacturing, trade, pharmaceuticals, etc.) seek technological adaptation to provide higher quality products, increase their productivity, and expand their activities into new markets. At the national and regional level (Epirus), the phenomenon has been equally intense in the last three years, during which technological giants and many other multinational companies have invested in Athens (Amazon, Microsoft), Thessaloniki (CISCO, Pfizer, Deloitte), Ioannina (TeamViewer, P&I, BestSecret), developing data centers and digital technology hubs. A similar dynamic is exhibited by the ecosystem of startups and knowledge-intensive enterprises. Growth in the fields of informatics and telecommunications is expected to continue in the coming years based on reports, predicting a very high demand for skilled human resources.
Development Actions: The department is undergoing a transitional period of high growth, leveraging the prospects and opportunities arising from its integration into a prestigious Academic Institution, the attraction of new sciences for postgraduate and doctoral studies, and its modern curriculum. It is increasing its research staff, staffing an organizational structure consisting of faculty members, adjunct faculty, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, master's, and undergraduate students. The academic unit is creating new laboratories for research, securing funding from competitive research and technological development programs, and ensuring funds for scholarships and researcher salaries. It is expanding its network of collaborations, participating in project consortia, and signing memoranda with other research entities. It strategically organizes its goals for the benefit of its students, the ecosystem, and the broader society.
In conclusion, the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications at the University of Ioannina offers a comprehensive, modern, and student-centered curriculum. It provides significant prospects for professional employment and addresses contemporary and highly interesting research subjects, positioning it dynamically against both domestic and international competition.