WCL-IT Newsletter, Volume 1

The Wire Communications and Information Technology Laboratory (WCL-IT) is one of the oldest founding labs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE) of the University of Patras in Greece. It was established in 1967 and began its activities in 1969 with Professor George Kokkinakis as its first Director. From September 2004 until August 2018, Emeritus Professor Nikos Fakotakis served as Director. Since then, Director of WCL-IT is Associate Professor Konstantinos Moustakas.

The research activity of WCL-IT covers both basic and applied research in the areas of communications, networking audio processing, multidimensional signal processing, artificial intelligence, multimedia and virtual reality. The research is strongly supported by European, National and industrial projects, has led to numerous publications of both basic and applied research results leading to the award of several PhD theses. Teaching activities in the context of the Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate curriculum and several MSc programs areas are based on the principle of providing to the students both basic scientific knowledge and soft skills in cutting edge and emerging fields.

WCL-IT Newsletter, Volume 2

The COVID pandemic has significantly affected all types of activities worldwide. Research and education have faced significant changes with respect to the means and methods of teaching and scientific experimentation. Within this unprecedented situation, the personnel of WCL-IT has been striving to provide to thei students and researchers high quality teaching and safe access to research infrastructure and experimentation.

It would be reasonable to expect a decline in research output due to the harsh lock-downs and mobility restrictions. However, we are proud to report an increase in high quality research output. Faculty researchers and students used successfully all available means to boost their research. Many reported that creative research was a psychological way-out during the lock downs. As reported in the current newsletter, efforts of the WCL-IT personnel resulted in very high quality publications, patents, awards and distinctions, the kick-off of new European projects and the reform and internationalization of an MSc program on Biomedical Engineering led by the lab. Expecting 2021 to be the last year with strong restrictions due to the pandemic, we hope you will enjoy our newsletter and scientific activities.