Our Laboratory Director, Professor Ioannis Tomkos, a distinguished figure in the field of optical communications and networking, has been recognized as one of the top innovators in photonics for 2025. His inclusion in the prestigious Photonics100 list underscores his significant contributions to the advancement of photonics technology and its applications.
Career and Achievements
Professor Tomkos currently serves as the Director of the Optical Communications Systems & Networks Laboratory at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Patras, Greece. With a career spanning three decades, he has established himself as a globally recognized expert in his field.
Academic Distinctions
Professor Tomkos’s exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades and recognitions:
- Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) since 2010
- Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA) since 2012
- Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) since 2018
- Named among the Top-50 thought leaders and influencers worldwide on 5G networks in 2023
Research Impact
The impact of Professor Tomkos’s research is evident in his impressive publication record and citation metrics:
- Over 650 journal articles and conference proceeding papers
- H-index of 55, placing him among the foremost scientists in electrical engineering, computer science, and electronics
- More than 13,500 citations
- Over 200,000 reads on ResearchGate
Research Focus and Innovations
Professor Tomkos’s current research endeavors are focused on two main areas:
- Novel Photonics-based Subsystems: He is working on introducing innovative photonics-based subsystems to replace conventional electronic/optoelectronic DSP, DAC, and ADC functionalities in optical transceivers. This includes the development of optical DACs (oDACs).
- Next-Generation Switching Subsystems: His research also involves the creation of novel switching subsystems for next-generation OXCs/ROADMs, such as WaveBand Selective Switches (WBSSs).
Funding and Project Leadership
Throughout his career, Professor Tomkos has demonstrated exceptional leadership in securing funding and managing large-scale research projects:
- Participated in over 30 EU-funded projects
- Served as Technical Manager or Project Coordinator for 11 major EU projects
- Total budget of managed projects exceeding €60 million
- Raised over €12 million in funding for his research group
Education
Professor Tomkos holds a Ph.D. from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, which has provided the foundation for his illustrious career in optical communications and networking.
Professor Ioannis Tomkos’s inclusion in the Photonics100 list is a testament to his significant contributions to the field of photonics and his ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of optical communications technology. His work continues to shape the future of telecommunications and data processing, with far-reaching implications for various industries and technological advancements.
