Role
I am a Senior Lecturer of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University. My research focuses on artificial intelligence and intelligent systems, with particular emphasis on neuromorphic computing, spiking neural networks, edge AI, computer vision, and human-centred interactive technologies.
My work develops intelligent systems that operate in real-world environments, spanning applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, robotics, immersive technologies (XR), and intelligent sensing systems.
I have extensive experience in leading and contributing to UK and European collaborative research projects, working with academic, industrial, and public-sector partners.
Alongside my research, I serve as an IEEE CertifAIEd™ Lead Assessor, contributing to the ethical and governance evaluation of AI systems in line with internationally recognised standards for trustworthy and responsible AI.
Career overview
I specialise in artificial intelligence, neuromorphic computing, intelligent interactive systems, and human-centred technologies. My research combines AI, computer vision, edge computing, and immersive technologies to develop intelligent systems for healthcare, education, robotics, and smart environments.
My research has evolved from human–computer interaction and serious games towards neuromorphic computing, spiking neural networks, and low-power AI for real-world, resource-constrained applications. Alongside this technical work, I contribute to the responsible development of AI as an IEEE CertifAIEd™ Lead Assessor, evaluating AI-enabled systems against internationally recognised standards for transparency, accountability, fairness, and governance.
I have extensive experience collaborating with academic, industrial, healthcare, and public-sector partners through UK and European research projects, and I actively welcome opportunities to contribute to Horizon Europe and other international collaborative research initiatives.
Research areas
My research investigates the design and implementation of intelligent systems that combine machine learning, neuromorphic computing, and interactive technologies to solve complex real-world problems.
A core theme of my work is neuromorphic and event-driven AI, including spiking neural networks and low-power edge intelligence systems. These approaches are particularly relevant for real-time, resource-constrained environments such as robotics, wearable systems, and embedded healthcare technologies.
Another major strand of my research focuses on intelligent interactive systems, including serious games, XR environments, and adaptive interfaces for education, training, and rehabilitation.
More recently, my work has expanded into trustworthy and responsible AI, where I contribute to the evaluation of AI systems through IEEE CertifAIEd™ assessment frameworks, addressing transparency, accountability, bias mitigation, and governance in AI deployment.
External activity
I am a professional member of the British Computing Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Sponsors and collaborators
Recent funding has included:
- Serious Games for Social and Creativity Competence, Brown D (PI), Oikonomou A et al, EU LLP Project SGSCC, (January 2013 – Jun 2015), £68,341
- Computer Games Intervention with Mucus Clearing Devices for Cystic Fibrosis, Oikonomou A (PI), Lachesis Pathfinder fund, (2010-12), £25,000
- Computer Games Intervention with Mucus Clearing Devices for Cystic Fibrosis, Oikonomou A (PI), East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) Innovation Fellowship, (August 2010-June 2011), £15,000
- Computer Games Intervention with Mucus Clearing Devices for Cystic Fibrosis, Oikonomou A (PI), Healthcare and Bioscience Innovation Network (iNet) in partnership with QMC, Nottingham University Hospitals, (December 2009-June 2011), £39,000
Publications
Using biometric measurement in real-time as a sympathetic system in computer games. Charij S and Oikonomou A, International Journal of Game-Based Learning (IJGBL), 2013, 3 (3), 21-42
An investigation of the effects of game difficulty on player enjoyment. Alexander JT, Sear J and Oikonomou A, Entertainment Computing, 2013, 4 (1), 53-62, 1875-9521
Using serious games to motivate children with cystic fibrosis to engage with mucus clearance physiotherapy. Oikonomou A and Day D in The 6th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent, and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS 2012), 2012, Palermo, Italy
Gaze tracking as a game input interface. Hartescu D and Oikonomou A, in 16th IEEE Annual International Computer Games Conference (CGAMES 2011), 2011, Louisville, USA
Stereoscopic 3D in video games: a review of current design practices and challenges. Mahoney N, Wilson D and Oikonomou A in 16th IEEE Annual International Computer Games Conference (CGAMES 2011), 2011, Louisville, USA
Interactive reality system (IRiS): interactive 3D video playback in multimedia applications. Oikonomou A, Amin S, Todman A, Naguib RNG and Al-Omishy H, Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics, 2006, 10 (2), 145-149