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Role Model

Anna Antonakopoulou

Job Title:
Senior Researcher
Company - Organization:
ISENSE Group of ICCS, NTUA
Experience:
20 years
Education:
PhD
Universty - College:
National Technical University of Athens
Nationality:
Greek

Your organization field and mission:

I-SENSE Group is a dynamic research unit of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS).Today, the Group brings together 10 cutting-edge research divisions and a global network of more than 300 partners, driving advancements in intelligent transport systems, smart and sustainable technologies, virtual and immersive environments, AI applications, robotics and industry 5.0 applications and beyond.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

Dr. Anna Antonakopoulou leads with a strong blend of strategic project management and team leadership. She is responsible for shaping and proposing project strategies, translating objectives into clear plans, and ensuring their effective execution through careful resource allocation, time scheduling, cost estimation, and continuous monitoring. Her role includes defining project activities, tasks, and deliverables, evaluating outcomes against expectations, and maintaining regular, accurate status reporting. With a close focus on follow-up and organisation, she ensures that projects progress efficiently, remain aligned with their goals, and deliver measurable results.

Alongside her project management responsibilities, Dr. Antonakopoulou provides leadership and supervision to the Smart Mobility team within the ISENSE Group of ICCS, a multidisciplinary group of 15 professionals including senior and junior researchers, project managers, and software and hardware developers. In this capacity, she coordinates and orchestrates the team’s activities and overall strategy, oversees project implementation, and ensures effective scheduling and monitoring across all workstreams. She also plays a key role in motivating team members and fostering the development of their skills and competences, creating an environment that supports both high performance and professional growth.

Your interest in STEM

When and how was your interest for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) born?

My interest in STEM was born quite early, out of a natural curiosity about how things work and how ideas can be transformed into practical solutions. I was always drawn to subjects that combined logic, creativity, and problem-solving, and I found science and mathematics especially exciting because they offered a way to understand the world in a structured yet innovative way.

As I grew older, that curiosity developed into a deeper interest in engineering and technology. I became fascinated by the possibility of using scientific knowledge not only to explore complex challenges, but also to design systems and tools that can improve everyday life. This is what gradually led me toward STEM: the realization that it is a field where analytical thinking meets real-world impact.

Over time, this interest evolved into a professional commitment. Through my studies and career, I discovered that STEM gives me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful innovation, collaborate across disciplines, and help shape solutions for smarter, more sustainable societies. That combination of intellectual challenge and social value is what continues to motivate me today

Who was your first role model and do you have any role models that inspire you at present?

My first role models were the people close to me who showed me the value of hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning. They inspired me to be curious, to aim high, and to believe that with dedication you can overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals.

At present, I am inspired by people in science, technology, and leadership who combine knowledge with vision and use their work to create a positive impact on society. I especially admire those who support innovation, collaboration, and the development of younger generations, because they remind me that success is not only about personal achievement, but also about helping others grow.

Your studies

Your biggest challenges (SWOT), during your studies?

During my studies, one of my biggest challenges was managing the demanding workload and balancing different responsibilities at the same time. STEM studies often require strong commitment, continuous effort, and the ability to cope with pressure, so staying organised and consistent was very important.

Another challenge was building confidence in highly competitive and demanding academic environments. At times, this required perseverance and self-discipline, but it also helped me become more resilient and focused.

At the same time, these challenges became strengths, because they taught me how to work systematically, adapt to difficulties, and keep moving forward. They helped me develop both academically and personally, and they played an important role in shaping my professional path

Your advice to girls and women who want to follow their studies in your sector?

My advice to girls and women who want to study in this sector is to believe in their abilities and not be discouraged by stereotypes or challenges. STEM needs diverse perspectives, creativity, and determination, and women have a very important role to play in shaping its future. It is important to stay curious, work hard, and not be afraid of difficult subjects, because confidence grows through effort and experience.

Most importantly, they should follow their interests with confidence and persistence. With dedication and passion, they can succeed, contribute meaningfully, and become role models for the next generation.

You at work

Can you share DEIS (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Sustainability) initiatives from your organization?

At ICCS and the I-SENSE Group, DEIS is not just a principle on paper; it is something we try to apply both in the way we work and in the kind of impact we want our research to have. ICCS has a formal Gender Equality Plan that focuses on areas such as governance, recruitment and career progression, flexible working, gender in research, participation in events and activities, and organisational culture. The plan states clearly that equality of opportunity is central to the Institute’s mission.

From my perspective within I-SENSE, this is reflected in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. I-SENSE is a research unit of ICCS within NTUA, with 10 research divisions, more than 100 researchers and engineers, and a strong network of partners, which naturally brings together people with different backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

In my own area, as Division Leader of Smart Mobility Applied Systems, I see inclusion and sustainability as closely connected. Our work in smart mobility is driven by the goal of making mobility cleaner, safer, more efficient, and more inclusive, while supporting greener and more sustainable cities and communities.

So, if I had to describe our DEIS approach in a personal way, I would say that at ICCS/I-SENSE we aim to combine equal opportunities and an inclusive working culture with research and innovation that contribute to a more sustainable and people-centered future.

What are you most proud of having achieved in your work?

What I am most proud of in my work is being able to contribute to projects that have real impact on society, especially in the field of smart mobility and sustainable innovation. It is very rewarding to see ideas develop into practical solutions that can improve everyday life, support more efficient systems, and contribute to smarter and greener communities.

I am also proud of the teams I have led and supported throughout this journey. For me, success is not only about project results, but also about building strong collaboration, helping people grow, and creating an environment where innovation and teamwork can thrive. Seeing both projects and people develop successfully is one of the most meaningful achievements in my work

Your point of view

How can technology empower women?

Technology can empower women by creating more opportunities for education, professional growth, entrepreneurship, and participation in decision-making. It gives women access to knowledge, digital skills, networks, and tools that can help them build confidence, develop their careers, and make their voices heard.

It can also reduce barriers by offering more flexible ways to work, learn, and collaborate, which is especially important in balancing different professional and personal responsibilities. At the same time, technology can support women in becoming innovators, leaders, and creators of solutions, not only users of them.

For me, the most important aspect is that technology can be a powerful enabler of inclusion and independence. When women have equal access to technology and digital opportunities, they are better positioned to contribute, lead, and shape the future in every sector.

Your advice to girls and women who want to work in your sector?

My advice to girls and women who want to work in this sector is to trust their abilities, stay curious, and not be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Most importantly, they should believe that they belong in this field. With persistence, hard work, and passion, they can build a successful career, make a meaningful contribution, and inspire others to follow the same path.

What would you like to happen when it comes to DEIS in your sector by 2030?

By 2030, I would like to see DEIS become a natural and fully integrated part of the culture in our sector, not just a target or a policy discussion. I would like to see more women in leadership, more equal opportunities for career development, and more inclusive environments where different perspectives are truly valued.

I would also like to see technology and innovation developed with sustainability and social impact at their core, so that progress is not only measured by technical achievement, but also by the benefit it brings to people and society. For me, the goal is a sector where diversity is seen as a strength, inclusion is actively practiced, and sustainability guides the way we design and implement solutions.

To finish with

Your values

My core values are responsibility, integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning. I believe in working with professionalism and consistency, building trust through honesty and respect, and always aiming for quality and meaningful impact in what I do.

I also value teamwork and inclusion very strongly, because I believe that the best results come when people with different skills and perspectives work together toward a common goal. At the same time, I am deeply motivated by innovation and by the idea that our work should contribute positively to society and support a more sustainable future.

Your future challenges as a person within the professional context:

One of my future professional challenges is to keep growing as a leader in a fast-changing environment shaped by technology and innovation. This means continuing to learn, adapting to change, and guiding teams effectively.

At the same time, I want to balance strong project delivery with people-centered leadership, supporting collaboration, development, and meaningful impact

By 2030, how do you hope your career will have grown or evolved?

By 2030, I hope my career will have evolved through even greater contribution to impactful research and innovation, especially in areas that support smart, sustainable, and people-centered mobility solutions. I would like to continue growing as a leader, taking on broader strategic responsibilities while helping shape projects with strong scientific and societal value. At the same time, I hope to keep building and supporting strong teams, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and professional development.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/