Ioanna Doutsou

Job Title:
Senior PR Manager
Company - Organization:
I-SENSE Research Group (ICCS)
Experience:
25 years
Education:
PhD
Universty - College:
Kings College London
Nationality:
Greek

Your organization field and mission:

Promoting groundbreaking research and innovation in all fields of sciences related to digital technologies (Institute of Communication and Computer Systems).

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

As Senior PR Manager, I lead the strategic communication and public engagement activities of ICCS and the I-SENSE Group, with a strong focus on digital technologies, innovation and emerging research ecosystems. My role is to translate complex, high-impact work—ranging from AI, 5G/6G and IoT to smart mobility and Industry 5.0—into clear, compelling narratives that are accessible to media, stakeholders and the wider public.

I shape and manage our digital presence and branding strategy, designing targeted communication campaigns that highlight how innovation and advanced technologies are transforming key sectors such as mobility, sustainability and industry.At the same time, I actively contribute to large-scale European innovation projects, leading dissemination and communication activities to ensure that research results are not only visible, but also understood, adopted and translated into real-world impact. My work supports the connection between technology, innovation and society, strengthening ICCS and the I-SENSE Group’s role within the global digital innovation ecosystem.

Your interest in STEM

My interest in STEM goes back to my high school years, in the PC classroom. I still remember the atmosphere—rows of computers, the low hum of machines, and the curiosity we all felt as something new was unfolding in front of us. The internet was just starting to become widespread, and for the first time, we could access information, images and ideas from beyond our textbooks…

My first role model was actually one of my father’s students at the university. I remember being impressed by his enthusiasm for emerging technologies at a time when the internet was still new and full of unexplored potential. He was constantly trying to connect research with real-world applications, and always writing—blogging about new ideas, new tools and the possibilities that internet technologies were opening up.
As I progressed academically, I found new role models among my lecturers and professors. These were people who not only had strong scientific backgrounds, but also a clear vision of how technology can shape society. Unfortunately, I do not recall having a women as a role model..

Your studies

Over the past 20 years, the field of media and digital technologies has evolved rapidly, creating a constantly shifting landscape. Computer-mediated communication was -and still is- a game changer, and keeping pace with this change has required continuous learning and rapid adaptation to new tools and approaches. as concepts, technologies—even entire fields such as media law—were quickly becoming outdated.

This, At the same time, this dynamic environment pushed me to think across disciplines, combining technology, media and real-world applications, while also fostering creativity—since everything felt new and evolving. The allure of constant change has always been what sparked my curiosity about what comes next. Over time, this became one of my key strengths. During my studies, I often struggled with attention to detail, as I was naturally drawn to big ideas and the broader conceptual framework rather than finer execution points.

An open mind and flexibility towards change—these are essential ways of thinking and key attitudes in a rapidly evolving field. A genuine curiosity and love for learning are the most precious skill. Technology and science are constantly advancing, and the ability to continuously explore new knowledge will set you apart.
Develop the ability to think beyond the boundaries of your own discipline—to connect, synthesize and create at the intersection of fields, where technology meets other domains.This interdisciplinary mindset is critical for navigating the new era we are entering, where artificial intelligence is already reshaping the rules of the game.

You at work

Launching my own technology start-up at the intersection of digital marketing and emerging technologies has been one of the most defining -and innovative- recent chapters of my work. Earlier in my career, teaching at a UK university in areas such as digital marketing, digital network theory and media production laid a strong foundation, shaping the way I approach both technology and communication today. Over the years, coordinating and managing digital projects has been equally central to my journey, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to design and deliver platforms that translate complex ideas into practical solutions.Along the way, seeing my articles on science and technology published in major media outlets in the UK and Greece has been particularly rewarding, turning topics like AI and digital transformation into narratives that resonate beyond academia and reach a wider audience.
But what I am most proud of goes beyond work in the conventional sense: it is being able to build a rising career while raising two children, without feeling that one comes at the expense of the other. I feel proud that I managed throughout these years, to redefine success as a balance constantly negotiated and shaped at the conjunction of two completely different worlds – professional growth and motherhood-. It is a demanding path, but also a deeply transformative one, leading to resilience, perspective and a distinct form of leadership—one grounded in lived experience and a strength that only women come to recognise as their own

Your point of view

Technology provides the tools for women’s voices to be heard and gives them space to be heard on their own terms, beyond filters and expectations. This visibility can break established narratives and stereotypes create new ones, that have the power to spread rapidly and open new role models and ways for fulfilment for women. And perhaps importantly: it creates the conditions for women to combine motherhood and career in ways that were once structurally difficult, turning time, presence and productivity into something they can redefine for themselves.

Stay open-minded and adaptable—curiosity and continuous learning are your greatest assets in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Think beyond boundaries: the future belongs to those who connect disciplines and create at the intersection of technology and society, especially in the age of AI.
-Redefine success on your own terms: not as a choice between career and motherhood, but as a balance you consciously shape at the intersection of both: Embrace this dual path—it will challenge you, but it will also build resilience, a unique kind of leadership, grounded in real life—one that only women can truly define.

By 2030, DEIS in my sector should move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and truly recognise that equality does not mean sameness. It should take into account that women and men work differently, real-life factors—such as motherhood—that require thoughtful and supportive structures, not neutral treatment. True inclusion means designing conditions that respond to these differences, enabling everyone to thrive on equal terms.

To finish with

Innovation. Freedom of Expression and Spirit. Impact. Leadership with empathy. Authenticity. Resilience. Curiocity and constant learning.

My future challenges, as a person, center on my role as a leader in a technology start-up: can I grow my leadership while balancing vision with empathy and a truly human-centered approach? And at the same time, can I meaningfully combine this path with my role in the research institution, without losing focus or purpose?

My future challenges, in terms of career, are closely tied to growing my technology start-up into a meaningful and sustainable venture, while continuing to evolve in my role as PR Manager and Senior Researcher at ICCS. A key part of my path is the work I carry out within the research institution—supporting the dissemination of high-impact results and showcasing the innovative work of research teams, ensuring that knowledge does not remain within labs but reaches society. Ultimately, the challenge is to connect all these roles—entrepreneur, communicator and professional—into a coherent trajectory that stays grounded in real-world needs and aligned with my personal values.

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