Konstantinos Stamoulis named Professor in Aviation Engineering

Stamoulis has been part of the Faculty of Technology and Aviation Academy for 2.5 years now. He has been closely involved in a Data Mining in Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) research programme since 2018. In addition, he chairs the organising committee of the ICSC-ISATECH international conference and sits on the Executive Committee of the Institution of Engineering & Technology's Aerospace Network. Stamoulis also has 25 years of experience in the Greek Air Force, where he served as an officer and air force engineer. He studied at Greek TUs and at MIT in the United States and holds a PhD in structural analysis.

A welcome boost in turbulent times

Stamoulis' appointment to the professorship will lend a welcome boost to a field that has been struggling under COVID-19. He aims to accelerate the technological developments we need so urgently to tackle problems we face in this time of crisis. His research vision is focused on the integration and application of available, innovative materials and the use of digital technologies and methods. The objective: an efficient and sustainable aviation sector.

Stamoulis: 'Despite the current abundance of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), there are still many hurdles to overcome before they can be brought to market as readily available, useful applications. From tools to maintenance techniques. Ultimately, I want to minimise waste and disruption and optimise aviation processes'.

New maintenance techniques

Stamoulis is currently participating in a Dutch consortium (FIXAR) working to develop knowledge and technology on the repair of increasingly widespread durable composite materials. Among other subjects, his professorship and Advanced Maintenance Technologies research programme will focus on detecting and analysing damage to composite materials and developing new repair techniques.

Promoting electric flight

Stamoulis also contributes to several targeted, promising research initiatives, such as the Dutch Electric Aviation Centre (DEAC): a national research centre set up to promote electric flight. The initiative is a collaboration between Delft University of Technology, Deltion ROC and the AUAS. As a part of his work at DEAC, he will also be applying his expertise in the maintenance of electrical aircraft in partnership with the University of Twente.

Studios and Schiphol Living Lab

Stamoulis will also be working to develop the new Aviation Academy studios (including Maintenance, Sensors, Data), which offer great potential for collaboration and synergy within and outside the Faculty of Engineering. This knowledge can then also be applied at another initiative, the Schiphol Living Lab, which has the ambition to evolve into an international research and education centre.

Link between research and education

In addition to his knowledge and insight, Stamoulis also manages to bridge the gap between research and education; this is reflected in his work as a member of the Curriculum Committee and as a core lecturer at the Aviation Engineering honours programme, his effective cooperation with colleagues at the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) specialisation, and efforts to involve graduates in research activities. As a professor, Stamoulis aims to keep working towards a more effective, coherent and manageable curriculum and integrate research results in order to help students further develop their professional and personal talents.

The Aviation Academy welcomes Stamoulis' appointment. Geert Boosten, Professor in Aviation Management: ‘Over the past two years, he has proven to be a valued colleague with extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of aircraft maintenance. During this time, he has thoroughly familiarised himself with the Dutch aeronautical industry and research sector and gained experience with subsidised research projects.’