The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) announces the election of Dr. Emmanuel Stratakis as its new Director, marking the beginning of a new era of scientific excellence, innovation, and international collaboration for one of Europe's leading research institutes.
The election process was concluded following the meeting of the Special Evaluation Committee on 25 June 2026. Prior to the Committee's deliberations, IESL personnel—including researchers, collaborating faculty members, scientific, technical, administrative, and support staff—were invited to express their views on the candidates through FORTH's established digital consultation platform. This institutional consultation forms an important part of the selection process, providing the Committee with valuable insight into the candidates' leadership qualities, vision, and ability to guide the Institute's future development.
A globally recognized scientist in the fields of ultrafast lasers, laser–matter interaction, and nanophotonics, Dr. Stratakis has devoted more than two decades to pioneering research at IESL-FORTH, significantly contributing to the Institute's international reputation as one of Europe's premier research centres.
Dr. Stratakis received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Crete in 2001. Following his doctoral studies, he joined IESL-FORTH as a Visiting Researcher, focusing on ultrafast laser engineering of materials. He also served as a Visiting Researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, Department of Mechanical Engineering, during the fall semesters of 2006 and 2008. In 2007, he was elected Researcher at IESL-FORTH, where he established and continues to lead the internationally recognized Ultrafast Laser Micro- and Nano-processing Laboratory.
Reflecting his long-standing commitment to the Institute's leadership and strategic development, Dr. Stratakis served as Vice Director of IESL from April 2023 to April 2025. In May 2025, he was appointed Acting Director of IESL, a position he held until his election as Director, ensuring continuity in the Institute's scientific and administrative leadership.
His scientific achievements include more than 300 publications in peer-reviewed journals, over 17,000 citations, and an h-index of 71 (Google Scholar). Throughout his career, he has coordinated numerous national and European research projects, delivered more than 150 invited and keynote lectures, and served as organizer and chair of major international scientific conferences.
Dr. Stratakis has served on the editorial boards in several leading international journals, including Optoelectronic Advances, Optoelectronic Technology, Optics and Laser Technology, Materials Today Bio, and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Since 2015, he has served as Director of the FORTH Nanoscience Facility, a key node of the NFFA-Europe European Research Infrastructure, while also participating in its General Assembly. In addition, he serves as a National Expert in the European Union High-Level Group on Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, is an OPTICA Fellow, a European Innovation Council Ambassador, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Biomimetic. His contributions have been recognized with numerous international awards - distinctions, and he is consistently ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide.
Dr. Stratakis' election reflects both his outstanding scientific achievements and his long-standing commitment to IESL and FORTH. Under his leadership, the Institute is expected to further strengthen its position as a global centre of excellence, advancing frontier research, fostering innovation, expanding international partnerships, and translating scientific discoveries into societal and technological impact.
The entire IESL-FORTH community extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Emmanuel Stratakis and wishes him every success in his new role as Director of IESL.
