The Laboratory of Process Analysis and Design (LPAD) at the School of Chemical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) is one of the oldest laboratories of the School, with a continuous contribution to education and research since its foundation in 1908. With more than two decades of expertise in product development and process integration, LPAD has evolved into a leading research unit equipped to simulate and integrate a wide range of state-of-the-art industrial processes. The laboratory has actively participated in more than 400 national and international research and educational projects, consistently delivering innovative solutions and high-impact results in chemical engineering. LPAD focuses on developing novel functional food products, including their design, quality, sensory evaluation, and shelf-life assessment. It also creates toolboxes and user-friendly databases for food properties and processing, data analysis, and mathematical modeling of physical and thermophysical processes. The laboratory conducts experimental studies on industrial operations such as drying, extraction, and encapsulation, supports process scale-up, and promotes the valorization of food waste and by-products. Additional activities include recovering functional compounds from natural sources like plants and algae, in vitro digestion studies, and life cycle assessment to evaluate processes and products’ economic and environmental impacts. The laboratory hosts a multidisciplinary team of two professors, three administrative staff members, ten postdoctoral researchers, twenty PhD students, and ten external collaborators. With more than 200 publications in peer-reviewed journals, over 7,200 citations, and an H-index of 48, LPAD has established a strong presence in the international scientific community.
The Laboratory of Process Analysis and Design (NTUA) is proud to participate in the THESEUS project, contributing cutting-edge expertise in polymer processing, encapsulation technologies, and sustainable materials development. As a key partner, NTUA leads the development of functional polymeric films and coatings from recycled materials, incorporating natural bioactive compounds through electrospinning and co-extrusion techniques. The lab works closely with industrial and academic partners to design food-grade solutions with enhanced antimicrobial and barrier properties, targeting applications in food packaging and agriculture. Through THESEUS, NTUA supports the transition to circular and climate-resilient packaging systems, aligning research with real-world innovation for a sustainable future.
Sokratis-Emmanouil Koskinakis is a Mining and Metallurgical Engineer (Diploma) and a PhD candidate at the National Technical University of Athens in the School of Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on sustainability and the utilization of food production waste for the development of high-added-value materials. He has participated in several national and European research programs, including NAVGREEN, NutrID, AMALTHIA, FRIETS (RISE), and FEEDACTIVE (HORIZON), working on topics related to green technologies, circular economy, and sustainable development.
Chrysanthos Stergiopoulos is a Chemical Engineer (Diploma, PhD) and current MBA candidate, with strong expertise in green technologies, bioactive extraction, and polymer processing. He works as a Postdoctoral Researcher at NTUA’s Laboratory of Process Analysis and Design, with experience in HPLC/GC-MS, process optimization, and EU project coordination (e.g., VALIAS, FEEDACTIV). He has 12 peer-reviewed publications, 30+ conference presentations, and a history of academic scholarships and teaching roles. He has also collaborated with international institutions like Biomimetic Chromatography Ltd. and is experienced in environmental chemistry, circular economy, and encapsulation technologies for food and material applications.
Christos Boukouvalas is a Chemical Engineer (Diploma,PhD) and Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) at the Laboratory of Process Design and Analysis of the School of Chemical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). His area of expertise covers subjects such as Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Unit Operations, Process Analysis, Sustainability Assessment and Technoeconomic analysis. Throughout his research career, he has collaborated with numerous research institutions and companies, gaining extensive experience in the development and design of processes and products. Additionally, he has participated in many research projects (both international and national) focused on the development of research studies, which include data collection, processing and analysis, process redesign, quality assurance of services, etc. His academic experience exceeds 25 years. During this time, he has participated in more than 40 international and 20 Greek conferences, and his scientific work includes 50 publications in international scientific journals, book chapters, and more.
Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Innovation Actions programme (Grant Agreement No. 101178059), within the topic HORIZON-CL4-2024-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-38: Hubs for Circularity for Industrialised Urban Peripheral Areas (Processes4Planet Partnership). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.