Computing is fundamental to emerging interdisciplinary technological ventures, from financial transactions and smartphones to climate forecasting and intelligent manufacturing. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates computing’s fundamental role at fronts such as real-time patient information processing, collection and analysis of large amounts of health data, and medication and vaccine development, which enable decision-making in industry and governance.
New interdisciplinary approaches to computing are necessary to address emerging challenges. We need to mobilize engineers around the world, without constraints, and to exploit new methods and data to address the challenges for reliability, security and safety at an international level. While computers control critical infrastructure and influence our safety and well-being, their protection is challenging. Recent cases of digital industrial espionage for COVID-19 vaccine and medication comes to no surprise.
The IEEE Computer Society, part of the largest engineering body internationally, is well positioned to lead and shape the future of computing worldwide. The pandemic and its resulting misfortune, even panic, brought upon people, has led to strong teamwork that brings optimism for overcoming future challenges. The post-COVID era will change the way people conduct business, get educated, and spend free time. IEEE CS should lead computing’s evolution in the new world through activities like: (i) collaboration with international organizations and governments to increase reliable and secure digital services to citizens, (ii) collaboration with other IEEE societies, considering the interdisciplinarity of computer-based systems; (iii) leadership in development and adoption of new technologies, standards and best practices; (iii) support the growth of new engineers, as they are challenged by interdisciplinary requirements and changing working environments.
During my service as CS BoG member, I worked effectively on (i) financial sustainability (CS achieved record-breaking surplus when I served as Treasurer in 2019) and (ii) strengthening IEEE CS technical leadership, especially in the areas of cyberphysical systems and IoT, with STC initiation and publications.
Exploiting robust IEEE CS operations, my election will lead to (i) support Society adaptation to operations in the new era, (ii) strengthen technical activities in emerging areas like robust smart cities, (iii) increase inter-societal activities, (iv) foster open access, and (v) support young engineers with technical and career development programs.
Coming originally from Greece, a small part of the world that established and spread democracy, philosophy and engineering worldwide, I envision an environment where technology and engineering constitute the basis for international cooperation, growth and inclusion. IEEE CS can lead the way!