Dr Vassilios McInnes Spathopoulos

​Hi there! I am a Greek-Scot with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Glasgow. I am also a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and frequently engage in science outreach events in the fascinating field of astronomy, at science festivals and schools. I am  a published author of popular science and engineering books. I currently teach Engineering at Glasgow International College, as well as basic astronomy courses to curious adults through the Edinburgh Council Adult Education and Outlook programs.
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                                                                                                     Recent Awards

2023: Public Engagement Grant Scheme, Institute of Physics (Scotland)​

2022:​ Education & Outreach Small Grants Scheme, Royal Astronomical Society (UK)

2021: Public Engagement Grant Scheme, Institute of Physics (Scotland)

2020: Anthony Waterhouse Fellowship, Institute of Physics (UK)

                                                                                                Selected academic publications
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• Spathopoulos, V. M. “Validation of a rotorcraft mathematical model by use of gyroplane flight tests” The Aeronautical Journal, Vol. 108, No. 1079, pp 51-58, January 2004
• Spathopoulos, V. M. “An Investigation of the Flight Dynamic Characteristics of Gyroplanes by Use of Flight Tests” The Aeronautical Journal, Vol. 108, No. 1088, pp 531-535, October 2004
• Thomson, D. G., Houston, S. S., Spathopoulos, V. M., “Experiments in Autogyro Airworthiness for Improved Handling Qualities”, Journal of American Helicopter Society, Vol. 50, No. 4, pp 295-301, October 2005
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “The Use of Online Teaching in an Aircraft Technology Course”, World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, Vol. 6, No 1, pp 177-180, June 2007
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “A Physics Heptathlon: Simple Models of Seven Sporting Events”, Phys. Educ. 45 (2010)
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “Flight Physics for Beginners: Simple Examples of Applying Newton’s Laws”, Physics Teacher, 49, Issue 6, pp. 373 September 2011
• Spathopoulos, V. M, “A Spreadsheet Model for Soccer Ball Flight Mechanics Simulation”, Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 19, Issue 3, p. 508-513, September 2011
• Amoiralis E. I.,Tsili M. A., Spathopoulos V. M., Hatziefremidis A., “Energy Efficiency Optimization in UAVs: A Review” Materials Science Forum Vol. 792 (2014) pp 281-286, Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland
• Hatziefremidis A., Spathopoulos V. M., Amoiralis E. I., Tsili M. A., “Investigation of Shielding Materials Impact on the Effectiveness of UAV FSO Communication Systems”, Materials Science Forum Vol. 792 (2014) pp 311-315, Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “Using freeware planetarium software to simulate the astronomical measurements of ancient Greeks”, Phys. Educ. 55 (2020)
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “A set of student activities for the simulation of ancient and medieval astronomical observations”, Phys. Educ. 56 (2021)
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “We know the way: learning the secrets of celestial navigation from ancient travellers”, Phys. Educ. 57 (2022) 
• Spathopoulos, V. M., “Using astronomy to analyse the van Gogh drawing 'Bank of the Rhone'”, Phys. Educ. 59 (2024)