Dr Vassilios McInnes Spathopoulos


​I am a Greek-Scot having obtained a PhD from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Glasgow. I frequently conduct science outreach events, particularly in the field of astronomy, at science festivals and schools. I have authored several popular science and engineering books and currently lecture at Glasgow International College. 
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                                                                                                     Recent Awards
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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)