Resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – it’s how quickly it is done, rather than who does it

European Society of Cardiology

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Key takeaways:

• The proportion of bystanders (as opposed to emergency medical services) performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)  has steadily increased over the past decades.
• The study emphasises that the speed of CPR initiation, rather than who performs it, is crucial to survival and better outcomes.
• Each 5-minute delay in return of spontaneous circulation in patients experiencing OCHA is associated with a 38% increased risk of death.
• Based on these findings, the authors emphasise that increasing the number of individuals trained in proper CPR techniques within the public is essential to improving the still alarmingly low survival rates for OHCA. But it is always better to do something than nothing, while you wait for help to arrive.

Florence, Italy,14 March 2025: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in people experiencing a heart attack is a time-dependent medical emergency requiring immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

In new research presented at this year’s ESC Acute CardioVascular Care congress in Florence, Italy (14-15 March), a research team led by Prof. Aneta Aleksova, including Dr. Alessandra Lucia Fluca and Dr. Milijana Janjusevic from the University of Trieste, Italy, in collaboration with interventional cardiologist Dr. Andrea Perkan, concludes that, while the proportion of bystanders (members of the public) performing CPR has increased over the past two decades in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (an autonomous region in northeastern Italy), the critical factor in determining survival and long-term outcomes is how quickly CPR is started, not who performs it.

More specifically, while it is encouraging that the number of bystander rescuers has increased compared to previous years, the fact that 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur in residential settings highlights the crucial need for further public education and Basic Life Support (BLS) training to improve survival rates.

The authors conclude: “Over time, the proportion of layperson rescuers constantly increased. Rapid return of spontaneous circulation was was crucial for in-hospital survival, independently of rescuer type. Also, similar long-term survival was observed comparing patients with initial layperson or emergency medical service cardiopulmonary resuscitaiton. Our data highlights the importance of immediate resuscitation and underlines the importance to promote population awareness and BLS training to further improve survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.”

The authors analysed data from 3315 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of a major heart artery, who were admitted to the cardiology department at University Hospital Trieste over the 22-year period (2003-2024). Among them, 172 suffered OHCA, and in total 44 had received CPR from a bystander during the whole study period. When the study period was divided into five intervals (2003-2007, 2008-2011, 2012-2015, 2016–2019 and 2020 to 2024) (see Figure 1 of abstract), the authors observed a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving bystander-initiated CPR throughout the years. Statistical analysis showed the proportion of patients receiving bystander CPR increased from 26% in 2003-2007 to 69% in 2020-2024.

The median time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 10 minutes overall, but longer for bystanders (20 minutes) compared with medical operators (5 minutes). Patients who received bystander CPR more frequently underwent endotracheal intubation (ET) (91% for bystander CPR versus 65% for those receiving EMS CPR).

Overall, one quarter of the patients (25.6%) died in the initial period of hospital admission. Compared to survivors, patients who died in-hospital were older (mean age:  67 years versus 62 years) and had more comorbidities. Statistical analysis revealed worse left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), longer time to ROSC and older age were predictors of in-hospital mortality, after correction for rescuer type. More precisely, each 5-minute increase in time to ROSC and a 5-percentage-point decrease in LVEF were associated with a 38% increased risk in mortality, whereas every 5-years increase in age corresponded to a 46% higher death risk. Then, during a median follow-up of 7 years, 18 patients (14%) died, but the authors’ analysis showed mortality did not differ based on rescuer type.

While these survival rates are higher than typically seen for OHCA patients, the authors explain that various factors could be behind this – the patients included in this study had STEMI-type heart attacks, from which the chances of recovery are higher (compared to patients with OHCA with other cardiac and extracardiac causes). Other factors could include higher than average proportions of bystanders trained in CPR, and strongly performing emergency health systems enabling operators to reach victims more rapidly.

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

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Additional context provided by the authors: In general, chances of survival for patients having a cardiac arrest outside hospital are between 1% and 10%. Even for those who survive the initial event and are taken to hospital, the chances of survival are still low (1- 10% as well) because of complications, as shown by the statistics in the literature and clinical practice.

In this particular work, in-hospital survival rate was higher compared to other studies due to several reasons. First of all, enrolled patients in the study were those who survived heart attack type STEMI, a subset of OHCA patients with more favourable characteristics.  Treatment protocols may also explain the observed survival rates.  The difference could also be explained by a higher number of Basic Life Support (BLS) courses in this region, which may have led to more people being aware of CPR and more people performing it. Other regional factors, such as improvements in emergency response systems and healthcare infrastructure, may also contribute to the differences observed. 

On the other hand, the survival rate during long-term follow-up is an important aspect of the discussion. According to some studies, patients who survive cardiac arrest face low chances of a favourable outcome, often with a reduced quality of life due to complications and neurological impairments. However, other research suggests that the quality of life for these individuals can be comparable to that of the general population, provided that certain factors, particularly neurological outcomes at the time of discharge, are favourable. These contrasting perspectives highlight the complexity of predicting long-term recovery and emphasize the significance of early neurological assessments in determining future quality of life for cardiac arrest survivors.

 

ANNEX:  Prevalence of STEMI

Funding – None

Disclosures – None

 

About the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care  

The Association for Acute CardioVascular Care promotes research and education, spreading knowledge of new, emerging science in the field of acute cardiac care. 

 

About ESC Acute CardioVascular Care   #ACVC2025 

Information for journalists about registration for ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2025:

ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2025 takes place 14 to 15 March at the Firenze  Palazzo degli Affari Congress Centre in Florence, Italy. Explore the scientific programme 

 

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About the European Society of Cardiology 

The ESC brings together healthcare professionals from more than 150 countries, working to advance cardiovascular medicine and help people to live longer, healthier lives. 

 

Growing solar: Optimizing agrivoltaic systems for crops and clean energy

Combining solar energy and farming can be enhanced by smart PV-trackers that adjust solar panel positioning to ensure an optimal balance between light available for photosynthesis and light available for electricity production

SPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics

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Agrivoltaics integrates solar power generation with agriculture. Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) are exploring different scenarios to optimize both the photovoltaic panel positioning and the underlying crops. A pilot project in Nussbach will contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of agrivoltaic systems on apple orchards and the surrounding environment.

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Credit: Bruno et al., doi 10.1117/1.JPE.15.032703.

Agrivoltaic systems, which combine solar power generation with agricultural practices, offer a promising solution to the growing demand for both renewable energy and food production. By integrating solar panels with crops, these systems not only address the land use conflict between agriculture and energy production, but they also provide important benefits such as reducing crop water stress and offering protection against extreme weather events. In addition, agrivoltaics can contribute to biodiversity by providing pollinator habitats and forage production. For ecosystems in water-scarce regions, these systems have been shown to increase flower production and delay blooming, which supports late-season pollinators. Research also shows that solar panels can perform better in agrivoltaic systems, thanks to the microclimate created underneath them.

As agrivoltaic systems become an increasingly important part of the global energy transition, the need for tailored tracking strategies to optimize their performance is growing. Horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT) systems, which adjust the angle of solar panels throughout the day to track the sun, offer significant potential in this regard. Effective control of panel positioning helps balance the dual objectives of maximizing energy generation and preserving agricultural yields. Such optimization is particularly relevant as agrivoltaic systems need to meet yield loss thresholds in order to qualify for subsidies, thus improving their economic viability.

A recent study published in the Journal of Photonics for Energy (JPE) provides valuable insights into how solar panel positioning can be optimized to achieve this balance. The research focuses on a case study of apple orchards in southwestern Germany, but the findings are broadly applicable to various agricultural settings. The study proposes a new methodology for dynamically optimizing solar panel positioning based on the light needs of crops. Unlike traditional shading strategies, which are based on general guidelines or structures like hail nets, this new approach uses specific irradiation targets to meet the precise light requirements of different crop varieties. The research team ran simulations using a custom tool called APyV to assess how varying solar panel positions would impact light availability for the crops.

APyV uses advanced ray tracing techniques to evaluate the distribution of solar radiation and its impact on both the photovoltaic panels and the underlying crops. The tool automates design optimization of agrivoltaic systems based on key performance indicators, the interface with different crop models, and the integrated simulation of specialty crops. It allows direct calculation of the light received by the crop and a more accurate simulation of its impact on the overall agrivoltaic system.

The results of the case study revealed that with tailored solar panel control, 91 percent of the light needed for the apple trees was delivered over the course of the year, with only a moderate 20 percent reduction in solar energy production. However, the study also identified periods when the light requirements of the apple trees were not fully met, indicating the challenges of achieving optimal crop and energy performance simultaneously. Despite these limitations, the study lays a strong foundation for future research, which is already underway.

According to corresponding author Maddelena Bruno, who is leading the study as a doctoral candidate at Fraunhofer ISE, “Our study shows that the combination of solar energy and farming can be enhanced by smart PV-trackers that adjust the position of solar panels based on weather conditions, crop types, and their growth stages. This approach ensures an optimal balance between light available for photosynthesis and light available for electricity production.”

Bruno notes that the proposed irradiation targets and tracking strategy are to be field-tested during the current growing season in Nussbach, providing an opportunity to validate or challenge the reported results. These field tests will contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of the impact of agrivoltaic systems on apple orchards and the surrounding environment. Ultimately, this research will provide critical insights that can guide the optimization of agrivoltaic systems, making them more effective in balancing agricultural productivity and renewable energy generation while supporting the ongoing energy transition.

For details, see the original Gold Open Access article by M. Bruno et al., “Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies through optimized tracking strategies,” J. Photon. Energy 15(3), 032703 (2025), doi: 10.1117/1.JPE.15.032703.

 

 

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Journal

Journal of Photonics for Energy

DOI

10.1117/1.JPE.15.032703 

Article Title

Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies through optimized tracking strategies

 

Cambridge scientist launches free VR platform that eliminates the fear of public speaking

Dr Chris Macdonald creates free virtual reality platform that transforms users into skilled and confident public speakers

Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge

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Dr Chris Macdonald wearing the Immersive Technology Lab headset.

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Credit: Flavia Bartoletti, Lucy Cavendish College

Today is World Speech Day, a day where we are called upon to embrace public speaking opportunities. Unfortunately, this call to action is unlikely to be widely embraced given that the majority of people are affected by speech anxiety and the fear of public speaking. Fortunately, however, there is now a free and highly effective solution.

At Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, researchers are using emerging digital technology to enrich and accelerate learning. Their Immersive Technology Lab received a national innovation award for a project that uses VR to better translate and visualise emissions data. Today, they are launching a free online platform where users transform into skilled and confident public speakers. On the platform, tailored course material develops key skills and life-like virtual reality training environments build confidence.

Lab Director and platform founder, Dr Chris Macdonald, explains, “In physical reality, a user might be practising a presentation alone in their bedroom but on the new virtual reality platform, they can experience the sensation of presenting to a wide range of increasingly challenging photorealistic audiences.”

Impact at scale:
By developing a method that converts smartphones into VR headsets, Dr Macdonald has made sure that the platform is accessible to all. For reference, only 5% of UK households have a VR headset but 99% have smartphones. And while VR headsets can cost thousands, a device mount (pictured below) costs around £15. A device mount could be thought of as a low-cost ‘conversion kit’ that transforms a user’s smartphone into a functional VR headset. Importantly, the platform has been built in such a way that whether a participant is using the latest standalone VR headset or an old smartphone inserted into a device mount, they will get the same content and the same experience.

Impact at speed:
As recently revealed in the academic journal, Frontiers, the platform has been clinically proven to significantly increase levels of confidence for most users after a single 30-minute session. And, in the most recent trial with students from Cambridge and UCL, it was found that a week of self-guided use was beneficial to 100% of participants; the platform helped all users in one or more of the following ways: to feel more prepared, more adaptable, more resilient, more confident, to be better able to manage nerves, and to feel less anxious. Further findings will be revealed at the upcoming International Conference on Research in Psychology at Oxford.
 

User-centric design:
A user-centric iterative process ensured that the platform would work ‘in the wild’. In between each rebuild thus far, the platform has hosted over 50,000 practice presentations from remote beta users. To further stress test the software and hardware, in-person events were organised, one of which involved over 1000 members of the public using the platform in suboptimal conditions in a demo room in Cambridge. To further expand and deepen the participant pool, the lab went on tour. This included stops at the largest science and technology events such as New Scientist Live as well as less formal settings such as a local market, library, community centre, church, and even someone’s living room.

Dr Macdonald says, “I wanted to build something that is not only highly effective but that can and will be used by those who need it the most. As a result, it was essential to gather diverse user feedback from a variety of settings. The lab cannot develop in a silo, it needs to work closely with end users. Through constant public engagement, we can maximise our positive impact and ensure that we remain deeply grounded in public service.”

World firsts:
Multiple firsts were achieved to make the platform uniquely accessible and effective.

To increase accessibility, it was essential that the platform worked on both Android and iOS operating systems. To achieve this, a first-of-its-kind, dual-compatible VR player was created. As a result, not only is this the first time that this treatment is available for free worldwide, but it is also the first time it is accessible via multiple devices and multiple operating systems. In short, many firsts were completed to achieve impact at scale.

The efficacy is increased with Overexposure Therapy (the ability to repeatedly practice in extreme scenarios that one is unlikely to encounter in real life, such as hyper-distracting stadiums—a concept Dr Macdonald pioneered). It provides the psychological equivalent of running with weights or at high altitudes; it builds extra adaptability, grit, and resilience.

Dr Macdonald explains, “Prior to a presentation, most students tend to practice on their own, in a highly-controlled environment—normally in their bedrooms to an ‘audience’ of zero. As a result, it will feel like a significant ‘step up’ when they present to even a small group of people—and even a subtle audience gesture can throw them off. By contrast, students who use the VR platform can practice in a different venue every night to a wide range of highly distracting audiences and fear-inducing scenarios. They can, for example, practice in a stadium in front of 10,000 animated spectators, with loud noises, stadium lights, and flashing cameras. Accordingly, a subsequent presentation to a small group can feel like a significant ‘step down’. The data shows that this process not only increases confidence, adaptability, and resilience but also the enjoyment of public speaking. Students are enjoying the challenge of pushing themselves and progressing to each new level. This increased enjoyment is highly encouraging because we know that fear and anxiety are maintained or worsened through avoidance.”

“In addition to the range of presentation-style audiences, the platform also provides more specialised environments and challenges, such as reading a teleprompter in a virtual TV studio or responding to questions in a job or radio interview. To offer additional support on perfecting your scripts, I built and embedded an AI coach. And beyond the main platform that is now freely available via a dedicated website, I have created licensing plans and an app for healthcare providers. I am also collaborating with organisations that seek to support specific groups such as children who stammer; the goal is to create more targeted treatment options for those who need it the most.”

“Speech anxiety and the fear of public speaking impact most people, and it is becoming increasingly more common over time. This is concerning because we know that it is detrimental to mental health, physical health, academic attainment, and career progression. Therefore, the problem is prevalent, it is getting worse, it is causing harm, and ultimately, it is capping human potential. However, this no longer needs to be the case. If you or anyone you know would like to become a skilled and confident public speaker, there is now an effective and accessible solution—please do make use of it.”

“It is very promising to see how effective the platform is given that we already know ways to make it even more effective. However, to continue its development, expand it long-term, and launch additional features and platforms, we need funding. Therefore, I encourage philanthropists and sponsors to reach out. We are data-driven and uniquely committed to impact at scale. With the right funding, together, we could transform millions of lives.”

“The platform has immense potential to empower individuals to overcome their fear of public speaking, ultimately enhancing not only their quality of life but also their capacity to become a driving force of positive change in the world.”

“I set out with a simple but ambitious mission: make the most effective treatment for the most common fear and make it freely accessible to all. Today, with the launch of the free platform, I believe I have achieved that. Please do use it. It will transform your life and greatly expand your opportunities.”

To contact Dr Chris Macdonald, click here.
To access related press images and videos, click here.

Dr Chris Macdonald established the multi-award-winning Immersive Technology Lab to investigate the transformative potential of emerging technologies for education and healthcare. Chris is a Fellow at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. Chris was recently crowned the winner of the 40 Under 40 Award in the Science and Innovation category.

User feedback:
“When practising my presentations, I sometimes find it difficult to visualise the people I’m speaking to, but this platform gave me the opportunity to see the crowd and get comfortable speaking in front of them.”
-Toluwalase Agoro, Cambridge University Student

“I usually practice talks alone in my room which makes it very difficult to imagine my audience so I found using the VR headset was very useful … it made the practice much more effective.”
-Rowena Davies, Cambridge University Student

“The Platform was very user-friendly and surprisingly easy to experience with just a smartphone. What stands out about this technology is definitely the great accessibility.”
-Andrea Rogolino, Cambridge University Student

[The Virtual Reality Public Speaking Platform was embedded into Lucy Cavendish College’s Future Global Leaders programme] “The Future Global Leaders Programme helped me identify the kind of Leader I am and gave me knowledge in how other SDG goals actually contribute to my SDG of interest. What stood out to me was the public speaking practice using VR training environments! I used this method to practise for my presentation, and received positive feedback about my public speaking skills from one of the guest speakers."
-Tadala Mzengo, Future Global Leaders participant
 

YouTube influencers: gaming’s best friend or worst enemy?

New study reveals surprising impact on sales and playtime

Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences

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New INFORMS Marketing Science Study Key Takeaways:

• YouTube influencers increase player engagement and playtime but often reduce game purchases, especially for story-driven games.
• A unique event in YouTube’s history, the “Adpocalypse,” allowed researchers to measure the causal impact of influencer content, revealing its complex effects on game sales and usage.
• Game developers must align their business models with influencer marketing, because games with in-game purchases benefit from exposure, while single purchase games may lose revenue.

 

BALTIMORE, MD, March 14, 2025 – YouTube influencers are shaping the gaming industry in unexpected ways, and a new study in the INFORMS journal Marketing Science uncovers the surprising truth: Although influencers can drive massive engagement with video games, they might also be costing game developers millions in lost sales.

The study, “Opposing Influences of YouTube Influencers: Purchase and Usage Effects in the Video Game Industry,” provides the first causal evidence of how influencer marketing affects gaming. Researchers found that although YouTube gaming content increases playtime, it may also discourage purchases – particularly for narrative-driven games in which viewers can experience the full storyline by watching playthroughs.

More Views, More Playtime – But Fewer Sales?

Using extensive data from Steam, the world’s largest PC gaming platform, the researchers uncovered a double-edged sword: YouTube influencers drive more engagement with the YouTube influencers and longer playtime, but their content can actually hurt game sales.

“YouTube gaming content is a blessing and a curse,” says Nan Li, the study’s lead author and professor at Tongji University. “It can turn a game into a viral sensation, but for some games, especially story-driven ones, people may choose to watch instead of buy. That’s a major challenge for developers.”

The “Adpocalypse” Effect: A Game-Changer for Research

The researchers took advantage of a unique event in YouTube’s history – known as the Adpocalypse – in which a sudden change in YouTube’s advertising policies forced influencers to delay their uploads. This gave researchers a rare opportunity to study the causal impact of influencer content, free from the usual biases.

“Most influencer studies can’t separate cause and effect,” says Avery Haviv, a professor in the Simon Business School, University of Rochester. “But this moment in YouTube’s history gave us a natural experiment to measure the real impact of gaming videos on sales and engagement. The results were eye-opening.”

What This Means for the Gaming Industry

The findings explain why companies have been divided on influencer marketing. Although games that rely on long-term engagement (like Minecraft or Fortnite) benefit from YouTube’s reach, single purchase games (e.g., story-driven RPGs) may actually lose revenue when influencers share full playthroughs.

“It’s clear that one-size-fits-all marketing no longer works in gaming,” says Li. “For games that make money from in-game purchases, influencer exposure is free advertising. But for single-purchase games, developers must think twice about their strategies.”

The Bottom Line: Friend or Foe?

With YouTube gaming content making up one-third of all YouTube traffic, and gaming influencers driving billions of views, this research delivers a critical message: influencer marketing is powerful, but it’s not always profitable. “For game developers, the question isn’t whether influencers matter – it’s whether they help or hurt the bottom line,” says Mitch Lovett, a professor in the Simon Business School, University of Rochester. “The answer depends entirely on the business model.”

 

Link to full study.

 

About INFORMS and Marketing Science
INFORMS is the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, data science and related disciplines, serving as a global authority in advancing cutting-edge practices and fostering an interdisciplinary community of innovation. Marketing Science, a peer-reviewed journal published by INFORMS, focuses on quantitative research at the intersection of consumers and firms. INFORMS fosters smarter decision-making and innovation through its journals, conferences and professional resources. Learn more at www.informs.org or @informs.

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Journal

Marketing Science

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Opposing Influences of YouTube Influencers: Purchase and Usage Effects in the Video Game Industry

 

NJIT mathematician to help map Earth's last frontier with Navy grant

With an Office of Naval Research grant, NJIT’s Eliza Michalopoulou aims to help scientists map Earth’s last frontier — the uncharted expanses of the planet’s ocean floor.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

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We’ve mapped nearly all of Mars’ surface from orbit, yet we know less about Earth’s ocean floor — almost 75% remains unmapped in high resolution.

This terrestrial blind spot is driving NJIT Mathematics Professor Eliza Michalopoulou’s latest research, funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The project aims to improve how scientists explore the vast, uncharted ocean floor through sound.

“Mapping the seabed is a challenging endeavor due to the extreme conditions,” said Michalopoulou, chair of NJIT’s Department of Mathematical Sciences. “The immense pressure is crushing at depths like the Pacific’s Mariana Trench, for example, where it reaches over 1,000 times sea-level atmospheric force, making it difficult and costly to deploy submersibles for exploration. The remarkably low temperatures further complicate efforts.”

Rather than sending equipment into such depths, Michalopoulou’s research harnesses underwater sound waves to study the ocean remotely.

“By ‘listening’ to the ocean, we can analyze its properties and characteristics without the need to physically deploy extensive equipment into the depths of the vast underwater world,” she added.

Michalopoulou is currently investigating a fundamental mathematical question crucial to both ocean exploration and naval defense operations — how do physical properties of the ocean shape the way sound travels beneath the surface?

Her field, called geoacoustic inversion, uses mathematical models to transform underwater sound waves into detailed information about stretches of the seafloor, revealing everything from bathymetry (depth) to sediment density and sub-bottom layering. It can also help scientists explore the habitats and migration patterns of marine life.

“The process relies on underwater microphones, called hydrophones, that capture sound waves,” Michalopoulou explained. “We integrate this acoustic data with mathematical models to understand how sound interacts with the seabed. This helps us predict how signals — like those from submarines — travel through water and what they should ‘look’ like when received.”

However, Michalopoulou says there’s a challenge — different methods for analyzing this acoustic data often paint conflicting pictures of the same seafloor.

“Different methods can point to completely different structures in the seabed layers,” she explained. “Understanding the properties of the seabed is pivotal for things like defense operations and environmental conservation, but we need to understand why these methods disagree to be confident in our data.”

These variations arise from the fundamental complexity of mathematical modeling. “Some approaches assume oceanographic conditions, like currents and their influence on sound speed, are known,” Michalopoulou said. “Others treat both ocean processes and sediment properties as unknowns, which can lead to significantly different interpretations of the same data.”

Real-world factors further complicate the picture. Ship traffic and marine life create acoustic interference that can distort measurements. To understand these variations, Michalopoulou is applying modeling simulations that can help reveal the true properties of the ocean floor below.

“The problem is that the ocean floor is largely a mystery, and we usually don’t know the true properties of the seabed, so it is difficult to assess how well a given method performs in mapping it accurately,” said Michalopoulou. “With advanced mathematical models, we can now create realistic simulations where the true environmental conditions are known. This allows us to evaluate different mapping methods and understand their variability.

“In three years, we expect to have thoroughly analyzed a wide range of approaches, assessing their accuracy, inherent uncertainty and potential for real-time application,” she added. “The insights and conclusions drawn from this research will contribute to high-fidelity seabed exploration, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of anti-submarine warfare strategies.”

Michalopoulou’s project is underway amid other global efforts like the Seabed 2030 project and UNESCO’s Ocean Decade, contributing to broader initiatives to map and explore Earth’s ocean floor.

Since Michalopoulou joined NJIT in 1994, the ONR has supported her leading research efforts in the fields of underwater acoustics and signal processing. In 2022, she was named Distinguished Lecturer by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Oceanic Engineering Society and has also been named Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, among many other distinctions.

Michalopoulou’s project, “A Simulation Study for Assessing Accuracy, Uncertainty, and Consistency in Geoacoustic Inversion Across Methodologies,” recently commenced under ONR’s Basic and Applied Scientific Research program.