PP5: HCMR

Description of the organization

The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), under the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI), includes three institutes: the Institute of Oceanography (IO), the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), and the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW). The IO’s mission encompasses multidisciplinary study and long-term monitoring of physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes in marine ecosystems. It focuses on operational monitoring and forecasting, studying climate change impacts on biogeochemical cycles, food webs, and biodiversity. IO addresses anthropogenic impacts, aiming for marine ecosystem health conservation and restoration. Additionally, it engages in operational oceanography, marine renewable energy, manages marine observatories, develops marine technology, and supports the blue economy through research, training, decision-making, and providing marine services.

Competences and involvement in 2B-BLUE

• HCMR is leading the study to facilitate the strengthening of the blue bioeconomy/biotechnology sector in emerging value chains (WP1).
• HCMR is taking the lead in the collaborative development process of a framework for testing and transferring knowledge in the field of Blue Biotechnology (BBt).
• HCMR will build the national demonstration site (GR-DS) to experiment emerging technologies or practices in local field conditions, bridge the gap among BBt research and industry for new technologies adaptation while using nature-based solutions for the restoration of the marine environment.

Team members

Antonia Giannakourou
She is a Marine Biologist, Research Director at IO/HCMR, expert in Plankton and Microbial Ecology. Current research: food web structure and function, trophodynamics, plankton indicators, ecosystem productivity and health. Involved in numerous EU  projects, the implementation of MSFD (D4-food webs) and strengthening networking opportunities for the sustainability of Blue Economy in Greece (MISTRAL, B-BLUE, PANORAMED, Blue ECOsystem). More..

Sofia Reizopoulou
She  is Research Director at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, expert on Benthic Ecology, Ecosystem health & Restoration and Impact Assessment. Involved in several National and International projects undertaking WP responsibility, or as coordinator. She is also deeply involved in WFD and MSFD implementation at national and European level. More.

Chrysa Efstratiou
She is a research scientist at the Institute of Oceanography of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. Specializing in hydraulics, soil science, and agricultural engineering, most of her research focuses on sustainable approaches that utilize natural processes and ecosystems to address challenges in the activities of the blue economy. More.

Dr. Evangelia Strogyloudi
She is an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, studies the effects and toxicity of contaminants in marine organisms, particularly under climate change conditions, and the physiology of marine bivalves. She also investigates toxin transfer from harmful algal blooms within the food web. More.

Iordanis Magiopoulos

He is is a marine microbiologist focusing on anthropogenic impacts on the microbial food web and mitigation measures as well as on applied microbiology. He has experience in Mesocosm Experimentation, the Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) approach and Science Outreach Activities. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6475-7326. More.