Dimitrios Gousios

Dimitrios Gousios is a Professor at the University of Thessaly's Department of Spatial Engineering, Urban Planning and Regional Development, where he directs the Rural Space Laboratory and the Greek-French postgraduate program DYNTAR (Spatial Dynamics and Spatial Planning of Rural Space). He holds a PhD in Geography and Spatial Planning from the University of Toulouse-Le Mirail, France, with additional degrees in Sociology and Advanced Rural Studies.

His research focuses on:

• Territorial development methodologies for rural spaces, emphasizing resource identification and heritage valorization
• Mountain area dynamics, small-town roles, and local governance transformations
• Participatory planning tools, including GIS applications for community-led diagnostics
• Family farming evolution and multifunctional agriculture in Mediterranean contexts

Publications predominantly explore rural territorialization, spatial governance innovations, and crisis adaptation in Greek/EU agriculture. Recent work emphasizes participatory certification systems (e.g., for local dairy products) and High Nature Value farming linkages.

Awards:
Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (2005) from France's Ministry of Education for contributions to education and culture.

He has coordinated over 40 EU/national research projects, including:

• HNV-LINK (Horizon 2020)
• LACTIMED (MED Program)
• ENERSCAPES (MED Program)
• National Mountain Strategy for Cyprus (2018-2019)

As Director of the Rural Space Laboratory, he oversees international collaborations with universities in France, Albania, Morocco, and Egypt, facilitating student exchanges and joint research on Mediterranean rural development.