Ioannis Politis

Ioannis Politis is a Professor of Nutritional Physiology and Performance of Farm Animals at the Agricultural University of Athens. He served as Chair of the Department of Animal Production and Aquaculture Science (2011-2015) and Dean of the School of Agricultural Production, Infrastructure and Environment (2015-2018). He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University (Canada) and has held academic positions at the University of Guelph, Cornell University, and the University of Vermont in the US before joining AUA.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Animal Science, McGill University, Canada (1989)
• Postdoctoral Researcher: University of Guelph (1989-1990), Cornell University (1990-1993)
• Assistant Professor (Tenured Track): University of Vermont (1993-1996)

Research Focus:

• Interactions between nutrition and immune function in livestock
• Identification of bioactive milk peptides with antihypertensive and immunomodulatory properties
• Plasminogen activator system and its role in mammary gland physiology
• Optimization of dairy byproduct utilization in animal feed and functional foods

Recent Article Trends: His recent work emphasizes valorization of dairy byproducts (e.g., whey), exploration of immunomodulatory peptides, and sustainable agricultural practices through agro-industrial waste utilization. Key themes include enhancing animal health through diet optimization and developing functional foods from biological waste streams.

Labs & Affiliations: Directs the Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Husbandry and collaborates with the Nutrition & Diet Physiology Laboratory. His research integrates animal physiology, microbiology, and food science to address challenges in livestock productivity and human nutrition.