Spiros Papakostas

Spiros Papakostas serves as Assistant Professor of Microbial and Molecular Ecology at the International Hellenic University's Department of Science and Technology since 2012, with concurrent roles as Principal Investigator at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki's Department of Biology since 2022.

His educational background includes:

• B.Sc. in Biology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Ph.D. in Population Genetics and Molecular Ecology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2008)

Specializing in Molecular Ecology and Population Genomics, his research examines eco-evolutionary dynamics through genomic, epigenetic, and metagenomic approaches. Key methodologies include proteomics, functional genomics, and next-generation DNA sequencing applied to aquatic organisms and microbial communities. His work bridges fundamental evolutionary theory with applied environmental challenges like biodiversity monitoring and sustainable aquaculture.

Publications reveal a strong focus on environmental adaptation mechanisms, with recent work emphasizing eDNA applications, thermal response epigenetics, and hatchery-induced evolution. Research spans both theoretical frameworks (e.g., growth rate hypothesis testing) and practical conservation applications.

Current research leadership includes:

• HORIZON project (2023-2026): Developing eDNA reference libraries for European aquatic biodiversity monitoring
• HFRI project (2021-2025): Systems biology modeling for Mediterranean aquaculture sustainability

Teaching responsibilities cover advanced genomic techniques including Data Science, Metagenomics, Population Genomics, and Next Generation DNA Sequencing.