Dr. Orestis Stavrakidis-Zachou | Aquaculture | Best Researcher Award

Hellenic Center for Marine Research | Greece

Stavrakidis-Zachou Orestis is a marine biologist whose work bridges ecological research, mathematical modeling, and sustainable aquaculture. Based in Greece, he serves as a research associate at a leading marine institute, where he investigates the physiological responses of farmed fish to environmental stress, particularly rising sea temperatures. His research emphasizes the integration of experimental biology with computational tools to advance precision aquaculture and improve resilience in marine food systems. Orestis has co-authored multiple publications in international journals and is actively involved in collaborative projects that aim to mitigate the effects of climate change on aquatic life. He has presented his findings at various international scientific conferences and has a passion for marine conservation. His early involvement in biodiversity projects and voluntary conservation efforts highlights his long-standing dedication to marine ecosystems. With a unique interdisciplinary background, Orestis stands out as a forward-thinking researcher in the field of marine environmental sciences.

Profile

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Education

Orestis has a rich academic background in biology and marine science. He completed his doctoral studies in biology with a focus on fish metabolism under thermal stress, combining laboratory experimentation with bioenergetic modeling. He holds a master’s degree in marine biology, jointly pursued at universities known for marine and engineering sciences, where he explored sustainable nutrient use in aquaculture systems. His undergraduate degree in biology, awarded with honors, concentrated on environmental biology, and his dissertation involved studying marine polychaete communities in pristine coastal environments. His educational path reflects a continuous commitment to interdisciplinary learning and environmental problem-solving. From early schooling to postgraduate studies, his academic performance has been consistently excellent, and his interests have always leaned toward understanding ecological systems and advancing marine science. This foundation laid the groundwork for his transition into applied research, where he now integrates biological knowledge with technological innovations to support sustainable aquaculture practices.

Experience

Orestis brings broad experience in marine research, particularly in aquaculture and environmental modeling. As a research associate at a prominent marine research center, he has been involved in projects developing computational models to simulate fish growth and metabolism under various environmental and dietary conditions. His work involves using bioenergetic frameworks and programming tools to improve decision-making in aquaculture. He also participates in experimental studies on Mediterranean species, evaluating physiological responses to climate-related stressors. His earlier experiences include working on marine environmental assessment projects where he collected and analyzed coastal water samples. Additionally, during his internship at a national marine park, he contributed to conservation activities and public awareness programs focused on marine mammals. These diverse roles have given him hands-on experience in field sampling, data analysis, and scientific reporting. Orestis’s unique blend of technical and ecological expertise positions him well for contributing to both applied science and marine conservation efforts.

Awards and Honors

Orestis has earned several recognitions for his academic excellence and dedication to marine science. He was awarded a full postgraduate scholarship from a national foundation, a prestigious acknowledgment granted to outstanding students pursuing higher education. He also received funding under a European academic exchange program to support his studies abroad. Earlier in his academic journey, he was selected by an international conservation organization to participate in a dolphin research project in a protected Greek bay, reflecting his early commitment to field-based marine biology. His passion for marine conservation is also evident through his voluntary involvement in projects protecting sea turtles and promoting wetland biodiversity. These experiences not only highlight his scientific capabilities but also his dedication to environmental stewardship. Through a combination of academic merit, fieldwork contributions, and community engagement, Orestis has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a committed and impactful researcher in the field of marine and environmental sciences.

Research Focus

Orestis focuses on research that merges marine biology, environmental stress physiology, and computational modeling. His primary interests lie in understanding how climate change, particularly warming oceans, affects the metabolism, growth, and welfare of farmed fish species. He applies bioenergetic modeling approaches to predict the performance of different species under various thermal and nutritional scenarios. His work also contributes to the development of precision aquaculture tools, such as early warning systems and decision-support platforms. By collaborating with engineers and software developers, he enhances the capacity of aquaculture systems to adapt to environmental changes. He is also involved in remote sensing applications, linking satellite data to on-site aquaculture performance. His holistic approach enables the integration of ecological knowledge with technological solutions. Through interdisciplinary research, Orestis aims to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of aquaculture practices, contributing to both scientific advancement and the practical needs of the aquaculture industry.

Publications

• Title: A Nutritional Bioenergetic Model for Farmed Fish: Effects of Food Composition on Growth, Oxygen Consumption and Waste Production
  Year: 2025

• Title: Assessing between-individual variability in bioenergetics modelling: Opportunities, challenges, and potential applications
  Year: 2024

• Title: Diversification of marine aquaculture in Norway under climate change
  Year: 2024

• Title: Marine Heatwaves in the Mediterranean Sea: A Literature Review
  Year: 2024

• Title: Modeling the bioenergetics of two herbivorous fish species in the Mediterranean Sea: The native Sarpa salpa and the invasive Siganus rivulatus
  Year: 2024

• Title: A bioenergetics approach to modelling tolerance limits under acute thermal stress in farmed finfish
  Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Orestis Stavrakidis-Zachou represents the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher whose work is at the intersection of science, sustainability, and societal impact. His contributions to aquaculture, environmental modeling, and climate change resilience are timely and significant. With continued emphasis on independent leadership, innovation, and thematic focus, he is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in his field. He is a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award and an academic professional with the potential to drive transformative changes in sustainable marine science.