Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos | Geoinformatics – Research Director at Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Greece
Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos is a prominent geoscientist and Research Director at the Laboratory of Geophysical–Satellite Remote Sensing & Archaeoenvironment (GeoSat ReSeArch), Institute for Mediterranean Studies (IMS), Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). Internationally recognized for his pioneering work in archaeological geophysics and cultural heritage management, he combines applied geophysical methods with geoinformatics and satellite remote sensing to explore and preserve subsurface archaeological and environmental features. With over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Papadopoulos has built a globally relevant body of work that integrates innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Profile Verified
Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Papadopoulos earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology in 2001, followed by a PhD in Applied Geophysics in 2007 from the University of Thessaloniki, Greece. These academic foundations equipped him with robust knowledge in geophysical data acquisition, modeling, and inversion techniques, particularly for near-surface and tomographic applications. His academic journey continued with postdoctoral research at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) and a visiting research fellowship at the University of Arkansas, USA, broadening his expertise in international scientific collaboration and applied geophysics in diverse field environments.
Professional Experience
Since joining FORTH in 2009, Dr. Papadopoulos has led the GeoSat ReSeArch Lab, contributing to over 150 geophysical projects across more than a dozen countries including Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Egypt, the USA, South Korea, and Australia. As a project coordinator or principal investigator in more than 50 national and EU-funded research initiatives, he has managed a combined project budget exceeding €2.5 million. His work has significantly advanced non-invasive archaeological prospection and environmental monitoring through multidisciplinary methods and cross-sector collaborations. He also contributes to academia through visiting lectureships and academic supervision of PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
Research Interests
Dr. Papadopoulos’s core research interests lie at the intersection of applied geophysics, satellite remote sensing, and geoinformatics, with a strong focus on their application to archaeological prospection, shallow marine geophysics, urban mapping, and environmental monitoring. His innovations in numerical modeling and inversion of resistivity tomographic data have shaped how researchers approach subsurface investigations. Additionally, his efforts in integrating geophysical data with GIS and satellite platforms enable enhanced interpretation of cultural and natural landscapes.
Awards and Distinctions
Dr. Papadopoulos has been recognized with multiple international conference awards, including four Best Poster and Best Paper Awards, underscoring his commitment to high-impact research and effective scientific communication. His editorial roles as Associate Editor for Archaeological Prospection and Near Surface Geophysics, and Guest Editor for journals such as Remote Sensing and Journal of Applied Geophysics, further attest to his leadership in the scholarly community. His professional memberships include EAGE, ISAP, CAA-GR, and the FORTH Society of Researchers.
Selected Publications 📚
-
Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional resistivity imaging in archaeological site investigation
📖 Cited by: 213 | 📅 Year: 2006
-
Use of engineering geophysics to investigate a site for a building foundation
📖 Cited by: 161 | 📅 Year: 2007
-
Application of integrated methods in mapping waste disposal areas
📖 Cited by: 124 | 📅 Year: 2007
-
Integration of geophysical surveys, ground hyperspectral measurements, aerial and satellite imagery for archaeological prospection of prehistoric sites
📖 Cited by: 107 | 📅 Year: 2013
-
Geophysical investigation of tumuli by means of surface 3D electrical resistivity tomography
📖 Cited by: 104 | 📅 Year: 2010
-
Efficient ERT measuring and inversion strategies for 3D imaging of buried antiquities
📖 Cited by: 86 | 📅 Year: 2007
-
Characterization and monitoring of subsurface contamination from Olive Oil Mills’ waste waters using Electrical Resistivity Tomography
📖 Cited by: 57 | 📅 Year: 2018
Conclusion
Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a proven track record of scientific innovation, international collaboration, and interdisciplinary impact in applied geophysics, cultural heritage protection, and environmental monitoring. His pioneering use of geophysical and satellite remote sensing technologies, robust publication history, and leadership in both research and education mark him as a significant contributor to the global scientific community. As a dedicated mentor, research director, and field scientist, his continued work is expected to further shape the frontiers of archaeological geophysics and geoinformatics.