Photo in the field = Riverine hydraulic measurements in the Ziz River (Er-Rachidia) borderline between Algeria and Morocco. Georgios did this work for his MSc degree funded by the Bodossaki Foundation
Meet Georgios who recently started his PhD studies shared between Matias Lab and Araújo Lab at the MNCN-CSIC.
Can you share a bit about your academic and research background?
I studied Biology at Aristotle University (AUTh, Greece; 2014-2019) wherein I focused particularly on aquatic ecosystems and ecological models. After graduating, I began working as a Research Assistant at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR, Greece; 2019-2024). In parallel with my institutional role, I received a national scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Hydraulic Engineering/Hydrology at the Engineering School of Athens (NTUA; 2020-2022) to deepen my understanding on the fine-scale dynamics between biotic and abiotic components in freshwater ecosystems. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD at MNCN-CSIC and UIMP, working as a pre-doctoral investigator in Araujo’s Lab under the supervision of Miguel Bastos Araujo and Miguel Matias. My research focuses on species distribution models, food web dynamics and advancing trophic predictions in the past, present and future.
What specific research projects have you been involved with in the past, and what role did you play?
After completing my graduate studies, I became involved in national research projects focused on the biology of understudied fish species, the ecological and food-web structure of aquatic communities, and gained solid experience in the field of invasive species ecology under the invaluable guidance of Dr. Paraskevi Karachle, Dr. Maria Th. Stoumboudi and Dr. Argyro Zenetos (IMBRIW-HCMR). Later, I received a grant and, in a collaboration with a transnational research group from Greece and Morocco I led a research expedition that resulted in the first raw-field based information and simulation models on the interaction between aquatic biota and ecohydraulics in the deserts of North Africa.
What are your primary research interests, and how did you become interested in these areas?
I am interested in addressing challenging questions regarding the biology and ecology of aquatic species, both in the marine and freshwater environments, to deepen our understanding of the complex structure of life in the element of water.
What will you be working on in our research group, and what are your goals for this project?
The main focus of my PhD thesis is to improve our understanding of the natural and anthropogenic mechanisms that drive large macroecological patterns in aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, I aim to develop a unified SDM-based modelling framework for aquatic species and, along with my team, to disentangle complex food-web structures across taxa, space and time.
How does your current research align with the overall objectives of our research group?
I consider that my current research closely aligns with the objectives of the research group. In addition to addressing the macroecological questions in my thesis, we aim to provide valuable conservation guidelines for the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems through a holistic approach.
Are there any particular challenges you anticipate facing in your current research? How do you plan to address them?
Among the various challenges in the field of ecological research, I would highlight the need for carefully compiling information for different data sources, as well as across spatial and temporal scales. I am confident that regularly communicating and evaluating each step with team members and the supervisors significantly reduce biases in the final output. As always, “all models are wrong, but some are useful” (Box, 1976).
What skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop during your time in this research group?
Since it is the first time I am based abroad, outside from Greece, I hope to develop my communication skills with an international team, such as in the Araujo’s Lab. Additionally, I aim to enhance my technical skills and, more importantly, my critical ecological thinking when tackling complex ecological questions. Unfortunately, to my understanding, in a constantly changing world, ecologists are needed more than ever.
Where do you see your research taking you in the next five years?
One of the key lessons that macroecology has taught me so far is that space and time are subjective. With that in mind, I hope to answer all, or at least some, of the questions I am addressing, in order to keep providing my service to the international scientific community. As a result, I envision myself, five years from now, progressing to the next stage of my research career as a post-doctoral researcher in a similarly high-quality research group, where I can integrate my past knowledge into even more advanced and innovative thinking.
Are there any particular conferences, journals, or professional networks you are keen to engage with through your research here?
I am very keen to engage with the International Biogeographical Society as a young member, as I share the same vision for advancing our understanding for the mechanisms that drive changes in ecosystems, especially aquatic ones, which are highly threatened along with the element of water itself.
What do you think are the most pressing questions or challenges in your research field today?
In my opinion, the ultimate challenge is to transform the complex puzzles within environmental systems into clear questions and then attempt to provide simple answers. This not only helps facilitate a better understanding within the scientific community, but also allows for the communication of research findings to governmental bodies, stakeholders and ultimately to the general public. From academic publications to newspapers, or to be more precise social media, effective communication is the key.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments and research in your area of interest?
The way I stay updated, which I highly recommend, is by being an active member of several online scientific associations through newsletters, social media platforms, and subscription-based communities. This allows me to stay consistently informed about the latest innovations in the field.
Can you recommend any groundbreaking or influential papers/books in your field that you think everyone should read?
If I had to choose one influential paper, it would be “Anecdotes and the Shifting Baseline Syndrome of Fisheries,” published by Daniel Pauly three decades ago in Trends in Ecology & Evolution. In this one-page essay, the charismatic Prof. Daniel Pauly highlighted a critical flaw in conservation efforts known as the “shifting baseline syndrome.” In simple terms, because as mentioned earlier; time is subjective, humans tend to restore ecosystems to how they were “yesterday,” failing to grasp the true magnitude of the changes that have occurred over decades.
Outside of research, what are your hobbies or interests?
I’m passionate about exploring modern history, enjoying good movies, fine wine, and delicious food with friends. When possible, I love traveling, especially to North Africa, where the desert landscapes and people are both beautiful and full of life. Each year, I volunteer as a scientific instructor at the Environmental Ecology and Conservation Group’s Coastal Ocean Environment Summer School in Nigeria and Ghana, which strives to promote scientific research and expeditions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
How do you balance your research commitments with your personal life?
I would describe the everyday life of a typical researcher as ideal, as scientific progress isn’t easily measured by time and deadlines. However, this greatly depends on the dedication of each individual and the available support from the research team. Personally, I am grateful for my past and present collaborations, which allow for a balance between work and personal life.