Dr. Dimitris Vandarakis is a coastal geomorphologist and research scientist affiliated with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Greece, where he currently serves as a Research Fellow. His research focuses on coastal processes, marine geomorphology, sediment dynamics, and the assessment of coastal vulnerability in the context of climate change and human pressures.

He obtained his PhD in Geography from Harokopio University (Athens), with a dissertation on the palaeogeographical evolution of the Athens plain during the Holocene. He also holds a Master’s degree (Master II) from Université Paris XII – Val de Marne, specializing in sea-level changes and coastal evolution in southern Attica, Greece.

Dr. Vandarakis has extensive experience in interdisciplinary coastal and marine research, including coastal monitoring, bathymetric and geomorphological mapping, habitat assessment, and sedimentological analysis. His work integrates field-based data collection (e.g., UAV surveys, geophysical sampling, and oceanographic measurements) with geospatial technologies such as GIS and remote sensing, contributing to the development of sustainable coastal management strategies.

He has participated in numerous national and international research projects related to coastal vulnerability, geoarchaeology, marine spatial planning, and environmental monitoring. His scholarly output includes a substantial number of peer-reviewed publications in international journals, addressing topics such as coastal flooding risk, sea-level rise, tourism carrying capacity, and coastal morphodynamics in the Mediterranean region.

In parallel with his research activities, Dr. Vandarakis has contributed to higher education through teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in geomorphology, geoinformatics (GIS), and natural hazard management at Harokopio University and other academic institutions.

He is an active member of several scientific associations, including the International Association of Geomorphology, the Hellenic Geological Society, and the Association of Greek Oceanographers. His professional expertise is further enhanced by certifications in drone operation and advanced geospatial technologies, which support innovative approaches to coastal and marine environmental research.