Students from throughout Greece and Europe perform part of their M.Sc. and/or Ph.D research dissertation tasks at Institute of Oceanography, as well for their Practical Training under the supervision of staff researchers in the frame of under-graduate students of Hellenic universities. During their interaction with staff of the institute the students have a chance to gain knowledge with research and technical staff of the institute in a multidischplinary manner, and gain experience in state of the art research.

The IO has laboratories in two locations in Greece. The main one is in Anavyssos, Attica in the headquarters of the Center and the second one in Gournes Pediados, Heraklion, Crete.

Research Groups & Infrastructure


Department of Biological Oceanography

The DBO studies the biodiversity, community structure, ecosystem functioning, and environmental quality in transitional, coastal, and marine ecosystems. The Department assesses the interactions of multiple human pressures and their impact on marine biodiversity, to support management measures and long-term strategies for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Innovative monitoring and laboratory techniques, remote sensing methods, ecosystem simulations (models) of the pelagic and benthic ecosystems are all tested and applied. The research has a strong interdisciplinary aspect and involves collaborations with other scientists to understand the complex interactions of ecosystem functioning. The DBO also contributes to International databases such as Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service EMODNET-Biology, EMODNET Seabed Habitats, WISE etc.

Contact Person: Head of Biological Oceanography Department, Dr Sofia Reizopoulou , sreiz@hcmr.gr

Secretary of the Institute of Oceanography, iosecretariat@hcmr.gr


Department of Marine Chemistry

The DMC research activities are related to the study, and monitoring, of the chemical processes which control the functioning, and evolution, of marine ecosystems, and their response to natural forcing and anthropogenic pressures. More specifically, (i) research on the marine carbon cycle, (ii) nutrient dynamics

– eutrophication – deoxygenation, (iii) marine pollution of waters and sediments, and (iv) high-resolution geochemical studies in sedimentary records. The DMC plays a leading role in long-term monitoring and assessment

of the chemical status of the marine environment within the implementation of the two EU Directives, the WFD and MSFD (D4, D5, D8, D9 and D10). The DMC also collaborates and supports, other departments of the Institute and the Centre, in interdisciplinary research on marine biogeochemistry under the framework of numerous EU and National research projects.

Contact Person: Head of Marine Chemistry Department, Dr Eleni Kaberi, ek@hcmr.gr

Secretary of the Institute of Oceanography, iosecretariat@hcmr.gr


Department of Ocean Physics

The DOP studies all oceanic processes such as hydrodynamic circulation and mixing, water mass properties, air-sea interactions, renewable marine resources, ecosystemic dynamics, and climate change challenges in the marine

ecosystem. For these purposes, the Department develops technological solutions for the continuous monitoring of multiple parameters and pollutants as well as numerical modelling applications of hydrodynamic circulation and marine ecosystem dynamics. It also supports marine databases and is active in data management procedures. Finally, the DOP works closely with other departments of the Institute of Oceanography, by providing support in field operations and scientific consultation

Contact Person: Head of Ocean Physics Department, Dr Dionisis Patiris, dpatiris@hcmr.gr

Secretary of the Institute of Oceanography, iosecretariat@hcmr.gr


Department of Ocean Observatories & Operational Oceanography

The DOO deals with the monitoring of physical and biochemical parameters of the marine environment, to understand their variability at various time scales, and to enable the development, and implementation, of forecasting methods for the evolution of physical and ecological processes of the marine environment

Contact Person: Head of Ocean Observatories & Operational Oceanography, Dr Leonidas Perivoliotis, lperiv@hcmr.gr

Secretary of the Institute of Oceanography, iosecretariat@hcmr.gr


Department of Marine Geology & Geophysics

The DMGG investigates the geodynamic, geomorphic, sedimentological, and geochemical processes that configure the submarine geosphere. It studies marine GeoHazards and their impacts, implements Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) actions, and conducts underwater geo-archaeological, applied cable construction–laying, and marine sediment management studies.

Contact Person: Head of Marine Geology & Geophysics , Dr Theodoros Kanellopoulos, thkan@hcmr.gr

Secretary of the Institute of Oceanography, iosecretariat@hcmr.gr