Nikos Theodoulidis | Geophysics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Nikos Theodoulidis | Geophysics | Best Researcher Award

Research Director | Institute Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering | Greece

Dr. Nikos Theodoulidis is a distinguished geologist and seismologist serving as Research Director with extensive experience in engineering seismology and earthquake engineering. He has been a dedicated researcher at the Institute of Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he also held the position of Director. His work focuses on strong ground motion modeling, seismic hazard assessment, surface geophysics, and evaluating site effects using both earthquake and ambient noise data. He has made significant contributions to understanding the consequences of destructive earthquakes and has been instrumental in planning, operating, and analyzing data from accelerometric networks. As a lead scientist, he has overseen numerous national and European research projects, contributing to advancements in earthquake engineering practice and policy. He has authored and co-authored over 108 documents, cited more than 3,556 times across 2,631 documents, and holds an h-index of 30, reflecting his sustained impact on the field. His expertise bridges theoretical research and practical application, providing critical insights into earthquake risk mitigation, infrastructure resilience, and public safety, while demonstrating a long-standing commitment to advancing seismology and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Xun, Z., Theodoulidis, N., et al. Estimation of vertical amplification correction function (VACF) in Greece based on the generalized inversion technique of strong motion and diffuse field concept on earthquakes. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America.

Xun, Z., Theodoulidis, N., et al. Ground-motion dependency on seasonal variations: Observations at the ARGONET array, Cephalonia, Greece. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America.

Xun, Z., Theodoulidis, N., et al. Analyzing the stability of P-wave seismogram method for estimating VS30: Insights from two accelerometer arrays in Greece. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America.

Xun, Z., Theodoulidis, N., et al. Towards site-specific ground motion estimates in Greece using a partially non-ergodic, mixed-effects, neural network approach. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering.

Xun, Z., Theodoulidis, N., et al. Constraining the near-surface VS structure by the joint inversion of SH wave transfer function, Rayleigh wave dispersion and ellipticity information. Geophysical Journal International.

Natalija Speh | Environmental Geography | Pioneer Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Assist. Prof. Dr. Natalija Speh | Environmental Geography | Pioneer Researcher Award

Assistant professor, Faculty of Environmental Protection Velenje, Slovenia

Dr. Natalija Špeh is an accomplished environmental geographer and assistant professor at the Faculty of Environmental Protection, Institute for Ecotechnologies and Sustainable Development in Velenje, Slovenia 🇸🇮. With over two decades of experience in environmental research, academic leadership, and teaching, she has significantly contributed to sustainable development and ecological protection. Her interdisciplinary work spans water resources, marine macrolitter, and rural geography, particularly focusing on the Adriatic Sea and mountain pasturing impacts. 🌿🌊

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Špeh earned her Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, where she researched the “Sustainable evaluation of the area above the Western part of the Velenje lignite layer” under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dušan Plut 🏞️. From 1997 to 2004, she completed her doctoral studies as a young researcher. She graduated in 1997 in Environmental Geography with a thesis on the water-ecological conditions of the Ložnica and Trnava River Basins in Velenje. 📘📍

💼 Experience

Dr. Špeh’s professional journey began as a researcher and project leader at ERICo Institute (1997–2006), where she coordinated and evaluated environmental projects 🧪. She later transitioned into academic leadership, serving as Dean (2008–2014) and program coordinator at the Environmental Protection College in Velenje. Since 2014, she has been a dedicated lecturer, imparting knowledge in Environmental Geography, Rural Areas, and Landscape Resource Management 🌱📚.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Špeh specializes in Environmental Geography, focusing on marine macrolitter, riverine macro/microplastics pollution, and water resources 🌊. Her research includes the Adriatic Sea, mountain pasturing impacts, and sustainable development in rural areas. Her work integrates natural and social sciences to address complex environmental challenges across Slovenia and beyond 🌍.

🏆 Awards

While specific award titles are not listed, Dr. Špeh’s distinguished career in research leadership and academic management, including serving as a Dean and project coordinator, highlights her recognition in the academic and environmental research community. Her consistent contributions reflect her standing as a respected scholar in her field 🎖️📈.

📚 Publications

“Recreational potential and landscape characteristics in Šaleška Valley” (2023), Geografski vestnik — Cited by: 5 articles

“Marine macrolitter: beach surveys in the Slovenian coastal zone” (2022), Acta geographica Slovenica — Cited by: 3 articles

“Evaluation of environmental protection measures in Velenje basin” (2019), Dela — Cited by: 8 articles

🏆 Conclusion

Dr. Natalija Špeh demonstrates outstanding dedication and contributions to environmental protection and sustainability research. Her pioneering work on environmental geography and pollution from micro/macroplastics makes her a strong and deserving candidate for the Pioneer Researcher Award. With increased global engagement and academic visibility, her impact could be even more far-reaching.