Maria Konstantopoulou

Dr. Maria Konstantopoulou obtained her B.Sc in Biology from the Biological Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and her PhD in Chemical Ecology of Organisms from the Biological Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; currently she is Principal Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR "Demokritos". Her research activities focus on Agrobiotechnology and Environment, aiming to reduce or replace chemical insecticides, to the improvement of the quality of agricultural products, to minimize environmental pollution and to preserve biodiversity.

Specifically: i) Chemical ecology: isolation and identification of biologically active compounds, relating to insect chemical communication and plant – insect interactions that may be used in integrated pest management programs, ii) Development of specialized dispensers for semiochemicals (encapsulation) in biodegradable materials endowed with slow-release rate and UV protection properties, and iii) development of biocides of biological origin (Biological Control Agents, BCAs) and technologies for their incorporation in integrated pest management systems both in rural and urban environment but also against pests of human health such as mosquitoes. He has participated in many competitive research projects, funded by the European Union, IAEA and National Organizations (GSRT, Ministry of Education, etc.); inter alia: i) VALUE, Cont. No CTT-472, ii) FAIR, Cont. No CT96-1302 iii) INCO, Cont. No: ICA4-CT2001-10004, ΙΑΕΑ Res. Contr. 13020/RBF iv) ENAROMaTIC: FP7-HEALTH-2007-B v) OLEFINE: Horizon 2020, NMBP etc.

Dr. Maria Konstantopoulou has 45 scientific publications, over 80 presentations in conferences, participation in 5 editions/publications and 2 international patents. She has long been working with the business sector such as industry bodies, SMEs and start-ups as part of research and development programs. Additionally, she was awarded from Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Region of Attica for her innovative activity at the level of scientific research (2018). She is member of the Regional Research and Innovation Board of Attica (2017-2021).