Pouris Ioannis

My name is Ioannis Pouris, and I am a biologist with a PhD in Botany from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong interest in plant ecophysiology and mycology, with a particular focus on the adaptive strategies of Mediterranean geophytes under abiotic stress and the biology of fungi in relation to both health and food production. I obtained my degree in Biology in 2008, followed by a Master’s degree in the Teaching of Biology in 2011. In 2024, I completed my doctoral dissertation on the ecophysiological characteristics and water relations of geophytes, investigating the mechanisms that enable plant resilience in challenging environments. This research has provided me with a solid foundation in plant physiology, ecological interactions, and stress biology. Alongside my studies, I gained extensive teaching experience. From 2008 to 2022, I served as a biology teacher in secondary education, where I developed strong pedagogical and communication skills. Since 2015, I have been collaborating with the University of West Attica, initially as a laboratory assistant and academic fellow in the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, and more recently as an adjunct professor (2023–2025). I have also contributed to laboratory teaching in Plant Physiology and Ecophysiology at the University of Athens, which further strengthened my academic profile and engagement with higher education. My research activity spans a broad spectrum of plant and fungal biology. I have authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in international journals, addressing issues such as carbohydrate and proline partitioning in Mediterranean geophytes, plant responses to salinity stress, and the role of fungi in both pathobiology and food production. One of the highlights of my work has been the development of FungID, an innovative fungal identification tool that employs neural networks and machine learning to recognize colony color patterns. Published in 2025, this tool is freely available on GitHub, bridging basic research with applied innovation.
I have actively participated in international and national conferences, presenting original research on topics ranging from seasonal carbohydrate allocation in Cyclamen graecum to stomatal adaptations of Pancratium maritimum under salinity stress. Through these presentations, I have been able to share my findings, engage in scientific dialogue, and establish collaborations with fellow researchers. In addition to research, I have supervised more than fifteen bachelor’s and diploma theses at the University of West Attica, mentoring students and fostering their interest in scientific inquiry. Supporting young researchers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, as it allows me to contribute directly to the cultivation of the next generation of bioscientists. Beyond academia, I have also served in administrative and advisory roles, including as a member of the Public Audit Board of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Institute for Documentation, Information, and Cancer Research of G.N. Papanikolaou. These experiences have enhanced my organizational, leadership, and science communication skills. I am fluent in English (C1) and proficient in French (A1), and I make daily use of digital tools and ICT applications in both teaching and research. My goal is to continue contributing to academic research and education by combining scientific rigor with innovative approaches that address environmental and societal challenges. Through teaching, research, and collaboration, I aim to advance biological sciences and promote sustainable solutions for the future.

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