Prof Dr. Yiannis Kourkoutas | Food Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Democritus University of Thrace, Greece

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Prof. Dr. Yiannis Kourkoutas is a distinguished professor and the Director of the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology at Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. He holds a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Food Biotechnology from the University of Patras, where he also completed postdoctoral research. His research focuses on food biotechnology, microbial biotechnology, and the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, contributing significantly to the development of innovative functional foods. With over €8.5 million in research funding from the EU and national grants, Prof. Kourkoutas has led numerous high-impact projects that bridge academia and industry. His extensive work in applied microbiology has garnered recognition for its innovative approaches to sustainable food production and the exploration of bioactive compounds. Prof. Kourkoutas is committed to advancing the field through his research and collaboration with industry partners.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Dr. Yiannis Kourkoutas holds a degree in Chemistry (1997) and a PhD in Food Biotechnology (2002), both from the University of Patras, Greece. His academic journey continued with postdoctoral research at the University of Ulster in the UK and the University of Patras between 2002 and 2007, which laid the foundation for his expertise in applied microbiology and biotechnology.

🔍 Research Focus:

His research primarily revolves around food biotechnology, with a focus on the development of novel functional foods, microbial biotechnology, and the valorization of agro-industrial by-products. Prof. Kourkoutas’ innovative work includes immobilized starter cultures for food production, bioactive compounds derived from endemic plants, and sustainable solutions for the agri-food sector. His research projects have attracted over €8.5 million in funding, reflecting his impact on both academia and industry.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Prof. Kourkoutas’ research excellence has been recognized through various grants from prestigious organizations like the European Union and the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.). His leadership in high-profile projects, along with his role in securing substantial funding, highlights his influence in the field of biotechnology. While specific honors or awards aren’t listed, his successful coordination of large-scale projects and collaborations with industry serve as testimony to his esteemed reputation.

💼 Professional Experience:

Prof. Kourkoutas is currently a Professor and the Director of the Laboratory of Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology at the Democritus University of Thrace. He has led numerous EU-funded and national projects, particularly focusing on the intersection of biotechnology and food systems. His experience also extends to collaborating with the agri-food industry on innovative projects like KEFIR probiotic products and regional terroir characterizations, demonstrating his strength in both academic and commercial settings.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Immobilization technologies and support materials suitable in alcohol beverages production: a review
Authors: Y. Kourkoutas, A. Bekatorou, I. M. Banat, R. Marchant, A. A. Koutinas
Journal: Food Microbiology
Citation Index: 858
Year of Publication: 2004

Title: Enhanced bioremediation of n-alkane in petroleum sludge using bacterial consortium amended with rhamnolipid and micronutrients
Authors: K. S. M. Rahman, T. J. Rahman, Y. Kourkoutas, I. Petsas, R. Marchant, I. M. Banat
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Citation Index: 671
Year of Publication: 2003

Title: Lactobacillus casei exerts anti-proliferative effects accompanied by apoptotic cell death and up-regulation of TRAIL in colon carcinoma cells
Authors: A. Tiptiri-Kourpeti, K. Spyridopoulou, V. Santarmaki, G. Aindelis, Y. Kourkoutas
Journal: PloS One
Citation Index: 318
Year of Publication: 2016

Title: Lactobacillus casei cell immobilization on fruit pieces for probiotic additive, fermented milk, and lactic acid production
Authors: Y. Kourkoutas, V. Xolias, M. Kallis, E. Bezirtzoglou, M. Kanellaki
Journal: Process Biochemistry
Citation Index: 189
Year of Publication: 2005

Title: Immobilization technologies in probiotic food production
Authors: G. Mitropoulou, V. Nedovic, A. Goyal, Y. Kourkoutas
Journal: Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
Citation Index: 173
Year of Publication: 2013

Conclusion:

Prof. Yiannis Kourkoutas is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive research leadership, strong industry collaboration, and innovative contributions to applied biotechnology. His ability to secure large-scale funding and manage impactful projects places him as a leader in his field. Addressing areas of improvement, such as enhancing his publication record and expanding his research focus to broader global challenges, could further elevate his profile for future awards.