Maria Gerontidou | Cosmic Ray Physics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Maria Gerontidou | Cosmic Ray Physics | Best Researcher Award

Google Scholar Profile

Educational Details

Dr. Maria Gerontidou earned her Ph.D. in Physics in 2007 from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, specializing in the “Sources and Acceleration Mechanism of Solar Proton Events.” Her doctoral research contributed to the understanding of solar energetic particles and their implications for space weather, a key area in cosmic ray physics. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Nuclear and Particle Physics from the same institution in 1999, where she deepened her knowledge of particle interactions at both the nuclear and subatomic levels. Dr. Gerontidou’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics in 1996, laying a strong foundation in fundamental physics at the Department of Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her academic progression reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field of space physics and cosmic ray studies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Maria Gerontidou is a Tenure Researcher at the Physics Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2009–present), where she combines her teaching duties with extensive research in cosmic ray physics. Her academic and professional journey includes a Postdoctoral Researcher position (2008-2009), funded by the State Scholarship Foundation, during which she further developed her expertise in space weather phenomena and particle physics. From 2007 to 2009, she also served as a Scientific Collaborator in Nuclear and Particle Physics at the same university.

As a Senior Member of the Athens Cosmic Ray Group and the Athens Neutron Monitor Station (A.Ne.Mo.S), Dr. Gerontidou has been actively involved in cosmic ray detection and monitoring since 2000. Her contributions to the field are reflected in her participation in various national and international research projects. Between 1997 and 2009, she collaborated on 14 Greek research projects, often working with foreign universities. Additionally, she played a key role in the European Project FP7 – Infrastructure (2008-2010) through the “Neutron Monitor Database (NMDB),” which developed a real-time database for high-resolution neutron monitor measurements.

Dr. Gerontidou’s collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), beginning in 2008, has been pivotal in advancing space weather research. She has contributed to multiple ESA projects, including the SWE Space Weather Network Development (2021–present), SSA P3-SWE-XXIII User Requirements for the Mediterranean Region (2019-2021), Space Weather Precursor Services Operations (2013-2015), and the ESA Space Weather Expert Service Centres (2015-2021). Her involvement in these projects has significantly enriched the understanding of space weather’s impact on Earth and its environment.

Research Interest

Cosmic Ray Physics

Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs)

Neutron Monitor Data Analysis

Ground Level Enhancement (GLE)

Forbush Decreases

Space Weather and its effects on the environment and human health

Teaching and Academic Contributions

Undergraduate courses: Astroparticle and Cosmic Ray Physics

Graduate-level courses: Advanced Cosmic Ray Physics and Space Weather Effects on Environment and Human Health (taught at the Medical School of the University of Athens)

Supervised over 10 undergraduate theses.

Referee for journals such as Solar Physics, Space Weather, Universe, and Fluids.

Organizer of workshops and conferences, including NMDB Workshops and ESA project meetings.

 

Top Notable Publications

Mavromichalaki, H., Papaioannou, A., Plainaki, C., Sarlanis, C., Gerontidou, M., … (2011). Applications and usage of the real-time Neutron Monitor Database. Advances in Space Research, 47(12), 2210-2222. Citations: 146

Belov, A., Garcia, H., Kurt, V., Mavromichalaki, H., Gerontidou, M. (2005). Proton enhancements and their relation to the X-ray flares during the three last solar cycles. Solar Physics, 229, 135-159. Citations: 129

Kurt, V., Belov, A., Mavromichalaki, H., Gerontidou, M. (2004). Statistical analysis of solar proton events. Annales Geophysicae, 22(6), 2255-2271. Citations: 84

Kudela, K., Mavromichalaki, H., Papaioannou, A., Gerontidou, M. (2010). On mid-term periodicities in cosmic rays. Solar Physics, 266, 173-180. Citations: 60

Belov, A., Kurt, V., Mavromichalaki, H., Gerontidou, M. (2007). Peak-size distributions of proton fluxes and associated soft X-ray flares. Solar Physics, 246, 457-470. Citations: 60

Papaioannou, A., Souvatzoglou, G., Paschalis, P., Gerontidou, M., … (2014). The first ground-level enhancement of solar cycle 24 on 17 May 2012 and its real-time detection. Solar Physics, 289, 423-436. Citations: 55

Mavromichalaki, H., Souvatzoglou, G., Sarlanis, C., Mariatos, G., Plainaki, C., Gerontidou, M. (2006). Space weather prediction by cosmic rays. Advances in Space Research, 37(6), 1141-1147. Citations: 40

Plainaki, C., Mavromichalaki, H., Laurenza, M., Gerontidou, M., … (2014). The ground-level enhancement of 2012 May 17: derivation of solar proton event properties through the application of the NMBANGLE PPOLA model. The Astrophysical Journal, 785(2), 160. Citations: 37

Gerontidou, M., Mavromichalaki, H., Daglis, T. (2018). High-speed solar wind streams and geomagnetic storms during solar cycle 24. Solar Physics, 293, 1-18. Citations: 32

Mavromichalaki, H., Gerontidou, M., Paschalis, P., Paouris, E., Tezari, A., … (2018). Real-time detection of the ground level enhancement on 10 September 2017 by A.Ne.Mo.S.: System report. Space Weather, 16(11), 1797-1805. Citations: 29

 Conclusion

Dr. Maria Gerontidou is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her distinguished academic background, prolific research output, leadership in international projects, and commitment to teaching and community engagement make her a strong contender. She embodies the qualities of innovation, impact, and leadership that are central to this award.