Alexandra Ter Halle | Environmental Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Alexandra Ter Halle | Environmental Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Laboratoire Softmat | France

Alexandra ter Halle is a distinguished French researcher specializing in the environmental fate and impact of microplastics and nanoplastics. She holds a PhD from Université Lyon 1 (2000) and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from Université Blaise Pascal (2008). Since 2004, she has been a Chargée de Recherche at CNRS, currently affiliated with the IMRCP laboratory in Toulouse. Over her career, she has authored 90 peer-reviewed publications, secured 6 patents (PCT extensions), delivered numerous invited talks, and supervised over 50 students, postdocs, and visiting researchers. Her work focuses on the characterization, degradation, and ecological implications of plastic debris in marine and freshwater environments, including pioneering studies on the nanoplastic fraction of marine litter. Ter Halle has led and coordinated multiple national and international research projects, including the Expédition 7ème Continent and programs funded by ANR, Air Liquide Foundation, and European initiatives. She actively contributes to scientific advisory boards, such as the Fondation de la Mer and GDR “Plastique Environnement et Santé.” Her research has garnered significant recognition, reflected in an h-index of 36, over 6,607 citations, and coverage by 5,162 documents, underscoring her influence in the field of environmental science and marine pollution.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

(2026). Py-GC-MS/MS quantification of microplastics in vertebrate tissues: Addressing false positives of polyethylene. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

(2025). Concentration gradient of plastic debris larger than 500 μm detected across the Southwest Indian Ocean. Scientific Reports.

(2025). A membrane cascade for size-based separation and concentration of nanoplastics in environmental waters. Separation and Purification Technology.

(2025). Modeling fouling kinetics for experiments with transmission varying during filtration. Journal of Membrane Science.

(2025). Unveiling marine plastic degraders through DNA-stable isotope probing. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Harilaos Kontoyiannis – Oceanography – Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Harilaos Kontoyiannis - Oceanography - Best Researcher Award 

Hellenic Centre for Marine Research - Greece

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Harilaos Kontoyiannis embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Athens, Greece, in 1983. Building upon this foundation, he pursued his passion for physical oceanography, earning a Master of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island, USA, in 1988. His commitment to advancing knowledge in his field led him to further specialize with a Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography, also from the University of Rhode Island, which he completed in 1992.

Professional Endeavors

Since 1995, Kontoyiannis has been an invaluable asset to the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR), where he serves as a Senior Researcher and Research Director. His expertise lies in sea-going physical oceanography, focusing on coastal and deep ocean dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to understanding the complex interactions within marine environments through his fieldwork, modeling, and data analysis.

Contributions and Research Focus

Kontoyiannis's research contributions span a wide array of topics within physical oceanography. Noteworthy among his numerous publications are seminal works on deep-ocean bottom pressure measurements, variability of major ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream, and the hydrodynamics of various Mediterranean straits and basins. His investigations into water fluxes, circulation patterns, and the impact of climatic changes have significantly enriched our understanding of regional and global ocean processes.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his illustrious career, Kontoyiannis has garnered recognition for his outstanding contributions to marine science. His research has been published in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Geophysical Research, Progress in Oceanography, and the Journal of Physical Oceanography. His peers regard him as a leader in the field, evident from the frequency of citations his work receives and the collaborations he fosters with researchers worldwide.

Impact and Influence

Kontoyiannis's work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also has practical implications for various sectors. His insights into ocean dynamics contribute to improved understanding of climate phenomena, marine resource management, and coastal engineering. Furthermore, his mentorship of students and collaboration with international research initiatives ensure the continuity of impactful oceanographic research well into the future.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As he continues his academic pursuits, Harilaos Kontoyiannis remains dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the world's oceans. His legacy is one of scientific rigor, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to advancing our understanding of marine environments. Through his ongoing research, mentorship, and collaborations, he will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the field of physical oceanography, inspiring future generations of scientists to explore and protect our oceans.

Notable Publication