Prof. George Vlontzos | Integration | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Economist, University of Thessaly, Greece

George Vlontzos is a full Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece 🇬🇷, where he also serves as Director of the Laboratory of Agricultural Economics and Consumer Behavior. He is widely recognized for his expertise in agricultural economics, sustainability, and the integration of AI in agriculture. His academic and research journey has led him to publish numerous peer-reviewed papers and contribute to prestigious international congresses and EU-funded research projects.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Background:

Prof. Vlontzos holds a Ph.D. in Planning and Regional Development from the University of Thessaly (2004). He also earned an MBA in Agribusiness from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (1996), and a BSc in Agriculture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1995). His multidisciplinary academic training laid the groundwork for his impactful research in economics, consumer behavior, and sustainability.

💼 Professional Experience:

Since 2009, George Vlontzos has been a Professor at the University of Thessaly, specifically in the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production, and Rural Environment. Over the years, he has designed and led modules in agricultural economics and consumer behavior, integrating both theoretical depth and applied research into his teaching. He has actively participated in national and European Union-funded projects and collaborated with various stakeholders in the agri-food and sustainability sectors.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

While detailed awards are not explicitly listed, Prof. Vlontzos’s appointment as Director of a leading research laboratory and his continuous participation in competitive EU and nationally funded projects reflect the recognition of his scientific leadership and academic contributions.

🔬 Research Focus:

His primary research interests include economic and environmental efficiency assessment, sustainability in agriculture, and consumer behavior regarding agricultural products and food. He applies quantitative and behavioral models such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Stochastic Frontier Analysis, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Health Belief Model to derive insights into agricultural systems and policy frameworks. Recently, his research has expanded into AI applications and blockchain in agri-food chains, reflecting his commitment to innovation in food security and sustainability.

🧩 Conclusion:

Prof. George Vlontzos is a dynamic and forward-thinking academic whose interdisciplinary research bridges economic theory, consumer behavior, and sustainability in agriculture. His commitment to teaching, active participation in cutting-edge research, and leadership in agricultural economics make him a key figure in shaping policy and innovation in Greece and beyond.

📚 Top Publications:

A hybrid remotely operated underwater vehicle for maintenance operations in aquaculture: Practical insights from Greek fish farms
Cited by: Article recently published, citations forthcoming

Assessing climate change awareness among Mediterranean university students: a comparative study of French and Greek universities
Cited by: Expected citation uptake due to cross-national relevance

Promoting excellence or discouraging mediocrity – a policy framework assessment for precision agriculture technologies adoption
Cited by: Building citation traction in agri-policy research

Variable RTS in hierarchical network DEA: Enhancing efficiency in higher education systems
Cited by: Impacting efficiency evaluation studies in education

Enhancing Sustainability through Weather Derivative Option Contracts: A Risk Management Tool in Greek Agriculture
Cited by: Gaining traction in agri-finance and risk management research

Is Blockchain a Panacea for Guarding PDO Supply Chains? Exploring Vulnerabilities, Critical Control Points, and Blockchain feasibility in Greece
Cited by: Influencing discourse in agri-tech and food integrity