Ioannis Baziotis is one of the leading Greek scientists in the field of planetary science and cosmochemistry. As Associate Professor of Mineralogy-Petrology at the Agricultural University of Athens, he has managed to distinguish himself internationally, participating in cutting-edge research that sheds light on the origin and evolution of our solar system. His participation in NASA missions and the study of rare meteorites make him one of the few Greek scientists with such a significant presence in the international scientific community.

Academic and research career

Born in 1980 in Athens, Ioannis Baziotis grew up with a keen interest in geology and natural sciences. He studied Geology at the University of Athens, where he graduated in 2002, and continued his studies at the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, where he completed his PhD in 2008. His research career includes collaborations with leading research institutions, both in Greece and abroad, and he has been a visiting researcher at universities and scientific centres of international repute.

The recognition of his work went beyond Greek borders when in 2017 he was selected as the first and only Greek to date to participate in NASA’s ANSMET (Antarctic Search for Meteorites) mission. This mission aimed to collect meteorites from the frozen expanses of Antarctica, a region known for its ability to preserve intact samples from space. Baziotis and his team recovered a total of 263 meteorites, which were then studied by scientists around the world.

The discovery of water in a meteorite and its implications

One of his most significant research successes involved the study of the Tissint meteorite, one of the few meteorites originating from Mars. His research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the geological processes on the Red Planet, paving the way for new discoveries about Mars’ past and the possibility of life on Mars.

However, his even more recent research has revealed a major discovery: the presence of water in a historic meteorite. This discovery strengthens the theory that water, a key component of life, was already present in the earliest stages of the formation of our solar system. This finding provides valuable information about the formation of planets and the possibility of life on other celestial bodies. The implications of such a discovery are huge, as they reinforce the belief that water may exist on more planets and moons than previously thought.

Its contribution to science and the future

Ioannis Baziotis has dedicated his career to the exploration of space through the analysis of meteorites, contributing to the decoding of the history of the universe. His work is not only limited to research, but also to teaching, as he trains and inspires young scientists to take up planetary science. Through lectures, scientific publications and participation in international conferences, he continues to highlight the importance of research in understanding our world.

His career is an example of dedication and scientific excellence, proving that Greece has scientists who can stand up to the global scientific scene. With his continuous discoveries and his unceasing quest for knowledge, Ioannis Baziotis continues to travel to the secrets of the universe, bringing science one step closer to unraveling the deepest mysteries of creation.