Teaching and Research Staff at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece
Professor Panayota Sourtzi is a highly accomplished academic and researcher in the fields of Occupational and Environmental Health, Gerontology, Health Promotion, and Nursing Education. With a career dedicated to advancing public health and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations, she has combined research, teaching, and leadership to make a lasting impact. Her work emphasizes the intersection of health education, occupational safety, and aging, bridging gaps between research and practice. She has led and participated in numerous European and international projects focused on active aging, climate change and health, and innovative approaches to gerontological education. Beyond research, she plays a vital role in academic administration, student mentorship, and professional organizations, where she contributes to shaping nursing policies and healthcare strategies at both national and international levels. Widely published in high-impact journals and academic books, Professor Sourtzi has established herself as a thought leader and role model in public health and nursing research.
Professional Profiles
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Google Scholar
Education
Professor Panayota Sourtzi’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in nursing and public health. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which laid the foundation for her career in healthcare and academia. She continued her studies at the University of Birmingham, UK, where she pursued a Master of Medical Science in Occupational Health, gaining expertise in workplace health and safety issues. Building upon this, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Studies, focusing on advanced research methodologies and public health applications. Her educational background, spanning nursing, occupational health, and interdisciplinary public health, has provided her with a broad perspective on health promotion and disease prevention. This strong academic preparation, combined with international exposure, has enabled her to develop innovative approaches in teaching, research, and healthcare leadership, equipping future professionals with skills to address evolving public health challenges.
Experience
Professor Sourtzi has extensive academic and professional experience in teaching, research, and leadership within the health sciences. She has served as a faculty member in nursing and public health, where she has taught courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Occupational Health, Gerontology Nursing, Health Education, Demography, and Applied Epidemiology. Alongside her teaching, she has directed research programs addressing critical societal issues such as the health of older adults, occupational safety, and healthcare education. Her experience extends to international collaborations through projects funded by European networks, Erasmus+, and COST actions, demonstrating her ability to foster global partnerships. In addition, she has undertaken leadership roles as Director of postgraduate programs, coordinator of evaluation committees, and counselor for students with disabilities. Beyond academia, she has contributed to national councils and professional societies, shaping healthcare policy and practice. This combination of teaching, research, and organizational leadership highlights her multi-dimensional expertise and influence.
Research Interest
Professor Sourtzi’s research interests lie at the intersection of occupational health, environmental health, gerontology, and nursing education, with a strong focus on promoting well-being across the life course. She has explored the health and safety of workers in diverse environments, addressing occupational risks and workplace culture. Another key area of her research is the healthcare of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, migrants, and those facing social inequalities, ensuring that evidence-based strategies support inclusivity in healthcare systems. She has also conducted impactful studies on health promotion, health literacy, and preventive practices in community and workplace settings. Additionally, her interest in nursing education has led to contributions in developing innovative curricula, e-learning platforms, and training modules for healthcare professionals, enhancing their capacity to respond to public health challenges. Through collaborative, multidisciplinary, and applied research, she has advanced knowledge in fields essential to addressing emerging global health concerns such as aging populations and climate change.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Professor Sourtzi has been recognized for her academic excellence and contributions to nursing and public health. She received a prestigious Hellenic State Scholarship to support her postgraduate studies abroad, which reflects her early promise and commitment to advancing nursing science internationally. Her work has consistently been acknowledged by both national and international research networks, particularly through her active participation in European Union projects that focus on innovation, active aging, and healthcare development. As Vice-President of the Hellenic Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, she has also been honored for her leadership in advancing gerontological research and education. In addition to formal awards, her recognition extends to the influential roles she plays in policy-making councils, scientific committees, and professional associations, where her expertise contributes to shaping healthcare practices and standards. These honors collectively highlight her status as a respected researcher, educator, and leader in the nursing and public health community.
Research Skills
Professor Sourtzi possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, enabling her to address complex healthcare challenges. She is adept at designing and implementing large-scale international research projects, with experience in proposal writing, securing competitive funding, and managing collaborative teams across multiple countries. Her expertise includes survey design, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and advanced statistical analysis for evaluating health interventions and policy outcomes. She has also demonstrated strong skills in translating research findings into practical tools, such as e-learning platforms and educational frameworks, to benefit healthcare practitioners and students. In addition, she excels in interdisciplinary collaboration, working with professionals in medicine, nursing, social sciences, and public health to produce holistic insights. Her ability to disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, books, and conferences further reflects her communication and knowledge translation skills. Collectively, her research competencies establish her as a versatile and impactful scholar.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Caring for a relative with dementia: family caregiver burden
Authors: E Papastavrou, A Kalokerinou, SS Papacostas, H Tsangari, P Sourtzi
Year: 2007
Citation: 849
Title: Hypertension and exposure to noise near airports: the HYENA study
Authors: L Jarup, W Babisch, D Houthuijs, G Pershagen, K Katsouyanni, E Cadum, …
Year: 2008
Citation: 707
Title: Acute effects of night-time noise exposure on blood pressure in populations living near airports
Authors: AS Haralabidis, K Dimakopoulou, F Vigna-Taglianti, M Giampaolo, …
Year: 2008
Citation: 324
Title: Annoyance due to aircraft noise has increased over the years—Results of the HYENA study
Authors: W Babisch, D Houthuijs, G Pershagen, E Cadum, K Katsouyanni, …
Year: 2009
Citation: 293
Title: Noise annoyance—A modifier of the association between noise level and cardiovascular health?
Authors: W Babisch, G Pershagen, J Selander, D Houthuijs, O Breugelmans, …
Year: 2013
Citation: 290
Title: Attitudes and knowledge of the Greek nursing students towards older people
Authors: E Lambrinou, P Sourtzi, A Kalokairinou, C Lemonidou
Year: 2009
Citation: 267
Title: Health Belief Model applied to non-compliance with HPV vaccine among female university students
Authors: EM Donadiki, R Jiménez-García, V Hernández-Barrera, P Sourtzi, …
Year: 2014
Citation: 244
Title: Effectiveness of heart failure management programmes with nurse-led discharge planning in reducing re-admissions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: E Lambrinou, F Kalogirou, D Lamnisos, P Sourtzi
Year: 2012
Citation: 204
Title: Caring and coping: the dementia caregivers
Authors: E Papastavrou, H Tsangari, G Karayiannis, S Papakostas, G Efstathiou, …
Year: 2011
Citation: 172
Title: Hypertension and Exposure to Noise near Airports (HYENA) – study design and noise exposure assessment
Authors: L Jarup, ML Dudley, W Babisch, D Houthuijs, J Kwekkeboom, W Swart, …
Year: 2005
Citation: 153
Title: Exposure modifiers of the relationships of transportation noise with high blood pressure and noise annoyance
Authors: W Babisch, W Swart, D Houthuijs, J Selander, G Bluhm, G Pershagen, …
Year: 2012
Citation: 135
Conclusion
Professor Panayota Sourtzi is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding academic achievements, international collaborations, and impactful contributions to public health, gerontology, and nursing education. Her work has significantly advanced healthcare research for vulnerable groups, developed innovative educational resources, and promoted evidence-based nursing practice. With her strong track record of leadership, publications, and research excellence, combined with her clear potential for future global impact, she exemplifies the qualities of a world-class researcher and a role model for the academic and healthcare community.
