Experience

National Technical University of Athens

• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• • May 2019 - Present

• • Apr 2014 - Present

  His research experience includes discovery of novel enzymes (cellulolytic, hemicellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes) for the enzyme-aided extraction or modification of bioactive components (Biocatalysis in non-conventional media) from biomass using conventional and modern bioinformatics assisted strategies (genome mining of Fusarium oxysporum and Sporotrichum thermophile), heterologous overexpression (Pichia pastoris, Escherichia coli) and biochemical characterization of carbohydrate degrading recombinant enzymes, study of the structure/function relationship and regulatory mechanisms of the enzymes induced by saprophytic organisms. Emphasis is given on the utilization of residual biomass for the production of 2nd generation liquid biofuels and high-added value compounds. His research activities cross the borders of different synergistic disciplines requiring the active participation of engineers, biochemists, molecular biologists and physicists. Dr Topakas is better prepared to overcome challenges with the orchestration of the activities of researchers from different disciplines in order to achieve a common goal. His experience in academia, handling students and supervising very ambitious researchers at the BSc, MSc & PhD level, molded his philosophy that believes in a custom-made policy to suit the specific interest of each researcher. As a senior member of Biotechnology Laboratory, he has involved in the project for sequence of S. thermophile genome in collaboration with the JGI (DOE, USA).Since January 2012, Dr Topakas teach theory in class and laboratory for two different courses that belong to 8th and 9th semester entitled “Biotechnology and Environment” and “Applied Biotechnology”, respectively. Moreover, Dr Topakas teaches a course of 5th semester entitled “Principles of Cellular Biology and Biochemistry” that offers the basis of Biotechnology that students might follow at the end of their studies. Show less

• • Jan 2012 - Mar 2014



Luleå University of Technology

• Sweden
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Guest Associate Professor

  • Mar 2015 - Present

  Consulting and collaboration in the area of Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis. Lectures for pregraduates and PhD students on Industrial Biocatalysis Consulting and collaboration in the area of Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis. Lectures for pregraduates and PhD students on Industrial Biocatalysis


Chalmers University of Technology
• Sweden
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee
• Researcher

  • 2010 - 2010

Newcastle University
• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee
• Research associate

  • Dec 2005 - Dec 2006