Dr. Despo Fatta-Kassinos has been responsible for the establishment and operation of GAIA since 2003. Prior to this appointment, she worked as a researcher at the National Technical University of Athens, School of Chemical Engineering. Prior to this appointment, she worked as a researcher at the National Technical University of Athens, School of Chemical Engineering.
From 2000 until 2004 she was also an inner circle expert of the European Topic Center of Waste and Material Flows of the European Environment Agency. She received her first degree from the National Technical University of Athens in 1993, (Diploma in Chemical Engineering), her MSc in Environmental Management from the European Association for Environmental Management and Education in 1995, (University of Athens, JRC Ispra), and her PhD from the National Technical University of Athens in 1999, (PhD in Chemical Engineering).
Her principal research interests are in the field of wastewater treatment systems, solid waste management, environmental pollution monitoring and environmental risk assessment. She has authored or co-authored over 60 refereed journal papers, over 80 papers in refereed conference proceedings. She has participated in more than 50 projects funded by the European Commission or by national governmental and other bodies. Her teaching experience extends to both undergraduate and postgraduate level.