L. Perivoliotis Leonidas Perivoliotis, B.Sc in Physics (1987) University of Athens; M.Sc. in Physical Oceanography (1990) from the same University. Research Associate in the Physical Oceanography group of Athens University (1990-1998). He became a Research Scientist in the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and member of Operational Oceanography team in 1999, while since 2013 he coordinates the POSEIDON Operational Oceanography System. He participated in several EU funded projects in the field of Operational Oceanography (MyOcean I, MyOcean II, MyOcean FollowOn, MFS, MERSEA-IP, ECOOP, Eurosites, Jerico, FixO3, Jerico Next, etc.). Since 2010 he is leading the Mediterranean portal for near real time data (an integral part of the Copernicus Service marine component – http://marine.copernicus.eu), where data from all the operational platforms (buoys, profilers, drifters, vessels) deployed in the Mediterranean basin are being collected, processed and disseminated.
The Hellenic Integrated Marine Inland water Observing, Forecasting and offshore Technology System (HIMIOFoTS) includes integrated approaches in Marine observation and forecasting systems, coastal monitoring and an innovative Hydro-Environmental Monitoring and information Network. The infrastructure incorporates the following interrelated components: (a) The Hellenic Integrated Marine Observing and Forecasting System (HIMOFS), a cluster of already-existing and under-implementation marine observing systems coupled with a full range of forecasting operational models. The overarching challenge is the creation of a solid and transparent organisation towards an operational service for the timely, continuous innovative observation and sustainable delivery of high quality environmental data, forecasting capabilities and information products related to the offshore and coastal environment of the East Mediterranean Sea (b) The Open Hydrosystem Information Network is an integrated information infrastructure for the collection, management and free dissemination of hydrological and environmental information related to the inland waters of the country. It aims to establish a national network for real-time monitoring of the quantity and quality of surface water bodies, supported by IT applications for the management and dissemination of related information, as well as web services for various user groups (models for research and business application, forecasting systems, decision-making systems). Under this platform that focuses on inland water resources, existing measuring systems, currently operated by authorised organisations and individuals will be integrated, while new stations will be deployed by taking advantage of modern, low-cost data transfer technologies. HIMIOFoTS will make a significant contribution to the RD&I ecosystem since the observation systems and forecasting models will be upgraded to carry out advanced science through the adoption of cutting-edge marine technologies, innovative sensors and methodological approaches. The RI will further enhance the RD&I ecosystem through its implementation of EU policies such as MSFD, ICZM, Horizon 2020 and WFD.