DrVasileios Chatzaras

Vasilis is a Senior Lecturer in Geology in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney.  His research focuses on developing a quantitative understanding of the multiscale structure and petrophysical properties of Earth’s lithosphere, the layer that sustains life, drives plate tectonics, and provides essential resources.  He coordinates core units in the Geology and Geophysics major and leads innovations in teaching, including the digital transformation of field geology and the development of 3D geological learning resources.  Vasilis also contributes to academic leadership through governance roles such as Associate Head Education, driving initiatives that enhance student experience and curriculum quality.

Originally from Greece, Vasilis earned his PhD in Structural Geology and Tectonics at the University of Patras, followed by five years of postdoctoral research at Boston College, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Utrecht University before moving to Australia.  He has secured competitive funding from the Australian Research Council (Discovery Projects), the European Union (Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship), and the US National Science Foundation.  His research collaborations span Australia, the USA, Germany, France, New Caledonia, and Greece.