Nutritional Epidemiology & Community Health Laboratory (NECH Lab)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

General Information

The Laboratory of Epidemiology and Community Health of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Thessaly was established in 2025 by decision of the University Senate (protocol no. 11107/25/ΓΠ, ADA: 9ΝΠΞ469Β7Ξ-ΜΙΣ). The Laboratory is currently in the phase of developing its core infrastructure and requires staffing with new faculty members in order to become fully operational and utilize the newly acquired laboratory equipment. Its aim is to support educational and research needs in the fields of Nutritional Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Community Health, Public Health, Metabolism, and Nutritional Counseling.

Mission of the Laboratory at the Research Level

The Laboratory of Epidemiology and Community Health has the following mission:

(a) To cover the teaching needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department in the following subject areas:
(i) Epidemiology
(ii) Nutritional Epidemiology
(iii) Public Health
(iv) Biostatistics
(v) Statistics
(vi) Data Analysis
(vii) Big Data
(viii) Research Methodology

(b) To cover corresponding teaching needs of other Departments of the University of Thessaly, where possible and upon request.

(c) To conduct research focusing on:
(i) Development of methodologies to promote research in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics
(ii) Conduct of epidemiological studies
(iii) Proposals for the design and implementation of intervention programs in nutrition and lifestyle to promote Community Health
(iv) Development of dietary guidelines based on the principles of Evidence-Based Practice, as defined by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine of the University of Oxford (https://www.cebm.net/)

Additional Objectives

The Laboratory also aims to:

(a) Collaborate and exchange scientific knowledge with other Higher Education Institutions in Greece and abroad, as well as with research and technological organizations, provided their objectives align with those of the Laboratory.

(b) Collaborate with laboratories of public bodies, organizations, institutes, enterprises, municipalities, communities, and other social and scientific entities or foundations, aiming to contribute to improving the quality of products or services and productivity.

(c) Organize scientific lectures, workshops, seminars, symposia, conferences, and other scientific events, inviting distinguished Greek and international scientists, and to produce publications both in Greece and abroad.

(d) Provide specialized services to third parties (individuals or legal entities) in accordance with applicable legislation and the mission of the Institution, particularly to public sector bodies as defined by Law 4270/2014.

(e) Undertake research and development projects/programs, financially managed by the Special Account for Research Funds (ELKE), and organize and deliver training programs through the Lifelong Learning Center in the Laboratory’s fields of expertise.

(f) Provide services to individuals and organizations of any legal form, in accordance with Article 51 of Law 4957 (Government Gazette A’ 141/21.07.2022).

Laboratory Personnel

Faculty Members
Rena I. Kosti, Professor in “Human Nutrition – Epidemiology” – Laboratory Director

PhD Graduates and PhD Candidates
(PhD studies initiated before the establishment of the Laboratory)

PhD Graduate
Vasiliki Kalantzi (16.12.2025)
PhD Thesis Title: “Self-efficacy in adherence to recommended lifestyle changes among patients with cardiometabolic diseases in Primary Health Care.”
Supervisor: Rena Kosti

PhD Candidates
Vasiliki Belitsi
PhD Thesis Title: “Perceptions, beliefs, and effectiveness of health behaviors for managing risk factors among patients with cardiometabolic diseases in Primary Health Care.”
Supervisor: Rena Kosti

Ioannis Getsios
PhD Thesis Title: “Parental and children’s perceptions and dietary habits and their association with childhood obesity: An epidemiological study.”
Supervisor: Rena Kosti

Current Research and Educational Programs (2025 onwards)

  • Flagship Action of the University of Thessaly: “Flagship action for sustainable agri-food systems – applied research, infrastructure development, and services for sector sustainability” (Project code: 2024NA11900001 – Total budget: €2,900,000)
    Scientific team member: Rena Kosti
  • UNICEF: “Coordination of a National Network of Associated Organizations of the General Secretariat of Public Health to promote healthy eating and physical activity at community level – Addressing Child Obesity” (Project code: 7877)
    Scientific team member: Rena Kosti
  • Educational Program of the Lifelong Learning Center (University of Thessaly):
    “Professional Clinical Training in the Temperament Based Therapy with Support (TBT-S) Protocol for Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Adults for Dietitians” (Code: 4165.0360)
    Scientific Coordinator: Rena Kosti

Laboratory Equipment

The Laboratory is equipped with instruments that, upon completion of its infrastructure, will support research and teaching activities. The equipment is expected to be further enriched through research funding. Current equipment includes:

  • A Real-Time PCR system capable of measuring DNA concentration using fluorochromes
  • A UV-Vis microplate reader spectrophotometer (compatible with 6- to 384-well plates) capable of measuring DNA concentration using fluorochromes
  • A PowerEdge T560 Server (210-BGRL)
  • A deep freezer (-80°C), 393 L, low energy, for biological materials (approved and pending installation)
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