Panagiotis Kampouridis – Bernd Rendel Prizewinner 2024
Panagiotis Kampouridis analyses fossils of large mammals that lived several million years ago, with the aim of finding out more about their evolution. His studies involve visits to excavation sites and museums in other European countries. Combining conventional and modern methods, he uncovers fresh insights into the lives and kinships of these extinct animals. One of his accomplishments to date has been helping to redefine the kinships of a species of hornless rhinoceros that lived more than five million years ago. Findings of this kind can also be relevant to research into present-day species and their role in ecosystems. Kampouridis has published 21 papers in peer-reviewed journals, eight of them as first author and some in collaboration with international co-authors. He plans to spend the prize money on a study visit to Uppsala University to examine a collection of Asian artefacts.