ATHENS – Eminent seismologist and professor of geophysics Vassilis Papazachos died on Thursday at age 92.

Starting at the Geodynamics Institute of the Athens National Observatory in 1956, he held several high positions throughout his academic career, teaching university students 14 subjects in geophysics, authoring 9 books and publishing more than 200 original scientific studies. He also put together three research teams (1964, 1977 and 1980) with young researchers and scientists.

Papazachos also became the president of the Institute of Engineering Seismology & Earthquake Engineering (ITSAK) from 1983 to 1999, which is supervised by the insfrastructure and transport ministry since its inception in 1979.

Apart from contributing to the design of large anti-seismic technical projects, Papazachos helped formulate the country’s anti-seismic policy, and promoted people’s awareness of seismic protection.