Anthimos Kampouridis (Makis)

Scientist – Cucurbit Breeding

Dr. Anthimos Kampouridis, nicknamed Makis, joined the World Vegetable Center in December 2023 as a Scientist in Cucurbit Breeding, bringing with him a dynamic blend of academic excellence and private-sector R&D innovation.

A national of Greece, Dr. Kampouridis has led advanced breeding programs across Europe, with a focus on cucurbits and solanaceous crops. He worked in leading commercial seed companies as an R&D Accelerated Genetics Scientist for Cucurbits and Solanaceae, and as a Potato Pre-Breeder in a diploid hybrid and tetraploid potato breeding programs in the Netherlands. During his career, Makis worked at the intersection of genomics and breeding, applying high-throughput genotyping and mapping to identify key agronomic traits that can accelerate breeding efficiency and reduce breeding cycles for line and hybrid development. His work is helping to position the WorldVeg’s Cucurbit program as a hub of innovation and impact through delivering resilient, disease resistance, high-performing varieties and hybrids that can support farmers, strengthen seed systems, and promote sustainability for the future of farming.