The TRACE is a research group led by Dr. Christina Nannou, Assistant Professor of analytical chemistry at the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.

Dr. Nannou has authored over 45 peer-reviewed scientific publications, accumulating more than 1,800 citations (h-index: 23), alongside two book chapters and one patent. She has delivered over 85 oral and poster presentations at international and national conferences and has actively participated in 13 competitive research projects. She also serves as an expert evaluator for the European Science Foundation (ESF), State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), and Erasmus+. She has been Guest Editor in 4 Special Issues and a reviewer in >50 scientific journals.  She recently joined the Advidory Board of the New Scientific Journal "Micropollutants and Emerging Contaminants". 

Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced analytical and bioanalytical methodologies to address critical challenges, mainly within the scope of environmental quality and food safety. Core research activities include state-of-the-art mass spectrometric techniques combined with innovative, sustainable sample preparation strategies for both target and non-target analysis, enabling comprehensive assessment of emerging and legacy contaminants.

Research within our group also integrates Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), chemometric tools, and quality management principles, supporting reliable data generation, method validation, and evidence-based decision-making.

The group is closely linked to education and training, contributing to undergraduate teaching in Analytical, Bioanalytical Chemistry, and Instrumental Analysis, as well as postgraduate courses in Advanced Mass Spectrometry, Novel Sample Preparation, Environmental Analysis, and Environmental Management across three Master's programs.