Portrait of a Nicholas Vafeas wearing a dark suit jacket and a light collared shirt against a gray background.

Nicholas Vafeas

“Translating Geoscience & Policy Complexity into Sustainable Strategy”

Lets Talk!
A wide view of an open-pit mining site in the Kalahari desert landscape with rough terrain, dirt roads, and large excavated areas.

What I bring

Over more than a decade working internationally across mining, academia, government, and the non-profit sector, I’ve built deep expertise in how complex projects interact with communities and the environment. I have consulted for the Irish Parliament and have worked across a range of topics, including mineral exploration, sedimentary-hosted ore deposits, carbon capture and storage (CCS), critical raw materials and renewable energy, gaining insight into both policy and technical challenges. My background in geology, sustainability, communication and programme management allows me to translate complexity into practical guidance, delivered through data analysis, strategic frameworks and public-facing writing. I engage with audiences to build trust, reduce risk, and support responsible decision-making. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and designed for real-world impact.

Education

PhD, Geology (University of Johannesburg)

MSc, Geology (University of Johannesburg)

BSc, Geology and Environmental Science (University of Johannesburg)

Postgraduate Diploma, Public Science Communication (University College Dublin)

Advanced Certificate, Project Management

Professional Experience

Scientific Project Officer - Reseach Ireland

Senior Researcher - iCRAG - Research Centre for Applied Geosciences

Senior Policy Researcher - Oireachtas Library and Research Service

Policy Lead - Geothermal Association of Ireland (NGO)

Exploration Geologist - Eramet South Africa

  • Snow-capped mountains with a grassy hillside in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

    "Nicholas makes complex geoscience accessible and actionable for policy teams.”

    - Senior Policy Maker

  • Photo of distant mountain range with rugged peaks and some snow, viewed from rolling grassy hills in the foreground under a clear sky.

    “His integration of technical and policy expertise is rare and valuable”

    - Mining Engineer