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

Nicholas Vafeas

“Turning Geoscience & Policy Insight into Practical Solutions for the Energy and Resources Sector.”

Lets Talk!
Industrial mining equipment with conveyor belts on a dirt surface under a clear sky.

What I bring

With over a decade of global experience in mineral exploration, research, policy advisory and the non-profit sector, I bridge geology, energy transition and governance.

Whether advising parliaments, leading research in critical raw materials and energy, or supporting exploration projects, I help convert complex subsurface data into actionable, impact-oriented insight.

Learn more about me

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 (University College Dublin)

A magnifying glass with a mountain inside, hovering over a pile of brown rocks

Expertise

Exploration & Field Geology

A logo featuring green leaves, a blue lightning bolt, and a green wind turbine blade.

Energy Transition & Sustainability Policy

Graphic of a crystal or gemstone at the center surrounded by recycling arrows, symbolizing recycling or sustainability.

Critical Minerals, Battery Metals & Circular Economy Strategy

A purple bar chart with a magnifying glass and an orange speech bubble with three dots.

Research, Data Analysis & Stakeholder Engagement

View full expertise & background

Professional Experience

Scientific Project Officer - Reseach Ireland

Exploration Geologist - 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