PRESS RELEASE

ArtEmis – Concluding Conference and Workshop

From Forecasting to Predictions

Lefkada, 22 September 2026

An international consortium of scientists from different fields of research gathered in Lefkada for a two-day technical meeting and the concluding conference of the ArtEmis project.

The ArtEmis project has developed a novel sensor for measuring radon in groundwater, with the aim of improving earthquake forecasting.

Radon has the potential to act as a precursor to earthquakes. By measuring radon levels and correlating changes in groundwater radon concentrations with seismic activity, the project aims to contribute to improved methods of earthquake forecasting.

The ArtEmis project began four years ago, and the participating scientists have visited the island several times. Local teams in Lefkada have contributed to the installation of six sensors in different wells across the island. These sensors now continuously monitor and report radon levels.

Today’s conference presented the installations carried out on the island, as well as the analysis conducted to date. The conference was opened by the Mayor of Lefkada, Dr Xenophon Verginis, who underlined the importance of these efforts for the local community and the people of Lefkada, particularly in improving the possibilities for earthquake forecasting.

The first results of the measurements have produced very interesting findings, indicating positive correlations between rapid changes in radon levels in groundwater and subsequent earthquakes. The results will be published in the near future.

The ArtEmis project has been funded by Euratom, with the Regional Union of Municipalities of Ionian Islands (PED-IN) participating as an active project partner.

The scientists, who came from across Europe, expressed their hope of continuing this research and, ultimately, gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying changes in radon levels in groundwater and their potential relationship with subsequent earthquakes.

The President of the Board of Directors

Georgios Stasinopoulos

Mayor of Zakynthos