Cryo Team
Era Chair Holder
He further honed his expertise in Molecular Biophysics under the mentorship of Professor Stavros Hamodrakas, deepening his knowledge in this specialized domain. In 2008, he received European funding to pursue advanced studies in the Netherlands, marking a pivotal moment in his academic and research trajectory. He attained his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2012 at the University of Utrecht, Netherlands, under the guidance of Professor Alexandre Bonvin, solidifying his position as a scholar in this field.
From 2013 to 2018, he conducted postdoctoral research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. During this period, he worked in the research groups of Dr. Martin Beck and Dr. AnneClaude Gavin, where he furthered his contributions to the scientific community. In 2018, Dr. Kastritis initiated his own research group at the HALOmem research Center and concurrently assumed the role of Junior Professor specializing in “Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Protein Complexes” at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Halle, Germany, a testament to his academic achievements and leadership.
Since 2023, he has held the prestigious position of Fellow at the National Hellenic Research Foundation, serving as a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Chemical Biology (ICB/NHRF). Moreover, he holds the esteemed ERA Chair for the “Hot4cryo” project, signifying his critical role in shaping research initiatives. Dr. Kastritis has been actively involved in coordinating and participating in Dutch, German, and European projects. His research, which centers on the structural and functional characterization of protein interactions and macromolecular complexes, has been widely recognized, as reflected in over 7500 citations in high-impact journals, including the renowned journal Nature. Dr. Panagiotis Kastritis’ academic and professional journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and his profound impact on the field of molecular biology and structural research.
Junior Group Leader
Dr. Kyrilis embarked on his academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree inBiology (BSc) and a Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine (MSc) at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens.Subsequently, he furthered his academic pursuits by completing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and cryoEM at Martin LutherUniversity, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. Dr. Kyrilis’ primary research focus revolves around the elucidation of biomolecular complexes and their functional attributesthrough rigorous experimental techniques.
His methodology encompasses traditional molecular biology and biochemistry,complemented by cutting-edge cryoEM and data science. Notably, Dr. Kyrilis is recognized for pioneering advancements invitrification, a Nobel Prize-winning method introduced by Dubochet in 2017, extending its application beyondbiomacromolecules to enable high-resolution cryoEM visualization of soft matter.
At its core, his research agenda centers on unraveling the structural and functional aspects of biological macromolecules,particularly within intricate environmental contexts. He is dedicated to probing the endogenous state and inner workings ofthese biomolecules. In his capacity as an ERA Chair Junior Group Leader, Dr. Kyrilis is committed to translating his research vision into practicalprojects within the NHRF, establishing a fundamental platform for comprehensive cryoEM investigations across a widespectrum of materials and scientific inquiries.
Dr.-Ing. Panagiota Koralli is a distinguished academic with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (2010) and a subsequent Ph.D. in Materials Science, jointly awarded by the same university and the NHRF in 2016.
From 2018 to 2020, she served as a postdoctoral research fellow at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) under the Helmholtz European partnering program, which aimed to establish the Athens Comprehensive Cancer Center (ACCC) through collaboration between DKFZ and NHRF. Her academic interests primarily revolve around physical chemistry and nanomaterial development, including thin films, nanocomposites, and nanoparticles. Dr. Koralli is adept at characterizing these materials using an array of techniques, such as XRD, EM, SEM/EDS, AFM, UV-Vis, DLS, profilometry, and Raman spectroscopy.
Dr. Koralli has actively contributed to international research projects as a young researcher and received financial support from the Empeirikeion Foundation during her Ph.D. She continued her research as a postdoctoral scholar, focusing on Material Science, Nanotechnology, and Applications at NHRF Institutes.
Her scholarly output comprises 21 publications in reputable journals, three book chapters, and two conference proceedings. Dr. Koralli has also actively participated in 27 international and 17 national conferences, solidifying her reputation as an accomplished academic and researcher in her field
In this role, she assumes responsibility for the operation of both the cryogenicTransmission Electron Microscope (cryoTEM) and the Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope(FIB-SEM) within the laboratory’s infrastructure.
Her academic journey is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to scientific exploration andtechnological advancements within the field of biomolecular research. Dr. Angelaki earned her Doctor ofPhilosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Physics from the University of Crete. Her doctoral research was conducted inthe field of biomedical engineering at the Foundation for Research and Technology, where she receivedinvaluable support from the State Scholarships Foundation, indicative of her scholarly prowess.
Further enriching her academic portfolio, Dr. Angelaki obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Physicsfrom the University of Paris – XI, Orsay (commonly referred to as Paris-Sud University). Notably, heracademic pursuits were reinforced by the prestigious Eugenides Foundation Scholarship. She also holdsa Diploma in Applied Physics, awarded by the National Technical University of Athens. Dr. Angelaki’s educational and professional achievements underscore her dedication to theadvancement of knowledge and the enhancement of research endeavors, making her a valuable asset inthe realm of biomolecular research.
GREG KAFETZOPOULOS
His research experience spans various domains of biology. He excelled in Cryo-Electron microscopy and Computational Structural Biology projects, showcasing his adeptness in advanced imaging techniques and computational methods. His enthusiasm for cell biology is evident in his writing assignments, and his Bachelor
Research project explored Opioid Receptor signaling, demonstrating his versatility.
Currently, as a scientific associate and a dedicated PhD candidate within the “hot4cryo” project, Greg specializes in aging and cancer research, focusing on molecular and cellular-level interactions within protein networks. He employs
a multidisciplinary approach, seamlessly integrating in vivo and in silico techniques to address complex biological issues.
Greg Kafetzopoulos’ extensive educational background, diverse research experiences, and multidisciplinary approach position him as a promising and dedicated researcher in the life sciences, offering valuable contributions to the scientific community
Phd Candidate
His professional journey includes a stint as a scientific collaborator at both EKPA and the Athena Research Center during the period of 2022-2023. In this role, he made significant contributions to the field of structural biology, particularly through the application of machine learning techniques.
Andreas’ extensive expertise and research interests encompass a wide array of fields, including machine learning, structural biology, biophysics, computer vision, graph theory, and computational geometry. This multidisciplinary knowledge allows him to tackle complex interdisciplinary challenges with a unique perspective.
One of Andreas’ key strengths lies in his ability to bridge the realms of biology and data science. He leverages his profound understanding of both domains to drive cutting-edge research aimed at enhancing our comprehension of protein structures and their functional roles. His work is poised to make notable contributions to the field of structural biology and further our understanding of these critical biological components.
During her academic career, Olga actively engaged in translation projects that underscored her dedication to making knowledge more accessible. She was involved in translating content for the Momus Museum in Thessaloniki for the 8th Biennale, contributing to the international art community by bridging language gaps.
Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in the “Translation Project,
” a website dedicated to translating opinion articles from English to Greek during the pandemic. Her work here not only facilitated access to diverse perspectives but also exemplified her unwavering commitment to inclusive communication.
During her Erasmus+ Internship in Vemork, Norway she worked as a translator, utilizing machine translation tools to translate museum content from Norwegian to Greek. Simultaneously, she designed a short accessibility guide for the museum, which is included in the museum mediation plan. Her efforts reflect her dedication to making information accessible to all.
In addition to her translation expertise, Olga also brings strong managerial skills to the table. Having served as a Social Media Manager for a Greek sailing company for three years, she excelled in managing the company’s social media accounts. Her role involved overseeing content creation, scheduling, and maintaining active engagement with customers and clients.
Olga firmly believes that the effective dissemination of scientific advancements requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to present information in an accessible and relatable manner to a wider audience. She is a strong advocate for making science and technology more inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of Hot4Cryo’s work are understood and appreciated by all.