Prof. Ioannis Charalampopoulos
| Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 
Professor of Pharmacology at Medical School, University of Crete,Greece🎓
Dr. Ioannis Charalampopoulos is a distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Crete’s Medical School and a Group Leader at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation of Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH). With a focus on neuropharmacology and molecular biology, his research has contributed significantly to the study of neurodegenerative diseases, brain development, and regeneration. He has an extensive academic and research career spanning over two decades, with notable achievements in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injury.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓:
- 2021-present: Director of the Graduate Program in Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Crete
- 2010-2023: Lecturer, Assistant and Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete
- 2007-2010: Researcher, Medical School, University of Crete
- 2005-2007: Post-doctoral Fellow, Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- 2001-2005: PhD in Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete
- 1998-2000: Master of Science in Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Crete
- 1990-1996: BSc, Department of Biology, University of Patras
Work Experience 💼:
- 2023-present: Professor of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete
- 2018-present: Researcher/Group Leader, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), FORTH
- 2021-present: Director, Graduate Program in Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Crete
- 2010-2023: Lecturer, Assistant and Associate Professor of Pharmacology, University of Crete
- 2007-2010: Researcher, Medical School, University of Crete
- 2005-2007: Post-doctoral Fellow, Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Skills 🔍
Dr. Charalampopoulos is highly skilled in neuropharmacology, molecular biology techniques, and neurodegenerative disease research. His expertise includes:
- Neurotrophin receptor structure-function analysis
- Development of therapeutic ligands for brain regeneration
- Neurogenesis and neuroprotection strategies
- Animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injury
- Human iPSC-derived neural platforms for disease modeling
- Collaborative research in neuroscience and pharmacology
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Charalampopoulos has received multiple recognitions throughout his career, including prestigious grants for his innovative work in neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease treatment:
- HORIZON-EIC-2022 European Commission Grant: Coordinating a project on soft-robot-assisted therapeutic delivery for neurological disorders (budget: 2.9 million euros).
- National Flagship Project: Funding for the elucidation of the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (budget: 610,000 euros).
- Numerous research accolades, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals (h-index: 35, citations >3000).
🤝 Memberships:
Dr. Charalampopoulos is a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including:
- International Society for Neuroscience
- European Society of Neurochemistry
- Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
- Greek Society for Pharmacology
Teaching Experience 👩🏫:
Dr. Charalampopoulos has been actively involved in educating future generations of neuroscientists, particularly through his role as the Director of the Graduate Program in Neurosciences at the University of Crete. His teaching experience includes:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and molecular biology.
- Mentoring and supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in pharmacology and neuroscience.
- Developing innovative teaching methods, including the use of human stem cell models in neuroscience research.
Research Focus 🔬:
Dr. Charalampopoulos’ research interests revolve around the molecular mechanisms by which growth factors and their receptors regulate the regenerative capacity of the nervous system. Key areas include:
- Neurotrophins: Their role in brain development, neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and repair during aging.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Investigating novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury.
- Ligand Development: Creating novel ligands targeting neurotrophin receptors to enhance regenerative and neuroprotective effects.
- Stem Cell Models: Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platforms to test therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
His ultimate goal is to decipher the signaling mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and regeneration, leading to the development of novel drugs for brain repair.
Dr. Ioannis Charalampopoulos is undoubtedly a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional contributions to neuroscience, his innovative approaches in neuropharmacology, and his ability to secure substantial research funding demonstrate that he is not only an accomplished researcher but also a transformative figure in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. His strengths lie in the originality of his work, leadership in research initiatives, and mentorship in education. With slight improvements in public outreach, collaborative networks, and clinical translation, he can further elevate his already remarkable career. Therefore, Dr. Charalampopoulos is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding scientific contributions, leadership, and lasting impact on the field of neuroscience.
📚 Publilcation
- “Stimulating myelin restoration with BDNF: a promising therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease”
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
- Type: Review
- DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1422130
- “Editorial: Steroid receptors in neuron and glia”
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology
- Type: Editorial
- DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1472908
- “Comprehensive characterization of the neurogenic and neuroprotective action of a novel TrkB agonist using mouse and human stem cell models of Alzheimer’s disease”
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy
- Type: Journal Article
- DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03818-w
- “Cover Image, Volume 72, Issue 4”
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Glia
- Type: Journal Article
- DOI: 10.1002/glia.24399
- “Dynamics of myelin deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease and the protective role of BDNF”
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Glia
- Type: Journal Article
- DOI: 10.1002/glia.24505
- “Multimodal beneficial effects of BNN27, a Nerve Growth Factor synthetic mimetic, in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease”
- Year: 2024
- Type: Preprint
- DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3886007/v1
- “Development of Pleiotropic TrkB and 5-HT<sub>4</sub> Receptor Ligands as Neuroprotective Agents”
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Molecules
- Type: Journal Article
- DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020515
- “Butanolides and Butenolides from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. Exert Neuroprotective Activity through Activation of the TrkB Neurotrophin Receptor”
- Year: 2023
- Journal: Marine Drugs
- Type: Journal Article
- DOI: 10.3390/md21090465
- “Neurotrophin Analog ENT-A044 Activates the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor, Regulating Neuronal Survival in a Cell Context-Dependent Manner”
- Year: 2023
- Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Type: Journal Article
- DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411683
- “Neurotrophin Analog ENT-A044 Activates the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Promoting Cell Death in Mouse and Human Neuronal Cells”
- Year: 2023
- Type: Preprint
- DOI: 10.20944/preprints202306.1633.v1