Education
Alexandros Kanellopoulos holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Kapodistrian University, Greece (2008-2013), where his research focused on neurodevelopmental disorders. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine (Neuroscience) at the same university (2005-2007), gaining advanced expertise in neuroscience and molecular biology. His academic foundation was established with a B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Dimocritus University of Thrace, Greece (2000-2005), where he developed a strong background in genetics and molecular biology.
Work Experience
In his current role as Global Principal Scientist & Clinical Director at DSM-Firmenich (2023-Present), Alexandros oversees scientific activities, driving innovation in dietary supplements and medical nutrition. Prior to this, he worked as an R&D Innovation Scientist and Project Manager at Nestle SA (2022-2023), leading the development of brain health products for Early Life Nutrition. In 2023, he also held the position of Medical, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager at Nestle Nutrition, focusing on market communication and regulatory compliance. Alexandros previously served as Group Leader, Early Life Brain Metabolism at the University of Lausanne (2020-2022) and as Senior Scientist in Early Life Neuroscience (2016-2020), where he pioneered research in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Skills
Alexandros is highly skilled in Innovation & Product Development, leading projects from concept to market. He is an expert in Clinical Research & Protocol Design, managing complex preclinical and clinical trials. His ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive Cross-functional Collaboration is complemented by his talent for Stakeholder Engagement & Market Alignment, ensuring alignment between research innovations and market needs. His Strategic Thinking, Problem-solving, and Emotional Intelligence are key to his success in high-impact research and business projects.
Awards & Honors
Throughout his career, Alexandros has earned more than 15 research awards, securing CHF 2.5 million in research funding. He has been awarded 7 patents as an inventor, reflecting his contributions to innovation in neuroscience and nutrition. In addition, he has delivered over 40 invited presentations at international conferences, establishing himself as a respected thought leader in his field.
Membership
Alexandros contributes to the scientific community as a Reviewer for leading neuroscience journals and serves as an Editor in scientific publications, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research.
Teaching Experience
Alexandros is also an experienced educator, having delivered lectures in Neuroscience and Medical Sciences at the University of Lausanne and Kapodistrian University, Athens. In his academic roles, he has mentored over 20 junior scientists, fostering the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Research Focus
Alexandros’ research centers on Early Life Nutrition and its role in brain development. He is particularly focused on Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as Autism and Fragile X Syndrome. His work on Brain Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function provides insights into neurotransmission and social behavior. Alexandros has also designed Preclinical and Clinical Research aimed at developing nutritional solutions to address these complex medical challenges.
Publications :
- Activation of the 5-HT1A Receptor by Eltoprazine Restores Mitochondrial and Motor Deficits in a Drosophila Model of Fragile X Syndrome
🧠 International Journal of Molecular Sciences – 2024
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168787
- Aralar Sequesters GABA into Hyperactive Mitochondria, Causing Social Behavior Deficits
🧬 Cell – 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.044
- Conserved Tao Kinase Activity Regulates Dendritic Arborization, Cytoskeletal Dynamics, and Sensory Function in Drosophila
🔬 The Journal of Neuroscience – 2020
DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1846-19.2020
- Domain-Specific Cognitive Impairments in Humans and Flies With Reduced CYFIP1 Dosage
🧩 Biological Psychiatry – 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.008
- SynGO: An Evidence-Based, Expert-Curated Knowledge Base for the Synapse
🧠 Neuron – 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.05.002
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Features and Perspectives
🧠 Current Opinion in Neurobiology – 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.05.018
- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Translating Human Deficits into Mouse Behavior
🐁 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory – 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.07.013
- Learning and Behavioral Deficits Associated with the Absence of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein: What a Fly and Mouse Model Can Teach Us
🧠 Learning & Memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.) – 2014
DOI: 10.1101/lm.035956.114
- Learning and Memory Deficits Resulting from Reduction of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein: A Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of cAMP Signaling in Drosophila
🧠 The Journal of Neuroscience – 2012
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1347-12.2012
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hypersensitive Esophagus: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
💊 The American Journal of Gastroenterology – 2011
DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2011.179