Dr. Niki Vassilaki | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 
Researcher at Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece
Dr. Niki Vassilaki is a leading expert in Molecular Virology, specializing in the replication of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and viral infections such as those caused by Flaviviridae and SARS-CoV-2. She holds a PhD in Molecular Virology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and completed postdoctoral research at Heidelberg University with Professor Ralf Bartenschlager. Dr. Vassilaki’s research focuses on the role of dopamine metabolism in viral infections and the development of antiviral drugs. With over 60 publications and more than 110 conference presentations, she has secured over €1 million in competitive funding and is a key partner in the European EXPAND-EV program.
Profile
Education 🎓:
Dr. Niki Vassilaki completed her PhD in Molecular Virology at the Biology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where she focused on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her deep expertise in viral pathogenesis. She further expanded her knowledge and research capabilities during her postdoctoral studies at Heidelberg University, working in the world-renowned virology laboratory of Professor Ralf Bartenschlager. This experience allowed her to contribute to the development of robust infectious models for studying HCV replication, solidifying her reputation in the virology research community.
Work Experience 💼:
Dr. Niki Vassilaki has extensive experience in molecular virology, focusing on viral replication and pathogenesis. She pursued her PhD at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) under the mentorship of Professor Mavromara, where she specialized in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication. Following this, Dr. Vassilaki conducted postdoctoral research at Heidelberg University with Professor Ralf Bartenschlager, contributing to the development of a robust infectious model for HCV. Her current research explores the role of dopamine biosynthesis and metabolism in viral infections, particularly Flaviviridae and SARS-CoV-2, with an emphasis on antiviral drug discovery. She has also held leadership roles, including coordinator of multiple international research programs and membership in various virology and molecular biology committees.
Skills 🔍
Dr. Niki Vassilaki possesses a broad range of skills in molecular virology, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery. She has expertise in the molecular biology of Flaviviridae, Hepadnavirus (HBV), and SARS-CoV-2, with a strong focus on viral replication mechanisms and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Vassilaki is skilled in advanced laboratory techniques, including PCR, RNA sequencing, and virus culture systems, as well as in designing and executing antiviral assays. Additionally, she has extensive experience in securing competitive funding, managing international research collaborations, and leading research teams focused on innovative antiviral solutions.
Research Interests:
Dr. Niki Vassilaki’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular virology, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery. Her work primarily focuses on the replication mechanisms of Flaviviridae viruses, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and SARS-CoV-2. She is particularly interested in understanding the molecular interactions that govern viral replication and the development of novel replication inhibitors. Additionally, her research explores the role of dopamine biosynthesis and metabolism in viral infections, aiming to uncover how these pathways influence viral pathogenesis. Dr. Vassilaki is also dedicated to the discovery of antiviral agents, with her team developing an ISO-certified pipeline for screening and testing potential therapeutics.
📚 Publications
- Title: Alternate translation occurs within the core coding region of the hepatitis C viral genome
- Authors: A Varaklioti, N Vassilaki, U Georgopoulou, P Mavromara
- Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
- Volume: 277, Issue 20, Pages: 17713-17721
- Cited by: 238
- Year: 2002
- Title: Role of the Hepatitis C Virus Core+1 Open Reading Frame and Core cis-Acting RNA Elements in Viral RNA Translation and Replication
- Authors: N Vassilaki, P Friebe, P Meuleman, S Kallis, A Kaul, G Paranhos-Baccala, …
- Journal: Journal of Virology
- Volume: 82, Issue 23, Pages: 11503-11515
- Cited by: 130
- Year: 2008
- Title: Two alternative translation mechanisms are responsible for the expression of the HCV ARFP/F/core+1 coding open reading frame
- Authors: N Vassilaki, P Mavromara
- Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
- Volume: 278, Issue 42, Pages: 40503-40513
- Cited by: 122
- Year: 2003
- Title: The HCV ARFP/F/core+1 protein: production and functional analysis of an unconventional viral product
- Authors: N Vassilaki, P Mavromara
- Journal: IUBMB Life
- Volume: 61, Issue 7, Pages: 739-752
- Cited by: 91
- Year: 2009
- Title: Low oxygen tension enhances hepatitis C virus replication
- Authors: N Vassilaki, KI Kalliampakou, I Kotta-Loizou, C Befani, P Liakos, G Simos, …
- Journal: Journal of Virology
- Volume: 87, Issue 5, Pages: 2935-2948
- Cited by: 65
- Year: 2013
- Title: Impact of age and sex on antibody response following the second dose of COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in Greek healthcare workers
- Authors: N Vassilaki, AN Gargalionis, A Bletsa, N Papamichalopoulos, E Kontou, …
- Journal: Microorganisms
- Volume: 9, Issue 8, Article: 1725
- Cited by: 60*
- Year: 2021
Conclusion
Dr. Niki Vassilaki’s academic credentials, groundbreaking research, leadership in international committees, and professional affiliations make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to molecular virology, antiviral discovery, and global scientific collaborations highlight her excellence and dedication to advancing the field.