University of Crete, School of Medicine, Professor of Pharmacology
University of Crete
Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- 1 What is your research about?
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Our research at the Regenerative Pharmacology Laboratory of the Medical School of the University of Crete and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of FORTH focuses on studying the role of neurotrophins in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, aiming to discover and test novel drugs against neurological disorders, using human and mouse models of these diseases.
- 2 Why is it important?
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Our research seeks to discover new mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases’ development and progress, and based on this knowledge, to develop novel therapeutic approaches that will contribute on treatment of neurological disorders such as dementia, depression and spinal cord injury, since all these diseases currently have no effective cure.
- 3 What inspired you to pursue this path?
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The source of inspiration for my involvement in medical research and pharmacology was my inherent curiosity about the function of our nervous system and the mechanisms of development of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the possible ways to translate basic knowledge into real therapies, in order to contribute to improving the health of those suffering from neurological disorders.
- 4 What do you like most about research?
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The constant challenge of understanding and resolving the physiological and pathological mechanisms of functions of the human body, the excitement of discovering new experimental findings and the reinforcement of the persistent effort to overcome failures. And most importantly, the continuous interaction with new researchers and collaborators to achieve our common interests.
- 5 What advice would you give to a child who loves science?
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Never doubt her/his abilities but also the truth and power of Science, to show elan, love and commitment to what she/he wants to do and to search for good instructors and collaborators.
- 6 Fun fact: Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
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Our lives need a balance between work and personal life, in order one part to support the other. A good book, an interesting movie and the company of good friends can always contribute significantly to dealing with any problem!
