Katerina Chlichlia, Ph.D.

Katerina Chlichlia is a Professor of Molecular Immunobiology in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Democritus University of Thrace. She specializes in Tumor Immunology and Cancer Therapy, and her ongoing research involves designing, constructing, and applying DNA vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy. Recently, her interests have expanded to include the design and application of bioactive nanoparticles for cancer prevention and therapy.

Yannis Karakasiliotis, Ph.D.

Yannis Karakasiliotis is an Associate Professor of Medical Biology at the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace in Alexandroupolis, Greece. His research interests include molecular biology and virology, with a focus on virus-host interactions and molecular diagnostics. He has contributed to several publications, reflecting his active engagement in the scientific community. In addition to his research endeavors, he has experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute and the Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming."

Michaela Lucas, M.D./Ph.D.

​Michaela Lucas is a Clinical Immunologist/Allergist and Immunopathologist and Clinician-Scientist with conjoint appointments with Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Pathwest, the Perth Children’s Hospital, and The University of Western Australia, where she leads a multi-disciplinary team of clinical and basic science researchers, microsurgeons and technicians, at the Immunology and Transplantation Lab. Her research interests and expertise span T cell immunology including the pathogenesis of T cell mediated drug allergies, anti-viral T cell responses, vaccine development, and most recently understanding the role of inflammation in the development of adaptive immunity in organ transplantation.

Penelope Mavromara, Ph.D.

Penelope Mavromara was a Professor and head of the Biochemistry and Molecular Virology Laboratory in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Democritus University of Thrace. Before this position, she served as a Research Director and Head of the Molecular Virology Laboratory at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, a Lab that she established in 1990. Her research interests encompass molecular virology and vaccine development. She has co-developed curricula and engaged in collaborative research projects focusing mainly on HSV-1, HPV, and HCV viruses in partnership with the Pasteur Institute Network and other European Laboratories.

Lefteris Michailidis, Ph.D.

Lefteris Michailidis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine, where he leads a multidisciplinary laboratory dedicated to understanding virus-host interactions, particularly those involving hepatitis B virus (HBV). His research employs biochemical, cell-based, and in vivo methods to explore antiviral mechanisms and develop eradication strategies.

Stefan Sarafianos, Ph.D.

Stefan Sarafianos is a distinguished professor and Nahmias-Schinazi Chair in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Associate Director of the Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology and Co-Director of the Center for ViroScience and Cure. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral enzymes, particularly those of HIV, HBV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, aiming to develop novel antiviral therapies.