Assoc Prof Dr. Dimitra Dafou | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Dimitra Dafou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr. Dimitra Dafou is an Associate Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in the molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. She leads a research team in the Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology at the School of Biology, where she has been a prominent figure for over a decade. Her research is dedicated to uncovering the molecular and pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, focusing on biomarker detection for differential diagnosis, the exploration of protective compounds, and the role of RNA editing in identifying novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Dafou’s team excels in applying next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools to process and analyze large datasets. With an educational background that includes a BSc in Molecular Biology from Liverpool University, an MSc in Medical Genetics and Immunology from Brunel University, and a PhD in Disease Modeling from Brunel University, her career spans notable roles at Queen Mary University, Royal Bart’s London, King’s College London, and as a Visiting Scientist at Aristotle University.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Education:

🎓 BSc, Molecular Biology, Liverpool University, UK (1997)
🎓 MSc, Medical Genetics and Immunology, Brunel University of London, UK (1999)
🎓 PhD, In vitro and in vivo Disease Modeling, Brunel University of London, UK (2004)

Employment History:

🔬 Research Assistant, Queen Mary University, UK (2003-2004)
🔬 Research Fellow, Royal Bart’s London, Queen Mary University, UK, University College London, UK (2005-2009)
🔬 Non-Clinical Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London, UK (2009-2012)
🔬 Visiting Scientist, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2012-2013)
🔬 Assistant Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2014-2021)
🔬 Associate Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2022-present)

Research Focus:

🔍 Molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders
🧬 Identification of biomarkers for differential diagnosis
🧪 Detection of compounds with potential protective effects
🧠 RNA editing modifications for novel therapeutic targets
📊 Application of next-generation sequencing technologies
🔬 Bioinformatics analysis and integrative approaches

Achievements:

🏆 AstraZeneca Funding for PhD studies (1999-2004)
🏆 Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program Grant UCL (2004-2009)
🏆 Young Investigator Award, UK European Mutagen Society (2005)
🏆 EEBMB Award for Best Research Presentation (2013, 2016)
🏆 12 Travel Awards for International Conference Presentations (2000-present)
🏆 4th Hellenic Academy of Neuroimmunology Award for Best Presentation (2017)

Active Research Grants/Funding:

🔬 H.F.R.I (Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation) – Investigation of ADAR1-mediated A-to-I RNA editing in neuroinflammation (2024-2027) – Co-PI
🔬 Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) – Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology Development in PRION Diseases – AID-PRION (2024-2026) – Co-PI
🔬 Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) – Prioritizing Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Human Prion Diseases through Integrative Omics – Prionomics (2024-2026) – External Collaborator
🔬 H.F.R.I (Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation) – Development of Novel, Anthocyanin-Rich, Food Additives/Nutraceuticals from Vinification By-products (2023-2026) – PI for School of Biology