Three international honours in 2026 recognise Nektarios Tavernarakis’s research into the mechanisms that sustain cellular function and survival.
Three international honours were added in 2026 to the scientific achievements of Nektarios Tavernarakis, Professor of Molecular Systems Biology at the Medical School of the University of Crete, Distinguished Member of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), and Partner of Komvos.
The Greek researcher was elected a member of the Academy of Geroscience, received the Datta Medal and Lecture Award from the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS), and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences at the University of Cyprus.
Election to the Academy of Geroscience
His election to the Academy of Geroscience reflects his research into the mechanisms of ageing and neurodegeneration. The Academy brings together researchers and clinical scientists studying the biology of ageing, longevity and age-related diseases.
Geroscience examines the relationship between the biological processes of ageing and the development of disease, seeking ways to maintain health in later life. Within this field, Nektarios Tavernarakis’s work focuses on cellular function and survival, as well as the processes underlying the deterioration of the nervous system.
The FEBS Datta Medal
The Datta Medal and Lecture Award is presented by FEBS to distinguished scientists for their contributions to Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and related fields. The distinction includes an honorary lecture at the Federation’s annual congress.
Nektarios Tavernarakis received the award at the 50th FEBS Congress, held from 4 to 8 July 2026 in Maastricht, the Netherlands. His lecture focused on autophagic pathways in ageing and neurodegeneration.
Autophagy is the process through which cells remove and recycle their components. Investigating its role in maintaining cellular function is a central focus of his research and contributes to the understanding of nervous system disorders.
Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cyprus
On 27 October 2026, Nektarios Tavernarakis was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences at the University of Cyprus.
This distinction follows the honorary doctorate awarded to him by the Department of Informatics at the Ionian University in 2025 for his contributions to the Life Sciences and Bioinformatics.
Research and Links with Komvos
Nektarios Tavernarakis heads the Neurogenetics and Ageing Laboratory at FORTH’s Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. His research encompasses the molecular mechanisms of ageing and neurodegeneration, memory and learning, and the development of genetic tools for biomedical research.
As a founding member and Partner of Komvos, he is part of the network of scientists connecting the organisation with the international research community. The Life Sciences are an area of interest for Komvos through its Biotechnology Initiative, which focuses on connecting research, education and industry.
