Professor of Medical Oncology at the Department of Medicine of the University of Valencia, Spain, and President of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Dr Andrés Cervantes, was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa of the Department of Medicine of the NKUA’s School of Health Sciences. The awarding ceremony took place on Thursday, 9 January 2025, at 19:00, at the Great Hall of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Addressing the honouree was the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos.
It was Professor of Medical Oncology at the Department of Medicine of the University of Athens, Dr Amanda Psyrri, who presented the work and personality of the honouree.
This was followed by the awarding ceremony.
The Chair of the Department of Medicine, Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, read the Department’s Resolution, the Award, and the Honorary Diploma.
Immediately afterwards, the Dean of the NKUA’s School of Health Sciences, Professor Pagona Lagiou, invested the honouree with the gown of the School.
The ceremony concluded with the honouree, Dr Andrés Cervantes, delivering a speech entitled ‘Liquid Biopsy: Assessing Circulating Tumor DNA to Advance on Precision Medicine in Colorectal Cancer’.
In his address to the honouree, the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, said, among other things, the following: ‘Dr Cervantes is Professor of Oncology and Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the University Hospital in Valencia, Spain. His marvellous scientific career, which combines extensive clinical and research work, has been instrumental in shaping the current theory and practice of Oncology and has greatly influenced the medical community worldwide.
As Head of the Department of Medical Oncology and Scientific Director of the Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, he has brought new perspectives to the study and treatment of cancer. His pioneering programmes, including the molecular classification of gastrointestinal malignancies, have paved the way for new developments in oncology practice.
The honouree has led European projects, such as LEGACY, which fosters international cooperation and technology transfer in studies for gastric cancer, involving EU and Latin American countries. His publications, totalling over 300 in leading scientific journals, demonstrate his diverse scientific contribution.
As President of ESMO, Dr Cervantes has strengthened international collaboration in Oncology. His work in education and the creation of new therapeutic approaches have made him a point of reference for the scientific community as a whole’.
Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis
