Professor of Oncology in the Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University Chicago, USA, Dr Leonidas Platanias, was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa of the School of Medicine. The awarding ceremony took place on Wednesday, 2 July 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.
Immediately afterwards, Professor of Medical Oncology and Director of the 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Translational Research Unit at Attikon General University Hospital of Athens, Dr Amanda Psyrri, presented the honouree’s academic contributions and personal qualities.
The awarding ceremony then followed:
The Chair of the School of Medicine, Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, read aloud the Resolution of the School, the Award, and the Honorary Diploma.
Subsequently, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor Pagona Lagiou, invested the honouree with the academic gown of the School.
The ceremony closed with a speech by the honouree, Professor Leonidas Platanias, entitled ‘Interferon Signalling Circuits as Therapeutic Targets in Malignancies’.
In his address, the Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, said, among other things, the following: ‘Dr Platanias’s contributions are impressive in both breadth and depth. He has published more than 320 papers, which have had a significant impact on the therapeutic approach to haematological malignancies. His research focuses on cytokine signalling pathways as targets for the treatment of leukemia. His projects have been continuously funded for over 25 years by the US National Cancer Institute, which itself is further proof of the enduring innovation and scientific credibility of his work.
The honouree has earned many international awards for excellence in interferon and cytokine research and served as President of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society. He participates in dozens of international committees, advisory panels, and editorial boards of prestigious scientific journals, helping to define the global strategy on Oncology research.
However, his contributions extend beyond scientific research. As a mentor to young scientists and coordinator of research and educational networks, Professor Platanias plays a key role in shaping the next generation of medical doctors and researchers’.
Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis
