Kollias George

Molecular Genetics   (2013)

George Kollias is a molecular biologist, Professor of Experimental Physiology at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and President and Director of the Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" (2002-2010 & 2016-present).
Prof. Kollias has pioneered genetic approaches to study the function of cytokine signaling in animal models of human diseases, with specific focus on Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). His lab is renowned for proof of principle preclinical studies that led to the development of anti-TNF therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and for advancing knowledge on molecular and cellular mechanisms driving chronic inflammation and autoimmunity (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Multiple Sclerosis). Prof. Kollias has published over 170 primary research articles in peer-reviewed journals and more than 40 reviews and commentaries (>29.500 citations, h-index 77 Source: Google Scholar). His laboratory is supported by several competitive grants from the European Commission and national sources, as well as by the pharmaceutical industry. In 2014 he was awarded an Advanced grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to study the role of mesenchymal cells in intestinal tissue homeostasis and pathophysiology.
Prof. Kollias’ efforts developed almost exclusively in Greece, and his scientific and administrative work has contributed decisively to the support of a new generation of Greek scientists and the development of National Infrastructures of scientific and technological excellence. Prof. Kollias coordinates the National Research Infrastructures Infrafrontier.GR/Phenotypos from BSRC Fleming, and pMedGR from the Medical School of Athens, which were included in the new National Roadmap for Infrastructures by the Ministry of Science. He also coordinates investment plans towards the creation of 'Biotechnopolis' at BSRC Fleming and an Innovation Hub for precision medicine at the Medical School of Athens. In 2006 he founded the first CRO-biotech spin-off of BSRC Fleming, Biomedcode Hellas SA.
Since 2000 Prof. Kollias is an elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and served as Chair of the ERC Starting grants Review panel for Immunity and Infection (2010-2013). He served as the National Representative of Greece at ESFRI (2010-2012) and as member of the ESFRI strategic working group on Health and Food from 2011 to date. He is member of the Attica Regional Council on Research and Innovation (PSEK). He was elected President of the Council of the Directors of the Greek Research Centers (2009-2010) and member of the National Council on Research and Technology of the Ministry of Development (2001-2003 and 2005-2009). Prof. Kollias is Member of the Biosciences Steering Group of the European Academies Science Advisory Panel (EASAC) since 2014. In 2014, he was awarded the Carol-Nachman Award for Rheumatology and in 2015 he received the first Galien Scientific Research Award at the Prix Galien Greece. Prof. Kollias is Director of the Graduate Program in "Molecular Biomedicine" at the Medical School of the University of Athens.