Elena Thanou

Elena’s connection with chemistry was significantly strengthened when she realized that the discipline can serve as a bridge between scientific research and clinical practice. The understanding that chemical and molecular analyses can directly contribute to the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases became a decisive factor in her decision to pursue research in the field of clinical chemistry.

After completing her undergraduate studies at the Department of Chemistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she continued her academic journey in the postgraduate program Clinical Biochemistry – Molecular Diagnostics, where she deepened her knowledge of modern molecular methodologies applied to cancer research.

Since April 2024, she has been pursuing her doctoral research at the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of the same institution, under the supervision of Athina Markou, Assistant Professor. Her research focuses on the development and optimization of molecular methodologies for the detection and study of biomarkers in biological fluids from cancer patients.

Through her work, she aims to contribute to the development of sensitive and reliable analytical protocols that could support early diagnosis and the personalized monitoring of patients.

Receiving the scholarship from the Elena Iliopoulou Giama Cancer Research & Scholarship Foundation represents not only financial support in an environment where research remains underfunded, but also an important recognition and a responsibility to continue her research efforts with dedication.