Current Position

Education

2011        PhD
          Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
2007        Master Applied Genetics and Biotechnology
          Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
2005        BSc in Biology
          Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
 

Research Interests

The group’s main research focus is the development of novel therapeutic strategies for disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS). A major area of investigation is the development of innovative treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), alongside the identification and validation of biomarkers to support future clinical trials.
In parallel with its work on CNS neuropathies, the group is actively engaged in the development of targeted therapies for PNS disorders, including diabetic neuropathy and peripheral nerve regeneration. By employing both viral and non-viral gene delivery systems in combination with state-of-the-art technologies, the group aims to generate translatable therapeutic approaches for PNS neuropathies.
Dr Kagiava has authored 37 original peer-reviewed publications in international journals indexed in PubMed, as well as two book chapters. Her work has received over 1,276 citations to date (H-index: 21). She is also a co-inventor on two international patents, and the outcomes of her research are currently being advanced toward clinical application through collaborations with international pharmaceutical industry partners.
 

Biography

Dr Kagiava completed her BSc in Biology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2001–2005), followed by an MSc in Applied Genetics and Biotechnology, and obtained her PhD in 2011. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Neuroscience from 2012 to 2021 and was promoted to Associate Scientist for the period 2021–2025.
She teaches in the Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience course and supervises MSc and PhD students in their laboratory research projects.
Dr Kagiava has served as the principal investigator of six research projects over the past six years, securing more than €1 million in external funding from national and international sources. She has established collaborations with leading scientists at top-ranked academic institutions in Europe and the United States. She is an active member of several professional societies, including the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS), where she serves as Vice-Chair of the Junior Committee and contributes to additional society committees.