Domna Karagogeos, Professor Emerita of Molecular Biology-Developmental Neurobiology at the University of Crete Medical School and collaborating faculty member of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), was elected as a new member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), one of the most prestigious international organizations in the field of Molecular Biology.
This international distinction is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to science and the advancement of the life sciences through pioneering research and scientific achievements. The election also reflects the scientific excellence and high quality research carried out at IMBB-FORTH and the University of Crete. It is worth noting that until today, 10 out of the 19 Greek Scientists that have been elected as EMBO Members, either work or are affiliated Faculty members at FORTH.
EMBO is dedicated to promoting scientific excellence in Molecular Biology. Today, there are more than 2,200 EMBO members, internationally renowned scientists, including 92 Nobel Prize laureates. In its most recent election cycle, 71 new members were selected from 23 countries all around the world. These scientists have excelled either in areas of fundamental research, such as ecology and evolution, epigenetics or structural biology or in areas of applied research such as health informatics, immunopharmacology or oncology.
“It is a pleasure to welcome the new EMBO Members and Associate Members. Their election celebrates their achievements and creativity. By contributing their unique perspectives and experiences, they will greatly strengthen the network of leading life scientists who are shaping the field,” said EMBO Director Fiona Watt (EMBO Comms, 2026).
The official ceremony welcoming Prof. Karagogeos as a New Member of EMBO will take place in Heidelberg, Germany, September 30 to October 2 2026.
Short CV in English
Domna Karagogeos, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Molecular Biology-Developmental Neurobiology at the University of Crete Medical School and collaborating faculty at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB-FORTH). She holds a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University. She has done postdoctoral research on axon guidance in the Center of Neurobiology and Behavior / Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the laboratory of T.J. Jessell, before establishing her own group in Crete in 1990. Her research involves the elucidation of a) cellular and molecular signals involved in neuronal migrations especially in cortical interneurons and b) the interactions between axons and myelin, especially as they pertain to de- and remyelination and the role of glial cells and adhesion molecules in these processes. Her team uses mouse in vivo models, advanced imaging, primary cultures as well as functional and behavioral assays.
Work from her group has produced >100 peer reviewed publications in top journals. Her work has been funded by international and national sources such as the EU, the National Society of Multiple Sclerosis (USA), the MS Society of the UK, France (ARSEP), the European Leukodystrophy Association as well as Greek National funding bodies. During her career, she has trained 13 postdoctoral fellows, 20 PhD and numerous Master’s and undergraduate students. She has been a visiting professor in the École Normale Supérieure, National Institute for Medical Research-Mill Hill, Boston College, Northeastern University, Harvard Medical School and has been supported by HFSP, HHMI, Fullbright and other foundations. She is an evaluator/panel member of funding bodies (ERC, EU, ANR, ARSEP, etc).
She has been teaching neurobiology in national / international graduate programs in addition to undergraduate courses in developmental neuroscience and in cellular/molecular biology. She has been a member and past chair of the Committee for Higher Education and Training of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), a member of the FENS ExCom, a member of the European Committee of the International Brain Research organization and vice-president of the Hellenic Academy of Neuroimmunology. She was a member of the Recruitment and Training Working Group of EU Life and a member of the first Mentoring Committee of the IMBB. In 2025 she has been awarded the first-class prize in the Physical sciences by the Academy of Athens for her work pertaining to myelin and multiple sclerosis.
The EMBO official announcement: https://www.embo.org/press-releases/seventy-one-leading-scientists-elected-to-the-embo-membership/
More info:
Domna Karagogeos
Professor Emerita Univ. of Crete, Medical School | IMBB-FORTH
eMail: karagoge@imbb.forth.gr | Tel.: +30-2810-394542
Relevant links:
http://www.imbb.forth.gr/karagogeos
