The Department of Informatics at the Ionian University is honored to announce the awarding of an honorary doctorate to the leading scientist in Molecular Systems Biology, Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis, in recognition of his outstanding contributions and achievements in the fields of biosciences and bioinformatics, among others.

Mr. Tavernarakis, a leading scientist with international renown in the field of molecular and neuroscientific research, has made a decisive contribution to the understanding and explanation of bioscientific phenomena that cut across scientific disciplines. He is president of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) and a member of the European Academy of Sciences, and has received numerous international awards for his important work in the field of ageing, neurodegeneration and the molecular mechanisms of cell function.

This recognition reflects not only the appreciation of his scientific work, but also an honor for the interconnection and strengthening of the scientific fields of Biology and Informatics, where Professor Tavernarakis’ research has led to the development of innovative computational methods and tools.

The awarding of the honorary title to Mr. Tavernarakis underscores the reputation of the Department of Informatics as a center of excellence and highlights the Ionian University as one of the internationally recognized destinations for education and research.

The honorary award ceremony will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (*) at the Ionian Academy in Corfu.

*Admission closes at 4:50 p.m.

Ceremony Program

Entrance of the honoree and members of the Senate

Commencement of the ceremony

Address by the Rector of the Ionian University, Professor Andreas Floros

Laudatio of the honoree by Professor Panagiotis Vlamos, member of the Administrative Council of the Ionian University

Reading of the resolution of the Department of Informatics by the Chair of the Department, Professor Katia-Leda Kermanidou

Proclamation of the honoree and presentation of insignia by the Rector of the Ionian University, Professor Andreas Floros

Presentation of the resolution and doctoral diploma

Response and speech by the new honorary doctor, Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis
“Decoding the Biology of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases”

Musical Epilogue – Concert by the Ionian Camerata, Department of Music Studies, IU
Ottorino Respighi: Antiche danze et arie per liuto, Suite No.3 I. Italiana: Andantino II. Arie di Corte: Andante cantabile III. Siciliana: Andantino IV. Passacaglia: Maestoso
Spyros Gkountis – Teaching and string conducting
Gregoria-Eftychia Papageorgiou, Apollonas Rotas, Konstantinos Varvadoukas, Fereniki Kasioumi – Violin
Eirini Araklioti, Melina Chalikopoulou – Viola
Thanasis Gloubos, Andreas Vidalis, Zoe Stasinou – Cello

End of ceremony