Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Biologist, Ph.D | Immunology-Histocompatibility Dept.Evangelismos Hospital | Greece

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki, a dedicated biologist and researcher, serves in the Immunology-Histocompatibility Department of Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece. With a profound interest in histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and transplantation science, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of research and clinical practices in these fields. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the scientific community.

Profile

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Strenghts for the Awards

1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background:
   • Dr. Kouniaki has a robust educational foundation, including a PhD in Medicine with a focus on immunogenetics, demonstrating expertise in a highly specialized field.
   • The honorary ESHI diploma and international training highlight her proficiency and recognition in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.
2. Significant Contributions to Research:
   • Publication Record:
     • 35 articles in international journals and 62 short papers in addition to numerous conference presentations (91 at international level).
     • Consistent engagement in research is evident from an h-index of 6, 124 citations, and a Research Interest Score of 58.7 on ResearchGate.
   • Multidisciplinary Focus:
     • Research spans critical areas such as transplantation, paternity testing, immunogenetics, and quality control, showcasing versatility.
3. Recognition and Awards:
   • Honored with 8 awards and 13 invited lectures, reflecting recognition by peers in national and international platforms.
   • Active participation in 87 national and international congresses (including 17 first-author presentations) illustrates a commitment to disseminating research globally.
4. Leadership and Collaborative Efforts:
   • Contributed to 6 thesis projects and served on organizing committees for 3 international congresses, showing leadership and mentorship.
5. Practical and Clinical Impact:
   • Work in transplantation, immunogenetics, and quality control directly improves clinical outcomes, addressing critical medical challenges.

Education 🎓

• BSc in Biology (1988-1993): National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
• Advanced Training (2012): Specialization in HLA typing techniques and STR analysis for transplantation and paternity assessments at the Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, Ulm, Germany.
• PhD in Medicine (2013-2018): NKUA, with a thesis titled “Immunogenetics–two approaches in disputed paternity/maternity testing: HLA polymorphism vs STRs.”
• Received the Honorary ESHI Diploma (2016) for specialization in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.

Experience 💼

Dr. Kouniaki has over two decades of experience, combining clinical expertise with groundbreaking research.

• Immunogenetics Expertise: Ensuring compatibility for organ and bone marrow transplantations.
• Paternity Testing: Conducting genetic analyses for familial relationships.
• Quality Assurance: Active participant in quality control programs to uphold the highest testing standards.
  She has also contributed as a presenter, collaborator, and mentor at numerous national and international congresses, strengthening her professional reputation.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Kouniaki’s research focuses on advancing understanding and practices in:

• Histocompatibility and Transplantation: Enhancing donor-recipient matching for solid organ and bone marrow transplants.
• Immunogenetics and HLA: Investigating genetic markers and their roles in disease predisposition.
• Paternity and Maternity Testing: Leveraging genetic tools for clinical and legal accuracy.
  Her work bridges the gap between clinical application and theoretical research, contributing to significant advancements in immunology.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Kouniaki has been honored with 8 prestigious awards in recognition of her impactful research and professional contributions. These accolades highlight her dedication to excellence in immunogenetics and transplantation science.

Publications 📚

1. Identification of the Novel HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:69 Allele in a Candidate Bone Marrow Donor by Next Generation Sequencing

• Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15741
• Citations: Not listed

2. Identification of the Novel HLA‐DQB1*05:02:01:19 Allele in a Candidate Bone Marrow Donor by Next Generation Sequencing

• Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Katerina Tarassi, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15740
• Citations: Not listed

3. The Novel HLA‐DRB1*03:218N Allele, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Greek Individual

• Authors: Theofilos Athanassiades, Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15744
• Citations: Not listed

4. A Novel HLA‐C07 Variant Allele, HLA‐C07:01:01:141, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

• Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Theofilos Athanassiades, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15687
• Citations: Not listed

5. A Novel HLA‐DQB103 Variant Allele, HLA‐DQB103:01:01:64, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

• Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15705
• Citations: Not listed

6. A Novel HLA‐DQB106 Variant Allele, HLA‐DQB106:02:01:40, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

• Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Katerina Tarassi, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15706
• Citations: Not listed

7. Identification of the New Allele HLA‐C*04:01:01:186 in a Greek Individual Using Next Generation Sequencing

• Authors: Petros Mantzios, Theofilos Athanassiades, Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
• Publication Year: 2024
• DOI: 10.1111/tan.15569
• Citations: Not listed

Conclusion 🤝

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki’s career epitomizes a blend of clinical excellence and research innovation. Her dedication to histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and transplantation science has left an indelible mark on the global scientific community. Her achievements, fueled by her passion for science and quality assurance, continue to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in the field.