Theodora Katsila

My interest in STEM was born very early, driven by curiosity rather than a specific career plan. As a child, I was fascinated by understanding how things work — from biological systems to patterns in nature. During school, chemistry and biology became my way of making sense of the world, while mathematics gave me the language to describe it.

Over time, I realized that science is not only about knowledge, but about solving real problems that affect people’s lives. That realization transformed curiosity into purpose. Today, my passion lies at the intersection of sciences, where we can translate scientific discovery into tangible societal impact.

At NHRF, diversity and inclusion are embedded in our research culture through merit-based recruitment, equal opportunity policies, and active participation in European frameworks that promote gender equality and responsible research. NHRF supports interdisciplinary collaboration across institutes and encourages international mobility, fostering a diverse and globally connected research environment.

We operate within EU-aligned principles of open science, research integrity, and ethical compliance. Sustainability is reflected both in our research priorities, including health innovation, environmental resilience, and digital transformation, and in our institutional practices aimed at responsible resource management and long-term societal impact. As a laboratory head, I actively promote inclusive team environments, interdisciplinary mentorship, and equal participation in scientific leadership and visibility.

Intellectual integrity, courage, and responsibility.
I value rigorous thinking and evidence-based decision-making, but also the courage to question established frameworks and explore new ones. Innovation requires both discipline and boldness. I believe in accountability; to science, to society, and to the next generation of researchers and citizens. Excellence matters, but so does fairness. Collaboration, mentorship, and ethical responsibility are not optional in science; they are foundational. Above all, I value curiosity with purpose; using knowledge not just to understand the world, but to improve it.

One of my future challenges is contributing to shaping research ecosystems that are not only innovative, but transformative. As science becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and AI-driven, the real challenge is to help redefine how knowledge is generated, integrated, and translated responsibly.
I see my role evolving beyond leading projects toward helping design systems that accelerate impact while preserving scientific integrity. The future challenge is not only to advance technology, but to ensure that it serves humanity in meaningful and sustainable ways.