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The Organic Chemistry Laboratory participated in the “Chemical Baskets of Love” initiative.
“Chemical Baskets of Love” is a social solidarity action organized by the Union of Greek Chemists (UGC) in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). The initiative aimed to collect goods such as food and basic necessities for families in need, supporting vulnerable groups during the holiday season. The action was announced in early December 2025.
The Attica and Cyclades Regional Division of the Union of Greek Chemists hopes that similar initiatives will continue in the future.
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On Thursday November 20th an extra hybrid seminar of the Department of Chemistry will be held at 1:00 p.m at A2 auditorium. Title: “Synthesis of Diglyceride Health Functional Materials for Cosmetics and Pyrrole Platform Chemicals for Pharmaceuticals” Presenter: Prof. Sangho Koo <http://www.kooslab.org/> Professor, Department of Chemistry; Department of Energy Science and Technology, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, South Korea Link: seminar's abstract & CV
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The Department of Chemistry is pleased to announce a seminar by
Professor Alexandros Makriyannis (Northeastern University).
The seminar will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.,
in the Small Amphitheater of the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry (LOC).
Title: “The Endocannabinoid system”
Alexandros Makriyannis is the George Behrakis Chair of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Northeastern University, Boston, MA, and is the Founder and Director of the Center for Drug Discovery. He is a highly successful medicinal chemist and is well recognized nationally and internationally for his important contributions in endocannabinoid research. This relatively newly characterized biochemical system, where he played an important role in its discovery, regulates many physiological functions including pain, neuroprotection, addiction, immunomodulation and cognition. Over the past four decades, his laboratory has designed and synthesized some of the key pharmacological endocannabinoid probes that are widely used and serve as leads for the development of new medications. He has also made important contributions aimed at understanding the molecular basis of cannabinoid activity. Some of his compounds are in advanced preclinical trials for the treatment of metabolic disorders and liver function, neuropathic pain, addiction and neurodegenerative diseases.
This talk will summarize some recent research highlights include the x-ray crystal structures of agonist and antagonist bound CB1 receptor as well as the crystal structure or cryo-EM structure of CB2 receptor in both its active and inactive form. The CDD has developed an extensive library of cannabinoid agonists including the development of more drug-like cannabinoids with variable durations of actions as well as the development of the first stable endocannabinoid analogs. Lastly, the Makriyannis lab was able to develop the first CB1 neutral antagonist which is currently in advanced preclinical trials for the treatment of addiction.
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The Laboratory of Organic Chemistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family of Emeritus Professor Vasiliki Theodorou-Kasioumi of the University of Ioannina (chem.uoi.gr).
From 1975 to 2000, Professor Theodorou-Kasioumi served as a dedicated faculty member of our Laboratory, offering invaluable contributions to both teaching and research. She was a deeply respected and much-loved figure, known for her kindness toward students and colleagues alike.
A distinguished scientist and devoted educator, she committed her life to advancing knowledge and fostering academic excellence.
May she rest in peace.
Her memory and the love she inspired will always remain in our hearts.
On behalf of the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry,
Athanasios Gkimisis
Director
Department of Chemistry
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
