CLINICAL24: Pioneering regenerative medicine and flow cytometry with Dr. Kalodimou
Explore how CLINICAL24 Ambassador, Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou, is leveraging flow cytometry to revolutionize treatments with stem cells and regenerative medicine
8 Nov 2024
Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou, Director at the Flow Cytometry-Research and Regenerative Medicine Department of IASO Maternity-Pediatric and Research Hospital in Athens, Greece
CLINICAL24 Ambassador, Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou, Director at the Flow Cytometry-Research and Regenerative Medicine Department of EUC Frankfurt Branch, former Director of IASO Maternity-Pediatric and Research Hospital in Athens, Greece, is an authority in the field and conducts extensive research in stem cells and their applications in regenerative medicine, making significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare. With over 44 research papers, 7 books, and 2 patents, Dr. Kalodimou’s contributions are recognized globally. Her work in regenerative medicine holds promise not only for treating rare diseases but also for addressing common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
Educational background and expertise
Dr. Kalodimou’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Human Physiology and a Master of Science (MSc) in Human Molecular Genetics from Imperial College London. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Medicine in Athens, Greece, with a focus on stem cells and factors affecting their viability, with further specialization in genetics and cancer at Harvard University, USA.
Currently, Dr. Kalodimou serves as the Assistant Professor and former Acting Chair at the European University-Cyprus Ltd. Frankfurt Branch, and the acting Chair and collaborative partner for the Greek Research Infrastructure for BIOIMAGING-GR at NCSR "DEMOKRITOS", Athens. Dr. Kalodimou is also a collaborative partner for the Regenerative Medicine Program at the Institute of Personalized Molecular Medicine at Medical City Hospital, Philippines, where she supports research and training in personalized medicine.
Stem cell research and regenerative medicine
Dr. Kalodimou has been involved in stem cell research since 2006, working with stem cells from placenta, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue. Her research focuses on their application in regenerative medicine, clinical trials, and medical tourism. She has developed quality control schemes for stem cell marker enumeration in collaboration with the Hellenic Flow Cytometry Society, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of flow cytometry data, which is critical for evaluating the safety of stem cell therapies.
In her leadership role at IASO Hospital, Dr. Kalodimou oversees groundbreaking clinical trials that are paving the way for innovative treatments. Her work seeks to enhance the clarity and accessibility of flow cytometry measurements and has significantly reduced false positives in stem cell enumeration. These advancements are crucial for increasing the efficacy of cell-based therapies.
Leadership at IASO Hospital
As the Director of the Flow Cytometry-Research and Regenerative Medicine Department at IASO Maternity-Pediatric and Research Hospital, Dr. Kalodimou oversees critical research and clinical trials, helping bridge the gap between laboratory science and patient care. IASO Hospital, one of the leading healthcare institutions in Greece, has become a hub for innovative medical research under her leadership. In addition, Dr. Kalodimou collaborates with universities, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms, promoting research that could pave the way for medical breakthroughs.
Key contributions and recognition
Beyond her work at IASO, Dr. Kalodimou has held numerous prestigious positions globally. She has served as CBB Director and Processing Facility Director at MedStem-Cryobanks and as a hematology research associate at General University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete. She is also a member of the Board/Committee on Research Ethics at the National Hellenic Research Foundation and holds leadership roles in AABB Cellular Therapy programs, where she has contributed to the development of worldwide standards for cellular therapy services.
Her two books on flow cytometry have become seminal references in the field, with the English version placed in Stanford University’s medical library and recognized as a bestseller. Her book, A Handbook to Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine (2015), further established her as a thought leader in regenerative medicine.
Awards and achievements
Dr. Kalodimou’s contributions to medicine and science have earned her numerous awards, including the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), the AABB President’s Award (2020)—the first awarded to a non-American—and the Shining Star Award from the AABB PEP Program (2017). She was also recognized as the Clinical Reviewer of the Year (2021) by Select Science's Scientists' Choice Awards and was honored with the UEL Alumni Advisory Board Change Maker Award (2021 & 2023).
Her extensive work in mentoring—through programs such as the AABB PEP mentoring program, the ISCT Early Stage Professionals Mentoring Program and UEL(mentor of the year 2024), and Imperial College’s PhD Medical Students Program—demonstrates her commitment to shaping the future generation of scientists. Additionally, her biography has been featured in multiple editions of Marquis Who's Who, including the Who's Who in Science and Engineering (2017).
Addressing the challenges in clinical laboratory science
Clinical laboratory scientists face numerous challenges, from rapidly evolving technologies to the need for precise data interpretation. Dr. Kalodimou’s work exemplifies how technology, particularly in flow cytometry and regenerative medicine, can address these challenges. By integrating advanced diagnostics and cell-based therapies, she is contributing to a healthcare revolution that promises more personalized and effective treatments.