Voices from Our First Cycle
The first graduates of the MSc in Cell and Gene Therapies shared their experience of a programme designed to connect cutting-edge science with clinical practice, pharmaceutical development and biotechnology.
Their reflections highlight the programme’s interdisciplinary character, its strong academic foundation and its relevance to professionals at different stages of their careers.
Dimitrios Bakolas
First Degree in Pharmaceutics
“As a pharmacist who works in a clinical environment, I would like to emphasize the need for colleagues’ specialisation in Cell and Gene Therapies, as these are being integrated into clinical practice rapidly.
The Bi-institutional MSc Cell and Gene Therapies Study Programme of the University of Patras and the University of West Attica provides, purposefully and concisely, the necessary knowledge required to face the challenges presented by these novel treatments.”
Graduate of Medical School
“It is an excellent programme, very well structured, with content that truly reflects its title.
It equips researchers and scientists from relevant fields — including biology, chemistry, pharmaceutics and medicine — with an understanding of the pathway a research product follows, from the conception of an idea until it is brought to the market.
The teachers are distinguished in their fields, very approachable, and provide clearly defined fundamental information together with relevant bibliography.”
Graduate of Veterinary Medicine
“I had the pleasure of attending the MSc Cell and Gene Therapies organised by the University of Patras School of Medicine and the University of West Attica Department of Biomedical Sciences.
The course is well structured, stimulating and innovative. Thanks to the different professors and their diverse backgrounds, every aspect — from bench to bedside — is covered.
I attended the programme while working full-time and never had problems. The schedule was provided in advance, the material was available online, and the university staff was always at our disposal. The support system was amazing.
I highly recommend this course. It suits both new graduates and scientists at a more advanced stage of their careers.”
Dimitrios Skavatsos
First Degree in Pharmaceutics | MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics
“For the first time in 2022 in Greece, a new and innovative MSc Programme meeting international standards began, titled Cell and Gene Therapies: From Bench to Bedside and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Having professional experience in the pharmaceutical field, this Master’s helped me realise how rapidly technology is evolving and how Cell and Gene Therapies are set to transform the future of healthcare.
Having been trained by the teaching and research staff of the University of Patras and the University of West Attica, together with renowned invited experts from Theracell and Orgenesis Academy, I feel confident that this degree will be a powerful asset for both myself and my fellow graduates in our future careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors worldwide.”
Where Our Graduates Are Today
The impact of the MSc continues beyond graduation.
Our alumni are building careers across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, clinical research and healthcare — applying the scientific, technical and regulatory knowledge gained during the programme in real-world professional environments.
Konstantina Papadopoulou
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs | Medical Devices
“The MSc contributed positively to my professional development by expanding my scientific knowledge and helping me better understand emerging trends in the biomedical sciences.
One of the most valuable outcomes of the programme was that it sparked my interest in clinical research and clinical trials.”
Today, Konstantina works in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs in the medical devices sector, where the knowledge gained during the MSc continues to support her professional activities.
Maria Balaska
Quality Assurance Officer | DEMO S.A. – Biotechnology Operations
“The MSc has significantly supported my professional development and career path, strengthening my interest in ATMPs, GMP operations, Quality Assurance, clinical trial support, and regulatory compliance.”
Maria currently works in Quality Assurance at DEMO S.A. – Biotechnology Operations in Athens, focusing on quality management systems, GMP documentation, compliance, audit readiness, risk management and validation planning.
Eleni Paliogianni
Laboratory Scientist | Cord Blood Bank
“The MSc programme played a pivotal role in my career path.
I can say with confidence that I secured my current position specifically because of the specialized knowledge and credentials I gained through this Master’s programme.”
Eleni currently works as a Laboratory Scientist at a Cord Blood Bank, applying the principles and knowledge acquired during the MSc directly in the broader healthcare field.
Xeni Beli
Biochemist – Biotechnologist | MSc, PhD Candidate | Production Scientist
“The MSc in Cell and Gene Therapies was an exceptionally interesting and valuable programme that significantly contributed to my academic and professional development.
Its interdisciplinary approach, comprehensive curriculum, and focus on cutting-edge developments in Cell and Gene Therapies provided me with a strong foundation in this rapidly evolving field.”
Angeliki Papanikolaou
R&D Scientist | Biotechnology
“Since completing the programme, I have been working as an R&D Scientist in the biotechnology sector, contributing to oncology- and immunology-focused research, analytical method development and validation, technology transfer, and the development of quality control strategies for advanced therapies.
The multidisciplinary nature of the MSc enabled me to integrate scientific, quality, and regulatory perspectives and has been highly relevant to my day-to-day responsibilities.”
The programme has supported Angeliki’s professional growth within the biotechnology and healthcare industries and provided a strong foundation for a career in Cell and Gene Therapy.
Evgenia Michali, PharmD, MSc
Director of Clinical Pharmacy | Healthcare
“The programme has contributed meaningfully to my professional development, most notably in the areas of GMP and regulatory affairs, which have become increasingly central to my current responsibilities.”
Evgenia currently serves as Director of Clinical Pharmacy, where the competencies acquired during the MSc continue to inform her day-to-day practice and strategic decision-making.
Build Expertise & Shape the Future in Advanced Therapies
Join the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals advancing Cell and Gene Therapies.
Develop the scientific, technical and regulatory expertise needed to contribute to one of the most rapidly evolving fields in modern medicine.
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