Prof. Maria Kourti | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece
Prof. Maria Kourti is a distinguished academic and medical professional specializing in Pediatrics with a particular focus on Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Infectious Diseases. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where she has been deeply involved in both teaching and research. Her career spans over two decades of excellence in clinical practice, scientific research, and international collaborations, with significant contributions to the understanding of childhood leukemia, drug resistance mechanisms, and pediatric infectious diseases. She has authored 73 publications indexed in PubMed, holds an h-index of 16, and has received over 1,000 citations, making her a recognized figure in her field. Prof. Kourti has combined clinical expertise with cutting-edge molecular and proteomic research, actively leading and participating in international multicenter studies and clinical trials. She is also extensively engaged in professional societies at the European and global levels, serving as a board member and committee leader in organizations dedicated to pediatric health. Alongside her academic achievements, she has contributed to medical education, mentorship, and health promotion initiatives, underlining her holistic approach to advancing both science and society. Her distinguished record makes her a highly respected leader in pediatric research and medicine.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Maria Kourti pursued her entire academic journey at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. She obtained her Medical Degree, laying the foundation for her career in pediatrics. With a strong interest in scientific research, she further advanced her education by earning a Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Research Technology, where she developed early expertise in biomedical investigations. Her passion for oncology and molecular medicine culminated in her Ph.D, with her thesis focused on the “Study of expression of multi-drug resistance genes in pediatric leukemia,” a topic that remains central to her research today. Her commitment to academic and clinical growth did not stop there, as she pursued advanced medical specialization, becoming Board Certified as a Specialist Pediatrician and later recognized as a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist. In the same year, she also completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Proteomics in Childhood Leukemia, marking her continued dedication to translational research. This progression highlights her unique integration of medicine and science, equipping her with the academic depth and clinical expertise to make pioneering contributions in pediatric hematology, oncology, and infectious diseases.
Professional Experience
Prof. Maria Kourti has held several critical roles in clinical practice and academia, reflecting her dual expertise as a physician and researcher. she served as an Attending Physician in the Pediatric Oncology Department at Hippokration General Hospital, where she gained extensive clinical experience in treating children with hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Her expertise further deepened during her Pediatric Infectious Disease Fellowship at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, based at Hippokration General Hospital. she worked as an Attending Physician in the 3rd Department of Pediatrics at Aristotle University, responsible for managing the Pediatric Hematology Unit, demonstrating her leadership in both patient care and academic responsibilities. she was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics–Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where she continues to combine clinical duties with teaching and high-level research. Her responsibilities extend beyond the university, as she actively participates in national and international research programs, leading initiatives on childhood cancer, supportive care, and clinical trials. Through these roles, Prof. Kourti has developed a reputation for clinical excellence, academic leadership, and research innovation, making her a central figure in pediatric hematology and oncology in Greece and abroad.
Research Interests
Prof. Kourti’s research interests span the intersection of molecular biology, pediatric oncology, and infectious diseases, with a strong emphasis on improving treatment outcomes for children with cancer. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work centered on the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in childhood leukemia, specifically the expression of multi-drug resistance genes and the application of proteomics to understand disease progression and treatment response. She has also been deeply engaged in genetic polymorphism studies, particularly in metabolic enzymes of carcinogenic substances in patients with acute leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes. In addition to her oncology work, she has pursued significant research in pediatric infectious diseases, coordinating national efforts for the Greek Supportive Care Group and contributing to clinical research on antifungal therapies and novel antimicrobial strategies. Her interests also extend to large-scale clinical collaborations, where she has been both principal and sub-investigator in 15 multinational clinical trials addressing treatments for pediatric cancers and infections. This breadth of research demonstrates her commitment to translational medicine, bridging laboratory research with clinical applications. Her interests align with global health priorities, focusing on improving survival, reducing treatment toxicity, and enhancing supportive care in children with cancer.
Research Skills
Prof. Kourti possesses a strong foundation in molecular biology and clinical research methodologies, supported by advanced training and decades of practical application. Her technical expertise includes DNA and RNA extraction from blood and bone marrow samples, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, and RT-PCR, enabling her to investigate genetic and proteomic markers in pediatric leukemia. She has extensive experience with clinical trial design and implementation, having served as both a principal investigator and sub-investigator in numerous international studies, particularly within the SIOPE and SIOPEN networks. Her skills also extend to multidisciplinary collaboration, coordinating research teams across clinical and laboratory settings. In addition, Prof. Kourti has developed editorial and peer-review skills through her role as Guest Editor of special issues in international journals such as the Journal of Fungi and Diagnostics and as a reviewer for more than 10 medical journals. She also demonstrates expertise in data interpretation, publication writing, and conference presentation, with over 100 oral and poster presentations at national and international congresses. Her combined clinical and laboratory research skills, along with her organizational and editorial experience, make her a versatile and influential contributor to pediatric oncology and infectious disease research worldwide.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Prof. Maria Kourti has received numerous awards and honors recognizing her excellence in research, teaching, and clinical practice. She has earned 10 major distinctions, including 3 scholarships from the National Scholarship Foundation (IKY), awarded for her academic performance and research potential. In addition, she has received 3 educational grants supporting her clinical and research training, as well as 6 first prizes for oral and poster presentations at both national and international medical congresses. These awards highlight not only her dedication to scientific inquiry but also her ability to effectively communicate her findings to diverse audiences. Beyond individual recognition, her leadership roles within professional societies such as the Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics and Health Promotion, the National Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Society, and participation in European cooperative groups (SIOPE, ESPID, EXPeRT, ESCMID) further demonstrate the esteem in which she is held by the medical and scientific community. She has also contributed as a committee member for sustainability at ESPID, reflecting her commitment to long-term scientific advancement and ethical research practices. These honors collectively underscore her outstanding achievements and her influential role in pediatric medicine and research.
Publication Top Notes
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Antifungal Use in Immunocompromised Children in Europe: A 12-Week Multicenter Weekly Point Prevalence Survey (CALYPSO) — 2025
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A Global Analysis of Cases of Mucormycosis Recorded in the ECMM / ISHAM Zygomyco.net Registry from 2009 to 2022 — 2025
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Medulloblastoma therapy: Consensus treatment recommendations from SIOP-Europe and the European Research Network — 2025 — 3 citations
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Addressing infectious challenges in pediatric cancer and hematopoietic cell transplantation: insights from the Umbrella Working Group — 2025
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Invasive Fungal Disease After Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Immunotherapy in Adult and Pediatric Patients — 2025
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Planetary Health: What You Need to Know as a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Doctor — 2025
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Successful Treatment of Disseminated Fusariosis in a 15-Month-old Boy With Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using High-dose Voriconazole — 2024 — 1 citation
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Usage of Antifungal Agents in Pediatric Patients Versus Adults: Knowledge and Gaps — 2025
Conclusion
Prof. Maria Kourti exemplifies the qualities of a leading physician-scientist, with a career that integrates clinical expertise, innovative research, and academic leadership. Her groundbreaking work in childhood leukemia, infectious diseases, and pediatric oncology has advanced both scientific knowledge and clinical practice, directly impacting patient outcomes. With more than 73 peer-reviewed publications, extensive participation in international clinical trials, and leadership in national and European research groups, she has established herself as a key figure in the global pediatric research community. Her commitment to mentoring young scientists, active involvement in health promotion initiatives, and editorial contributions further enhance her academic profile. Looking ahead, Prof. Kourti is well-positioned to expand her research into global collaborations, increase her presence in high-impact journals, and take on greater leadership roles in shaping international pediatric oncology policies. Her career trajectory reflects not only past accomplishments but also significant potential for future contributions to medicine, making her a highly deserving candidate for continued recognition. In summary, Prof. Kourti’s lifelong dedication to advancing pediatric care and medical science positions her as an outstanding role model and leader in the field.