Ioannis Michelakis

My research focuses on identifying donor-related molecular and clinical factors that influence long-term kidney transplant outcomes. As part of my doctoral project, titled “Risk factors in long-term outcomes in kidney transplantation: an informatics analysis integrating clinical and molecular datasets,” I work across a collaborative program between the University of Oxford and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

I work across several projects, including laboratory analyses of deceased and living donor kidney samples to identify molecular markers of injury and potential dysfunction. In parallel, I aim to conduct a large-scale registry-based analysis using national datasets, such as those from the UK National Transplant Database hosted by NHS Blood and Transplant and the UK Renal Registry to explore clinical risk factors associated with graft failure.

Through a combination of laboratory work and large-scale data analysis, I aim to improve risk prediction tools, support more accurate donor assessment, and ultimately enhance transplant outcomes, patient care, graft longevity, and organ utilisation.

Ioannis Michelakis is a Medical Doctor and Associate Research Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford. He holds an MD and MSc in Epidemiology & Methodology of Research from the Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is currently pursuing a PhD in kidney transplantation through a collaborative program between Oxford and Athens. His research focuses on integrating clinical and molecular data to improve donor assessment and long-term transplant outcomes.

He has received multiple academic distinctions, including a Short-Term Clinical Fellowship from the European Renal Association, awarded in recognition of his research potential and hosted by the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and Oxford Transplant Centre. He was also honoured with the ERA Best Abstract Award for Young Researchers in 2024, as well as a fellowship grant from the Onassis Foundation in 2023. His work combines laboratory research, data science and statistical methodologies to advance personalised care in kidney disease and transplantation.