Many other IMBB PhD students and postdoctoral researchers also took part in the pitching session and presented their work through posters. These presentations encouraged lively scientific discussions and the exchange of ideas with colleagues from other FORTH institutes, providing valuable opportunities to establish new connections and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

Best Poster Award

Congratulations to Stavroula Baimpa, who was among the recipients of the Best Presentation/Poster/ Demo Awards for her poster entitled: “A Novel Pathogenetic Mechanism to Hijack Innate Immunity via Mycotoxin Binding to Immunostimulatory β-Glucans.” The work was co-authored by M. Sertedakis, E. Drakos, A. Akoumianaki, A. Vatikioti, Gu Yiyou, S. Dolati, R. G. Risteen, B. M. Vincent, A. Koutsopoulos, S. I. Ashraf, and G. Chamilos.

This recognition highlights the scientific excellence and innovative research emerging from IMBB.

Recognizing Dedication and Service to FORTH and IMBB

The retreat also provided an opportunity to honor individuals whose long-standing dedication and contributions have helped shape the scientific community at FORTH and IMBB.

Honoring Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis

Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis was honored in recognition of his service as Director of the Central Directorate and Chairman of the FORTH Board of Directors, a position he held from 2016 until early 2025.

Alongside his distinguished scientific career in neurobiology, disease, and ageing, Professor Ν. Tavernarakis has made significant contributions to the wider research and innovation ecosystem through institutional leadership and service to research agencies. He is currently Research Director at IMBB-FORTH and President of the European Molecular Biology Conference. His previous leadership roles include President of the FORTH Board of Directors, President of the Governing Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Vice-President of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council (ERC), and Director of IMBB.Through these roles, he has helped shape research policy and strengthen the European research landscape.

During his tenure as President of the FORTH Board of Directors, FORTH expanded its activities with the establishment of two new institutes dedicated to Geoenergy and Human Genomics. This period also saw major investments in research infrastructure, including new institute buildings in Ioannina, Rethymno, Chania, and Heraklion. Among these facilities is the auditorium at the Innovation and Advanced Education Hub in Heraklion, where the 15th FORTH Scientific Retreat took place.

Recognizing Four Decades of Contribution to IMBB

Frans Brandt and Ioannis Livadaras were also recognized for their longstanding service and valuable contributions to IMBB over the past four decades.

Their work highlights the essential role of both technical and scientific personnel in sustaining research excellence and supporting the institute’s achievements.

Frans Brandt has been a cornerstone of IMBB’s technical support, helping ensure that essential research equipment remains operational and that laboratory activities run smoothly. His dedication has been instrumental in maintaining the infrastructure and technical support on which scientific research depends.

Ioannis Livadaras has contributed to pioneering advances in insect biotechnology, including the development, in 1995, of what is described as the world’s first transgenic Mediterranean fruit fly. His work reflects IMBB’s longstanding commitment to insect research and agricultural biotechnology, encompassing studies of the olive fruit fly and innovative approaches such as RNA interference (RNAi), Wolbachia-based mosquito control, and research targeting major agricultural pests.

Reflecting on nearly four decades of service, Ioannis Livadaras emphasized the importance of the people behind IMBB’s achievements: “After almost four decades, the greatest asset I take with me is its people—the people of IMBB. The outstanding scientists, professors and dear colleagues with whom we became a true family over the microscopes. I hope FORTH will continue to lead global research and inspire future generations.”

Celebrating Scientific Excellence and Collaboration

The 15th FORTH Scientific Retreat celebrated the scientific achievements, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the FORTH research community. IMBB’s active participation highlighted the institute’s continued commitment to scientific excellence, interdisciplinary exchange, and the development of future research collaborations.

Congratulations to all IMBB researchers and award recipients, and sincere thanks to everyone whose dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit continue to strengthen IMBB and the wider FORTH community.

The three-day retreat was held with the support of the Region of Crete and the Regional Development Fund of Crete.