The Next Generation of Radiation Researchers
The Next Generation of Radiation Researchers (NGenR²) is an early career subchapter of the European Radiation Research Society (ERRS).
Our mission is to foster a supportive and dynamic community for early-career researchers in radiation science. We aim to create opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional development by organizing dedicated events, mentorship initiatives, and scientific discussions tailored to the needs of emerging scientists in the field.
NGenR² is led by a group of motivated early-career researchers from various institutions across Europe. Our team consists of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and young professionals who share a passion for advancing radiation research and supporting peers in the field.
Meet the NGenR² Team
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Alexandra Charalampopoulou was born in Athens, Greece. In 2018, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of L’Aquila, where she completed her thesis in oncology. In 2020, she obtained a Master’s degree in Neurobiology from the University of Pavia, with her thesis conducted in the Radiobiology Laboratory at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO). Her research focused on investigating the effects of conventional radiotherapy and hadrontherapy on radioresistant tumours. Following her graduation, Alexandra was awarded a two-year research grant in the field of hadrontherapy at the CNAO Foundation’s Radiobiology Laboratory. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the Radiobiology Laboratory of the CNAO Foundation, in collaboration with the IUSS of Pavia, specializing in innovative particle therapies.
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Anthony was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates and is Lebanese by nationality.
He currently works in the manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapies at a biotech company as he wraps up his PhD in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. His research focused on the preclinical evaluation of targeted radionuclide therapy for glioblastoma, with an emphasis on understanding the underlying radiobiology of such treatments. Anthony is a biochemist by training, with a master’s degree in stem cells and regenerative medicine.Anthony's passion for creating impact and building communities drives his active involvement in organisations dedicated to improving access to healthcare and empowering young people in science and beyond.
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Mohamed Nafady was born and raised in Egypt. He earned his PhD in the Radiation Science Department at the Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt. His work focused on Studying circulating tumour cells and response to radiotherapy in Bone Metastasis Breast Cancer Patients. His research primarily focuses on the biological responses from radiotherapy and medical imaging procedures and the efficiency of radiation protection protocols. His background includes a bachelor's degree in the Medical Radiological Imaging program and a master's scholarship funded by the European Commission Erasmus+ Exchange Program in Applied Medical Biology Program, Faculty of Science, University of Lucian Blaga, Romania and in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Lodz, Lodz City, Poland. He currently works as a Lecturer at the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt.
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Sara is a ESA-Melissa Ph.D. student. In her research, she aims to understand the effects of cosmic ionizing radiation on plant growth and how it influences cultivation needs in space environments. Her work primarily focuses on assessing the radio-tolerance of higher plants and selecting suitable species capable of producing functional foods to support sustained space missions.
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Silvana is a postdoctoral researcher at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, in Germany investigating the potential of carbon ion radiotherapy for treating radioresistant cancers. She holds a PhD focused on immune system dysfunction in space, utilizing ground-based facilities and models to simulate space conditions. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Radiotherapy and a Master's degree with which she explored the role of mitochondria in the non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation.
Want to take part?
Are you an early-career researcher passionate about radiation science? Join us! Becoming a member of NGenR² is an easy 2 step process:
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1 - Become a member of the ERRS
- Become a member of ERRS: Membership automatically grants you access to NGenR² and its activities.
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2 - Send in more details about you and your motivation
- Send us an email with your CV and a small motivation on why you would like to be part of NGenR²
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