Dr Konstantinos Gkikas
- Research Associate (Medicine)
- Demonstrator (School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing)
Biography
Dr Gkikas is a postdoctoral nutrition researcher and clinical dietitian with a PhD from the University of Glasgow in clinical nutrition and a strong interest in the interaction between diet, the gut microbiome and the host immune system in gastrointestinal diseases. Dr Gkikas had over 5 years of experience in leading and coordinating human clinical trials with a wide array of analytical, laboratory, and transferrable skills. He is passionate about science communication, public engagement and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
He is a registered state dietitian in Greece, an accredited Nutritionist (AfN) in the UK, member of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), European Society of paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and an alumni of the European Nutrition leadership Platform (ENLP).
Research interests
Dr Gkikas is an early career researcher with a strong interest in the role of diet in the management of gastrointestinal conditions. He is currently leading the iPENS trial, a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in children with Crohn’s Disease. The aim of this trial is to explore dietary triggers of gut inflammation and their interaction with the gut microbiome and immune host signatures. During his PhD, he explored the role of diet in different phases of onset, management, and exacerbation of Crohn’s disease.
For a complete list of publications, please refer to his ORCID profile.
Supervision
Dr Gkikas has supervised 5 MSc students (MSc Human NUtrition) and 4 BSc intercalated medical students.
Teaching
Dr Gkikas has delivered journal club and data handling teaching sessions to MSc human nutrition students.
Professional activities & recognition
Prizes, awards & distinctions
- 2018: Top academic achievement (MSc) (Yakult UK)
- 2020: Best poster presentation (BSPGHAN)
- 2021: Young Investigator Award (ESPGHAN)
Professional & learned societies
- 2022: Faculty member of Special interest group in Basic and Translational Research, ESPGHAN
Selected international presentations
- 2023: 55th Annual ESPGHAN conference (Vienna)