Meet our visiting research fellow: Eirini Kyriakoulakou
Eirini recently joined us from Greece as part of a new fellowship exchange programme led by Yorkshire Cancer Research to advance global understanding of the benefits of exercise on cancer treatment.
Hi Eirini! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you are from?
My name is Eirini, and I come from sunny Athens, Greece. I was born and raised in the southern part of the Peloponnese, in a village near the historic city of Sparta. At 18, I moved to Athens to study medicine and have lived there ever since. I now reside in the heart of Athens with my husband and our two daughters. I am a full-time medical doctor, working in a rehabilitation clinic, and in my free time, I enjoy traveling, baking, and playing with my daughters.
What is your professional/academic background?
I am a medical doctor specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, currently in my fourth year of training. I graduated from the Medical School of Athens, where I also completed a master’s degree in “Exercise and Health.” For my master’s thesis, I worked on a research project focused on medical education related to physical activity.
I also have a background in healthcare management, having completed some minor studies at the American College of Greece and having been actively involved in a medical students’ NGO, where I held various positions related to human resources management and training. My key areas of interest currently include paediatric rehabilitation, lifestyle medicine, and promoting physical activity in healthcare settings, particularly for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions.
What are you hoping to achieve from participating in the fellowship programme?
Through the fellowship programme, as I will be working closely with the Active Together team, I aim to deepen my expertise in cancer rehabilitation, particularly in assessing cancer patients and developing personalized plans that focus on physical activity, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
Additionally, I expect to collaborate with colleagues across the AWRC portfolio, exploring innovative ways to integrate physical activity into the prevention, treatment, and recovery of chronic diseases. I hope to bring this valuable knowledge back to my country and academic institution, while also gaining a broader understanding of health innovation, business development, and physical activity-related research.
What are your first impressions of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre?
After two weeks here, I can say that no two days have been the same. The centre has a modern environment with state-of-the-art technology that fosters creativity and productivity. I admire how the facilities are designed to promote physical activity and social interaction, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
I’ve also been impressed by the friendliness of everyone I’ve met and the diversity of projects taking place. There is a deep respect for my personal time, interests, and work-life balance, which has made the experience even more enjoyable.
And what about Sheffield?
Sheffield is a city full of contrasts, combining vibrant urban life with some of the greenest surroundings. My family and I love exploring the many parks, with Endcliffe and Weston Park being our favourites so far. We’ve also enjoyed watching the playful squirrels running around—it’s such a charming part of the experience. So far, the weather has been kind to us, offering plenty of rain-free days and even a bit of sunshine, allowing us to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
And finally, what’s a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Harry Potter world. As a child, I was convinced I was a witch and eagerly awaited my letter from Hogwarts every year. Sadly, it never arrived—or should I say, it hasn’t arrived yet!
This fellowship is funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and led in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research.