AWRC welcomes researchers from Greece as part of international fellowship exchange programme

This month we welcomed two researchers to the AWRC as part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation fellowship exchange programme led by Yorkshire Cancer Research. Vasiliki Xanthopoulou and Konstantina Karnarou will spend three months at Sheffield Hallam University working primarily alongside Active Together and learning about the wider work of the Centre while sharing their own expertise in sport and exercise science. We spoke to Vasiliki and Konstantina to learn a little more about them and what they hope to achieve from the fellowship programme.

Hi! It’s great to meet you. Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?

V: My name is Vasia Xanthopoulou, I’m 24 years old and originally from Kavala, a small coastal city in the northern part of Greece. Since the age of 18, I’ve been living in Thessaloniki where I moved to pursue my studies. It’s a beautiful city that has become my second home over the past few years.

K: Hi! I’m Konstantina Karnarou, I’m 26 years old and I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. I work as an Exercise Science and Physical Fitness Expert at Sports Excellence, which is part of the company Regeneration & Progress. The Sports Excellence lab is under the scientific supervision of the 1st Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Athens University Medical School, with an exclusive donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

What is your professional and academic background?

V: My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Science, where I specialised in Adapted Physical Education and Therapeutic Exercise. Currently, I’m in my second year of a second bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, and I’ve also completed a master’s in Exercise for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Chronic Diseases.

Both my undergraduate and postgraduate theses focused on exercise oncology – an area I’m really passionate about. Alongside my studies, I’ve had the chance to work with a variety of clinical populations, including cardiac patients, individuals with chronic kidney disease, and patients with systemic sclerosis. I enjoy working directly with patients and seeing the impact that movement and tailored exercise can have.

K: My academic path started back in 2017 with my undergraduate studies at the School of Physical Education and Sports Science of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. I majored in Health and Fitness which I completed with an Excellent grade.

Right now, I’m continuing my studies as a postgraduate student in the Exercise and Health master’s programme at the School of Medicine of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

My passion for sports goes way back to my time competing in sprinting championships in Track and Field. This experience actually led me to coaching young athletes, and from 2020 to 2024, I had the privilege of working as a track and field coach in the academies of a large sports club in Athens.

Professionally and in my research, I’m really focused on two main areas: therapeutic exercise in clinical populations, such as cancer patients, and the evaluation of young elite athletes.

What are you hoping to achieve from participating in the fellowship programme?

V: One of my main motivations for joining the fellowship was the opportunity to be involved in research, especially through collaboration with the Active Together programme – a pioneering initiative that supports people with cancer before, during, and after treatment. I find this area deeply meaningful, and I’m hoping to focus my research project on exercise oncology while also gaining as much hands-on experience as possible working with cancer patients.

This fellowship is also an important step towards my longer-term goals. I see it as a chance to grow both clinically and academically, and I believe the whole experience will help prepare me for a future PhD in the field, while strengthening my understanding of how research and practice come together to support cancer patients.

K: My participation in this fellowship programme represents a pivotal step in my professional journey. As an Exercise Science and Physical Fitness Expert, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a field where evidence shows that exercise can profoundly impact survival rates, speed up recovery, and reduce side effects for cancer patients.

I specifically aim to deepen my expertise in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, by working closely with the Active Together team. This will allow me to gain more experience in comprehensively assessing cancer patients and developing personalised physical activity and wellbeing plans, which is a direct extension of my current work in therapeutic exercise within clinical populations in the Sports Excellence lab.

Last but not least, I expect to engage with colleagues across the AWRC, driving forward innovative ways to incorporate physical activity into the prevention, treatment, and recovery of various chronic diseases. The chance to learn directly from world-leading researchers right here in Sheffield is invaluable, and I fully intend to bring this cutting-edge knowledge and these innovative practices back to my country and the Sports Excellence lab.

What have been your first impressions of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre?

V: At first, I was a bit overwhelmed and even a little homesick, which I think is totally normal when stepping into something new in a different country. But very quickly, I started to fully enjoy the experience at the AWRC. The people there made the transition so much easier. From engagement managers to research fellows, everyone has been incredibly welcoming, polite, and supportive.

The laboratories are truly impressive – not just in terms of the equipment, which is very well maintained, but also in the way the space is used. What inspired me most from the beginning was the collaborative spirit. People from different fields work together seamlessly, supporting one another and sharing the same goal: to improve people’s health and wellbeing. That sense of shared purpose is really powerful, and it motivates me every day I’m there.

K: My first two weeks at the AWRC have been nothing short of inspiring. What really stands out is the lively atmosphere here – it’s clear this place is all about pushing boundaries in exercise and health science. The technology and facilities are impressive, making it a truly productive environment to work in.

Beyond the great setup, it’s the vibrant community and genuine warmth that define the AWRC experience. Everyone I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming and genuinely helpful, which makes the whole experience even better and helps me feel settled and supported. There’s a remarkable diversity in the projects underway, each one reflecting a passionate commitment to improving lives.

 And what about Sheffield?

V: I think Sheffield is absolutely beautiful. It’s by far the greenest city I’ve visited in the UK, and probably the most beautiful as well. Since this is my first time here, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. There’s such a nice balance between nature and city life. The green parks, the nearby Peak District, and the lively atmosphere around the Moor Market are just a few of the places that make Sheffield so enjoyable. It’s a city that feels both peaceful and full of energy at the same time.

K: Sheffield has been a delightful surprise! It’s such an interesting city, seamlessly blending a lively urban feel with incredibly green surroundings. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the area, and I can definitely say I’m captivated by how much green space there is right on the doorstep. But the real highlight for me so far has been venturing out to the Peak District area. I like hiking, and getting to experience those stunning landscapes so close to the city has been fantastic. What’s even better is that the weather has been surprisingly sunny so far, making me feel right at home, almost like I’m back in Athens! It’s been great to discover a city that offers such a perfect mix of city life and easy access to nature.

And finally, what’s an interesting fact about yourself?

V: Oh, that’s a hard question! Well, probably the fact that If I could take home every single stray animal I meet, I’d be living on a farm by now! I’ve always had a soft spot for animals, and it’s honestly hard for me to walk past one without wanting to take it home.

K: Beyond my professional life, I have a real passion for cooking and reading books. I enjoy experimenting with different cuisines and creating meals, but I also love to unwind by reading books. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good story after a busy day.