ELEFTHERIOU Despina

Professor Despina Eleftheriou is a distinguished expert in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology, specializing in systemic vasculitis and autoinflammation. Since 2006, she has been an integral part of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where she leads clinics dedicated to rare inflammatory disorders.
In addition to her clinical roles, Professor Eleftheriou holds a professorship at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. Her research is primarily centered on discovering novel genetic causes of autoinflammation and developing novel cell and gene therapies for rare inflammatory disorders. The ultimate goal of her work is to enhance diagnostic methods and treatments, thereby improving survival rates and reducing morbidity associated with these conditions. Professor Eleftheriou is also dedicated to education, having successfully supervised multiple PhD, MD, MSc, and BSc students at UCL. She has co-authored several textbooks and frequently delivers lectures at national and international conferences. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous publications and her active involvement in advancing the understanding and treatment of paediatric rheumatological conditions.