Neuroprotective Greek Herbs: Bridging Neuroscience and Cultural Heritage

Neuroprotective Greek Herbs: Bridging Neuroscience and Cultural Heritage

a seminar organized by
Anastasia Tsingotjidou (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

March 7, 2026
9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
314 Royce Hall, UCLA

RSVP Here

This seminar brings together researchers from neuroscience, pharmacology, biology, veterinary medicine, nutrition, and plant biodiversity to explore the neuroprotective potential of traditional Greek herbs. Through a combination of in-person and online presentations, the program highlights translational research, from animal models and isolated bioactive compounds to nutritional approaches and cultural heritage. The seminar concludes with a culinary demonstration using Cycladic herbs, emphasizing the connection between Greek history, daily life, and brain health.

View the full schedule here

Speakers:

• Dr. Korina Atsopardi, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras
• Dimitra Efthymiopoulou, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics and Department of Sports Nutrition, Harokopio University (Zoom)
• Irene Giannakopoulos, CEO, Aegialis Hotel and Spa, author of the culinary book, My Amorgos!
• Professor Marigoula Margariti, Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras (Zoom)
• Marita Papagianni, Plant Taxonomist & Biodiversity Research Associate, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Zoom)
• Professor Igor Spigelman, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Section of Biosystems and Function, School of Dentistry, UCLA
• Professor Anastasia Tsingotjidou, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Associate Professor Konstantinos Xanthopoulos, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Zoom)

This seminar is hosted by the UCLA SNF Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture, with generous support from Lee and Lilian Polydor, The Polydor Foundation, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Parking Information:

Parking for Royce Hall is available in Parking Structure 4.

Parking Structure 4 is located at: 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095. Parking Structure 4 is accessible from Sunset Blvd. onto Westwood Plaza which leads directly to the underground parking structure. To view the walking map from Parking Structure 4 to Royce Hall, click here.

No parking attendants will be on-site at the parking structure, and Pay-By-Space/Visitor Parking is extremely limited in this lot, so we highly encourage you to purchase a parking permit in advance:

Advance parking is available for Parking Structure 4.

• To save time, you may purchase your parking permit for Parking Structure 4 for $17 in advance using Bruin ePermit: https://bruinepermit.t2hosted.com/pnw2/selectevent.aspx. Select “UCLA Royce Hall,” then “Neuroprotective Greek Herbs” With the advanced parking permit, you can park anywhere in Parking Structure 4 EXCEPT in the Pay-by-Space section. For instructions on how to use this portal, please click here.
• To purchase a permit when you arrive at Parking Structure 4, please park ONLY in the Pay-By-Space/Visitor Parking area, and proceed to the Self-Service Pay Station machine to pay by credit card.
• Guest drop/Ride-share drop off is closest at the turnaround at the front of Royce Hall located at: 10745 Dickson Court, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
• Accessible parking: For individuals with accessibility needs, parking lot 4 is ADA accessibility and has elevators on all floors. The elevators in Lot 4 provide access to Wilson Plaza, with sidewalk access available. Upon reaching Janss Steps, turn left towards the Anderson School of Business and Fowler Museum. Proceed past the Fowler Museum before you enter Anderson School of Business; take a right to access the elevator leading to Royce Hall. Please visit our Campus Accessibility Map to view related information.
• To view the ADA map from Parking Structure 4 to Royce Hall, click here.

For inquiries, please contact hellenic@humnet.ucla.edu