PhD student Olga Lyraki, in the research group of Elias Barriga at the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life (PoL), has received a fellowship from the Onassis Foundation to support her research. The Alexander S. Onassis Foundation (commonly known as the Onassis Foundation), supports exceptional academics to continue their studies abroad. Olga is one of 112 new scholars selected for the 2026-27 academic year, following a highly competitive selection process involving evaluation by academic committees and the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Olga was previously recognized as an Onassis Scholar, having received a scholarship for postgraduate studies at the University of Crete. There, she earned a master’s degree in the Molecular Basis of Human Disease before beginning her PhD at PoL.
Olga’s research project examines whether the developing eye plays a role beyond vision by using electrochemical signals to guide cell migration of cranial populations, to ultimately shape the vertebrate head.
Regarding the scholarship, Olga had the following to say:
“Receiving this scholarship is a great honour for me. I am grateful to the Onassis Foundation for supporting me during my master’s studies, and now for my doctoral studies. The continued support and the recognition of my efforts by the foundation fills me with encouragement moving forward.”
Congratulations, Olga!
------
About the Onassis Foundation Scholarship Program
Believing that the best start in life lies in equal opportunities the Onassis Foundation in fulfillment of the terms of Aristotle Onassis's last will, has established since 1978 an integrated and merit-based program that allows Greek scientists to continue their studies and advance their research. This program is announced annually according to the Foundation’s strategic planning. To date, the Onassis Foundation has awarded more than 8,000 scholarships to students, researchers, artists and scientists. Past and present Onassis scholars now hold leading positions across academia, science, the arts, entrepreneurship, and sport. The call for the 2026–27 academic year was opened on December 16, 2025, with results announced on July 27, 2026.