Viktoras Giannikopoulos

Viktoras Giannikopoulos is a 15-year-old student at Pierce – The American College of Greece with research interests in space medicine, artificial intelligence, and astrophysics. Despite his young age, he has already developed significant scientific and research activity in the fields of physics, astrophysics, biology, and medicine, earning distinctions in national and international competitions and presenting research projects at scientific conferences.

Among his most notable achievements are 1st place in the Greek National Physics Competition, 1st place in the Greek National Statistics Competition, 5th place in the European Statistics Competition, awards for research projects in astrophysics and medicine, and the publication of a scientific paper in the field of quantum physics. He has also been honoured at the National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos” for his research proposal “Interstellar Probe: Protection of the Solar System and Humanity from Future Cosmic Threats.” In addition, he is the youngest student worldwide selected for training and certification on the Da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system through Intuitive and the ISLE Academy. For his academic and research achievements he received an Honorary Distinction from the President of The American College of Greece, Dr David G. Horner, recognising his research work in astrophysics, academic excellence, and outstanding character.

In 2024, through a public speech on excellence and the power of knowledge, he inspired young people to invest in education, science, and personal growth, highlighting the role of the younger generation in shaping the future.

A significant part of his current research activity is the study “Investigation of Possible Cancer Risk Factors in Individuals Who Modify Long-Term Habits and Repetitive Lifestyle Patterns,” conducted in collaboration with a leading private healthcare institution. The research received the Health Care Award at ACSTAC in March 2026.

He also investigates questions related to the origin and evolution of life, including the study of amino acids detected on asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.

Under the guidance of distinguished scientists, he develops research activities that connect space science with biology and medicine. He believes that science should serve humanity and aspires, through research and innovation, to contribute to the understanding of life, the treatment of diseases, and the improvement of quality of life for people around the world.