Affiliation: Imperial College London

Elina Akalestou is a molecular endocrinologist specializing in bariatric surgery and inter-organ communication. Her research focuses on the effects of bariatric surgery on hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes remission. She utilizes in vivo models of bariatric surgery and transgenic and in vitro systems to explore the relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and vital metabolic organs, including adrenal glands and kidneys.

Elina completed an MSc in Clinical Nutrition at University College London, followed by a PhD in Obesity Drug Development at Imperial College London. She has completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University, King's College London, and Imperial College London. She is currently a Group Leader in the Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism.