On October 15, 2025, the Medical School of the University of Crete conferred the title of Honorary Doctorate upon the distinguished scientist Professor Michael P. Czech, PhD, Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (USA). The ceremony took place in Voutes University Campus, Heraklion.

The ceremony began with an address by Professor Sofia Schiza, Vice-Rector of the University of Crete and faculty member of the Medical School, followed by a greeting from Professor Eleni Papadaki, Dean of the Medical School. The presentation of the honoree was delivered by Professor Dimitrios Kardassis. T

Professor Czech then delivered a speech titled “Lessons from a Life in Science.”

Professor Michael P. Czech holds the Isadore and Fannie Foxman Chair in Medical Research at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. His laboratory employs RNAi and CRISPR technologies to investigate the mechanisms of insulin signaling, metabolic regulation, and insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes. His pioneering work demonstrated that the CIDEC protein regulates lipid droplet dynamics and that RIP140 controls energy metabolism and glucose tolerance. As a result of his research, novel therapeutic strategies have been developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.