Dr Shangaris graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2005 and pursued higher specialist training in London at renowned institutions such as University College London (UCL), the Royal Free London, and North Middlesex Hospitals.
He enrolled in a Master's degree program at University College London (UCL), where he received a distinction in Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics. Opting for deeper academic engagement, he embarked on a PhD at UCL. Under the supervision of Professor Anna David and Professor Paolo De Coppi, Panicos specialised in treating genetic blood disorders via fetal stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. Once he earned his PhD, Panicos took up a position as an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at King's College London (KCL). With a focus on Maternal and Fetal Medicine, he gained clinical experience at institutions such as Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and King's College Hospital (KCH).
Panicos currently holds the position of a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at King's College London and King’s College Hospital. His work has significantly advanced the field of prenatal therapy for sickle cell disease and the immunology of pregnancy.
One of his major projects, the Prenatal Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (PERICLES) project, focuses on developing and assessing gene-editing technologies and delivery methods in human and mouse fetal hematopoietic stem cells. This project aims to provide a therapeutic option that could lead to the birth of disease-free individuals, which is particularly transformative for regions where sickle cell disease is prevalent and treatment options are limited.
In addition to his work on sickle cell disease, Panicos is deeply involved in studying the immunology of pregnancy. His research emphasises the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in maintaining a balanced immune environment, which is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. This work is part of his commitment to understanding and enhancing maternal and fetal health through innovative prenatal therapies and immunological studies.
Panicos supervises BSc, MSc, and PhD students and leads new initiatives like the Fetal Genomics module in the MSc program in Genomic Medicine. His collaborative efforts with noted researchers such as Professors Kypros Nicolaides, John Strouboulis, and Giovanna Lombardi have enriched his work and contributions to the field.
Panicos Shangaris
Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine
King's College London