Styliani Vlachou

Dr

Contact Details


Associate Professor In Psychology
School of Psychology
Faculty of Science and Health
T:017007421

E:stella.vlachou@dcu.ie
Profile Photo

Dr. Stella Vlachou, B.Sc., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Psychology in the School of Psychology, Dublin City University (DCU), and Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit of the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory at DCU. She is also the Associate Dean for External Engagement and Internationalisation at the Faculty of Science and Health since September 2021. She was the Chairperson of the BSc in Psychology Programme at DCU from July 2018 until September 2022.

She received her BSc in Psychology from the Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Greece, in 2001 (graduated 1st in the School of Social Sciences). In 2006, she received her Ph.D. in Neuropsychopharmacology from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, Greece, under the supervision of Dr. George Panagis, Associate Professor in Biopsychology. Her Ph.D. dissertation focused on the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system on behaviour and reward mechanisms. During her Ph.D. studies, Dr. Vlachou also investigated the effects of cannabinoid compounds on cocaine- and alcohol-induced reinforcement as an EU Marie-Curie Pre-doctoral Fellow (supervisor Professor David N. Stephens, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK, 2003). Towards the end of her Ph.D. studies, she worked as a researcher in a collaborative project with the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Departments of Pharmacology of the Medical Schools of the Universities of Athens, Ioannina and Heraklion (all three are Universities in Greece) to conduct research on the analgesic, psychomotor and psychotropic effects of novel cannabinoid analogs.

From 2007 until 2011, Dr. Vlachou worked as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in the laboratory of Professor Athina Markou at the Department of Psychiatry of the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), extensively investigating the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in nicotine dependence through a collaborative grant received from the National Institute of Health (NIH, USA). More specifically, she examined the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor compounds on the reinforcing effects of nicotine or the depression-like aspects of nicotine withdrawal. Further, in 2009, Dr. Vlachou received a post-doctoral fellowship award from the State of California (Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program) to investigate the effects of GABA in impulsivity and nicotine dependence.

Dr. Vlachou joined the BSc in Psychology Programme (previously in the School of Nursing and Human Sciences; SNHS) at DCU in September 2011.

Since 2011, she has been the Module Co-Ordinator for: NS125 Biological Psychology 1; NS228 Biological Psychology 2; NS144 Philosophy of Psychology; NS337 Psychopharmacology; NS4539 Behavioural Neuroscience Methods (2011-2018); NS4531 Psychology Individual Research Project.

Other Internal Academic Roles - University Committee Memberships:
Previously-
Ethics Advisory Committee, SNHS, DCU (2014-2016)

Research Committee, SNHS, DCU (2014-2018)

Co-ordinator of the Undergraduate Student Summer Internship Scheme (2015-2018), SNHS, DCU

International Convenor, School of Psychology (2019-2023)

Book Chapter

Year Publication
2018 Styliani Vlachou (2018) 'Nicotine: neurobiology, pharmacology, effects and therapeutic approaches' In: Crete University Press. Crete, Greece : Crete University Press. [Link]
2011 Vlachou S., Markou A. (2011) 'Intracranial self-stimulation * This is a book chapter/invited review for Neuromethods' In: Olmstead M.C(Eds.). Neuromethods. : 0. [DOI]
2010 Vlachou S., Markou A. (2010) 'GABA-B receptors in reward processes.*This is a book chapter/invited review for Advances in Pharmacology' In: ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY. San Diego, CA, USA : Academic Press. [DOI]

Edited Book

Year Publication
2020 Styliani Vlachou, Kevin Wickman (Ed.). (2020) Behavioral Biology of GABA-B Receptor Function. * Invited Lead Editor Role. Germany: Springer,

Peer Reviewed Journal

Year Publication
2022 Styliani Vlachou (2022) 'GABAB Receptors and Cognitive Processing in Health and Disease'. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 52 :291-329. [DOI]
2020 Eamon Jones, Styliani Vlachou (2020) 'A Critical Review of the Role of the Cannabinoid Compounds Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) and their Combination in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment'. Molecules, 25 (21). [DOI]
2015 O (2015) 'Enhancing glutamatergic transmission during adolescence reverses early-life stress-induced deficits in the rewarding effects of cocaine in rats'. Neuropharmacology, 99 . [DOI]
2014 Panagis, G; Mackey, B; Vlachou, S (2014) 'Cannabinoid Regulation of Brain Reward Processing with an Emphasis on the Role of CB1 Receptors: A Step Back into the Future'. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5 . [DOI]
2011 Vlachou S., Guery S., Froestl W., Banerjee D., Benedict J., Finn M.G., Markou A. (2011) 'Repeated administration of the GABA-B receptor positive modulator BHF177 decreased nicotine self-administration, and acute administration decreased cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats'. Psychopharmacology, 215 :117-128. [DOI]
2011 Vlachou S., Paterson N.E., Guery S., Kaupmann K., Froestl W., Banerjee D., Finn M.G., Markou A. (2011) 'Both GABA-B receptor activation and blockade exacerbated anhedonic aspects of nicotine withdrawal in rats'. European Journal of Pharmacology, 655 :52-58. [DOI]
2008 Panagis, G., Vlachou, S., and Nomikos, G.G. (2008) 'Behavioral pharmacology of cannabinoids with a focus on preclinical models for studying reinforcing and dependence-inducing properties'. Current drug abuse reviews, 1 :350-374.
2008 Vlachou S., Stamatopoulou F., Nomikos G.G., Panagis G. (2008) 'Enhancement of endocannabinoid neurotransmission through CB1 cannabinoid receptors counteracts the reinforcing and psychostimulant effects of cocaine'. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 11 :905-923. [DOI]
2008 Paterson N.E., Vlachou S., Guery S., Kaupmann K., Froestl W., Markou A. (2008) 'Positive modulation of GABA-B receptors decreased nicotine self-administration and counteracted nicotine-induced enhancement of brain reward function in rats'. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 326 :306-314. [DOI]
2007 Vlachou S., Nomikos G.G., Stephens D.N., Panagis G. (2007) 'Lack of evidence for appetitive effects of Ä9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the intracranial self-stimulation and conditioned place preference procedures in rodents'. Behavioural Pharmacology, 18 :311-319. [DOI]
2006 Vlachou S., Nomikos G.G., Panagis G. (2006) 'Effects of endocannabinoid neurotransmission enhancers on brain stimulation reward'. Psychopharmacology, 188 :293-305. [DOI]
2005 Vlachou S., Nomikos G.G., Panagis G. (2005) 'CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists increase intracranial self-stimulation thresholds in the rat'. Psychopharmacology, 179 :498-508. [DOI]
2005 Antoniou K., Galanopoulos A., Vlachou S., Nahmias V., Thermos K., Panagis G., Daifoti Z., Marselos M., Papahatjis D., Spyraki C. (2005) 'Behavioral pharmacological properties of a novel cannabinoid 1’,1’-dithiolane Ä8-THC analogue, AMG-3'. Behavioural Pharmacology, 16 :499-510. [DOI]
2003 Vlachou S., Nomikos G.G., Panagis G. (2003) 'WIN 55,212-2 decreases the reinforcing actions of cocaine through CB1 cannabinoid receptor stimulation'. BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH, 141 :215-222. [DOI]

Conference Contribution

Year Publication
2014 Vlachou S., Campos A., Kaczanowska K., Finn M.G., and Markou A. (2014) International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Meeting Unraveling the role of GABAB receptors on attentional performance, impulsivity and compulsivity Las Vegas, NV, USA, 10/06/2014-15/06/2014.
2014 O’Connor, R.M., Moloney, R.D., Vlachou, S., and Cryan J.F. (2014) European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Conference Glutamatergic transmission during adolescence is critical for the behavioural effects of cocaine: effects of early life stress Berlin, Germany, 18/10/2014-21/10/2014.
2013 Vlachou S., Campos A., Kaczanowska K., Finn M.G., and Markou A. (2013) European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Meeting Evaluation of the effects of the GABAB receptor positive modulator BHF177 on nicotine self-administration in high and low impulsive rats La Rochelle, France, 05/09/2013-.
2013 Vlachou S. (2013) Hellenic Society for Neuroscience (HSfN) Annual Meeting Drug addiction, reward and impulsivity: taking a step back into the future Evgenides Foundation, Athens, Greece, 29/11/2013-02/12/2013.
2013 Vlachou S. (2013) International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Meeting GABAB receptors in reward processes: The role of GABAB receptor positive modulators in nicotine dependence Malahide, Dublin, Ireland, 25/06/2013-.
2011 Vlachou S., Semenova S., Contet C., Roberts A., and Markou A. (2011) Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting Mice lacking the â4 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor show memory deficits, altered anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and diminished nicotine-induced analgesia Washington DC, USA, 05/11/2011-.
2011 Vlachou S., Semenova S., Contet C., Roberts A., and Markou A. (2011) Society for Neuroscience satellite meeting “Nicotine Acetylcholine receptors as therapeutics targets: Emerging Frontiers in Basic Research and Clinical Science” Mice lacking the â4 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor show memory deficits, altered anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and diminished nicotine-induced analgesia Washington DC, USA, 03/11/2011-.
2009 Vlachou S., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., Banerjee D., Finn M.G., and Markou A. (2009) European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Meeting Evaluation of the effects of GABAB receptor positive modulators on nicotine self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior prevention in rats Rome, Italy, 03/09/2009-.
2009 Vlachou S., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., Banerjee D., Finn M.G., and Markou A. (2009) Society for Neuroscience satellite meeting “Nicotine Acetylholine receptors as therapeutics targets” GABAB receptor positive modulators: effects on nicotine self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior in rats Chicago, IL, USA, 19/10/2009-.
2009 Vlachou S., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., Banerjee D., Finn M.G., and Markou A. (2009) Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting The effects of BHF177 and BIK998, two GABAB receptor positive modulators, on nicotine self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior in rats Chicago, IL, USA, 20/10/2009-.
2008 Vlachou S., Paterson N.E., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., and Markou A. (2008) Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting Both GABAB receptor activation and blockade exacerbated anhedonic aspects of nicotine withdrawal in rats Washington DC, USA, 15/11/2008-.
2008 Vlachou S., Paterson N.E., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., and Markou A. (2008) European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Workshop Exacerbation of depression-like aspects of nicotine withdrawal in rats by both GABAB receptor activation and blockade Cork, Ireland, 25/08/2008-.
2007 Vlachou S., Paterson N.E., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., and Markou A. (2007) Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program Meeting GABAB receptor positive modulators decrease nicotine self-administration in rats Sacramento, CA, USA, 20/10/2007-.
2007 Antoniou K., Chouliara O., Polissidis A., Vlachou S., Mavrikaki M., Papalexi M., Mastrodimou N., Nahmias V., Gianni M., Kondylis M.P., Panagis G., Thermos K., Papahatjis D., Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z., and Spyraki C. (2007) 12th Biennial European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Meeting Novel ligands for cannabinoid receptors: Pharmacological studies Tubingen, Germany, 01/09/2007-.
2007 Antoniou K., Chouliara O., Polissidis A., Vlachou S., Mavrikaki M., Papalexi M., Mastrodimou N., Nahmias V., Gianni M., Kondylis M.P., Panagis G., Thermos K., Papahatjis D., Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z., and Spyraki C. (2007) Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting Pharmacological profiles of novel ligands for cannabinoid receptors San Diego, CA, USA, 05/11/2007-.
2007 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2007) Annual Society for Biological Psychiatry Meeting Modulation of cocaine’s reinforcing and stimulant effects by cannabinoids San Diego, CA, USA, 03/05/2007-.
2007 Vlachou S., Paterson N.E., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., and Markou A. (2007) Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting GABAB receptor positive modulators decrease nicotine self-administration in rats San Diego, CA, USA, 05/11/2007-.
2007 Panagis, G., Vlachou, S., and Nomikos, G. (2007) 5th Panhellenic conference on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders The role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in behaviour and reward mechanisms Athens, Greece, 01/09/2007-.
2007 Vlachou S., Paterson N.E., Guery S., Froestl W., Kaupmann K., and Markou A. (2007) Society for Neuroscience satellite meeting “Nicotine Acetylholine receptors as therapeutics targets” GABAB receptor positive modulators decrease nicotine self-administration in rats San Diego, CA, USA, 01/11/2007-.
2006 Vlachou, S., Stamatopoulou, F., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2006) 4th Panhellenic Congress of Pharmacology of The Hellenic Society for Pharmacology Cannabinoids prevent cocaine-induced psychomotor stimulation through CB1 cannabinoid receptor Patras, Greece, 01/05/2006-.
2006 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., Stephens, D.N., and Panagis, G. (2006) 20th Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Neuroscience Non-rewarding responses of Ä9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the intracranial self-stimulation and conditioned place preference paradigms Irakleion, Crete, Greece, 01/10/2006-.
2006 Panagis, G., Antoniou, K., Thermos, K., Papazoglou M., Mastrodimou N., Polissidis A., Vlachou, S., Nahmias, V., Kondylis M.P., Papahatjis, D., Daifoti-Papadopoulou, Z., and Spyraki, C. (2006) 5th Meeting of The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Pharmacological profile of DPG-4, a new ligand for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors Vienna, Austria, 06/07/2006-.
2006 Panagis, G., Antoniou, K., Thermos, K., Papazoglou M., Mastrodimou N., Polissidis A., Vlachou, S., Nahmias, V., Kondylis M.P., Papahatjis, D., Daifoti-Papadopoulou, Z., and Spyraki, C. (2006) 4th Panhellenic Congress of Pharmacology of The Hellenic Society for Pharmacology Pharmacological profile of DPG-4, a new ligand for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors Patras, Greece, 01/05/2006-.
2006 Thermos K., Mastrodimou N., Papazoglou M., Antoniou K., Panagis G.T., Vlachou S., Nahmias V., Menissiou A., Gianni M., Papahatjis D., Kondylis M., Spyraki C. (2006) Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting Pharmacological and behavioral characterization of novel ligands for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors USA, 01/11/2006-.
2006 Thermos, K., Papazoglou M., Antoniou, K., Mastrodimou N., Panagis, G., Vlachou, S., Renieri E., Nahmias, V., Menisiou A., Gianni M., Kondylis M.P., Daifoti-Papadopoulou, Z., Papahatjis, D., and Spyraki, C. (2006) 4th Panhellenic Congress of Pharmacology of The Hellenic Society for Pharmacology Pharmacological characterization of novel ligands for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors Patras, Greece, 01/05/2006-.
2006 Vlachou, S., Stamatopoulou, F., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2006) 5th Meeting of The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Cannabinoids prevent cocaine-induced psychomotor stimulation through CB1 cannabinoid receptor Vienna, Austria, 06/07/2006-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) 18th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress Effects of endocannabinoid neurotransmission enhancers in the intracranial self-stimulation paradigm and the reinforcing actions of cocaine Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 20/10/2005-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) 11th Biennial European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Meeting Endocannabinoid modulators do not exhibit reinforcing properties but rather reduce the rewarding effects of cocaine in the intracranial self-stimulation paradigm Barcelona, Spain, 05/09/2005-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Stamatopoulou, F., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) 19th Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Neuroscience Cannabinoids prevent cocaine-induced psychomotor stimulation Athens, Greece, 01/10/2005-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) 18th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress Effects of endocannabinoid neurotransmission enhancers in the intracranial self-stimulation paradigm and the reinforcing actions of cocaine Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 20/10/2005-.
2005 Antoniou, K., Galanopoulos, A., Vlachou, S., Nahmias, V., Thermos, K., Panagis, G., Daifoti, Z., Marselos, M., Papahatjis, D., and Spyraki, C. (2005) 4th Conference of the German-Greek Academy for Biomedical Research Behavioral pharmacological properties of a novel cannabinoid analogue. New Trends in Biomedical Research Ioannina, Greece, 01/03/2005-.
2005 Antoniou, K., Galanopoulos, A., Vlachou, S., Nahmias, V., Thermos, K., Panagis, G., Daifoti, Z., Marselos, M., Papahatjis, D., and Spyraki, C. (2005) 4th Conference of the German-Greek Academy for Biomedical Research A novel cannabinoid analogue: Preclinical behavioral evaluation. New Trends in Biomedical Research Ioannina, Greece, 01/03/2005-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Stamatopoulou, F., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) British Association for Psychopharmacology Annual Meeting The endocannabinoid neurotransmission enhancer AM-404 counteracts the psychomotor and rewarding effects of cocaine Harrogate, UK, 26/07/2005-.
2005 Antoniou, K., Galanopoulos, A., Vlachou, S., Nahmias, V., Thermos, K., Panagis, G., Daifoti, Z., Marselos, M., Papahatjis, D., and Spyraki, C. (2005) 7th Pharmacology Symposium of the Hellenic Society of Pharmacology Preclinical behavioral evaluation of a novel cannabinoid analogue Athens, Greece, 01/02/2005-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Stamatopoulou, F., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) 11th Biennial European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Meeting Cannabinoids prevent cocaine-induced psychomotor stimulation Barcelona, Spain, 05/09/2005-.
2005 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2005) 19th Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Neuroscience Endocannabinoid modulators do not exhibit reinforcing properties but rather reduce the rewarding effects of cocaine in the intracranial self-stimulation paradigm Athens, Greece, 01/10/2005-.
2004 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., Stephens, D.N., and Panagis, G. (2004) 4th Meeting of The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies “To have and have not” appetitive responses of cannabinoids in the intracranial self-stimulation and conditioned place preference paradigms Lisbon, Portugal, 06/07/2004-.
2003 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., Kastellakis, A., and Panagis, G. (2003) 23rd European Winter Conference on Brain Research Deconstructing the role of cannabinoids in brain stimulation reward Arc 1800, The French Alps, France, 01/03/2003-.
2003 Vlachou, S., Galanopoulos, A., Stamatopoulou, F., Kastellakis, A., Nomikos, G., and Panagis, G. (2003) 18th Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Neuroscience Effects of cannabinoid ligands and endocannabinoid modulators on hedonic homeostasis: role of CB1 receptors Athens, Greece, 20/10/2003-.
2002 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., Kastellakis, A., and Panagis, G. (2002) 17th Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Neuroscience Unraveling the role of cannabinoids in brain stimulation reward Rethymno, Crete, Greece, 01/10/2002-.
2002 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., Kastellakis, A., and Panagis, G. (2002) 3rd Meeting of The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Involvement of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the reinforcing actions of cocaine Paris, France, 13/07/2002-.
2002 Vlachou, S., Nomikos, G., Kastellakis, A., and Panagis, G. (2002) 2nd Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Pharmacology Involvement of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the reinforcing actions of cocaine Athens, Greece, 15/02/2002-.
2001 Panagis, G., Vlachou, S., and Kastellakis, A. (2001) 16th Meeting of The Hellenic Society for Neuroscience The effects of ventral tegmental administration of GABAA, GABAB, NMDA and AMPA receptor agonists on ventral pallidum self-stimulation Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece, 01/10/2001-.

Editorial

Year Publication
2018 Ehlers, Cindy L.; Pergadia, Michele L.; Stoker, Astrid K.; Vlachou, Styliani (2018) Contribution to Mentorship and Promoting Women in Science. ED [DOI]

Other Publication

Year Publication
2018 Jacobson, L.H.; Vlachou, S.; Slattery, D.A.; Li, X.; Cryan, J.F. (2018) The Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid B Receptor in Depression and Reward. [Link] [DOI]
2013 Vlachou, Styliani; Campos, Angelica; Kaczanowska, Katarzyna; Finn, M. G.; Markou, Athina (2013) EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF THE GABA-B RECEPTOR POSITIVE MODULATOR BHF177 ON NICOTINE SELF-ADMINISTRATION IN HIGH AND LOW IMPULSIVE RATS. [DOI]
2014 Vlachou, S.; Panagis, G. (2014) Regulation of brain reward by the endocannabinoid system: A critical review of behavioral studies in animals. [Link] [DOI]
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2024) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

Professional Associations

Association Function From / To
International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Member; Local Organizing Committee Member for IBNS 2013, Malahide, Dublin, Ireland; Program Committee Member 2013-2016 01/07/2012 -
Hellenic Society for Neuroscience Member 01/10/2001 -
Neuroscience Ireland Council Member; DCU Representative; Co-Ordinator of the NSI 2015 Conference at DCU; Communications Officer (Jan 2015-present) 01/03/2012 -
Society for Neuroscience Member 01/11/2006 -
International Cannabinoid Research Organization Member 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2008
International Brain Research Organization Member 01/09/2001 -
European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Member 01/09/2003 -
British Association for Psychopharmacology Member 01/07/2003 -
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Member 01/01/2002 -
Hellenic Society of Pharmacology Member 01/01/2002 -
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Scientific Affairs Board (pending) -

Honors and Awards

Date Title Awarding Body
Summer Internship Award: Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory
ECNP Travel Award
Marie Curie Fellowship
Academic Excellence Scholarship
Summer Internship Award: Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory
TRDRP Post-doctoral Fellowship
FENS Travel Award
President's Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Propondis Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship
Propondis Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship
FENS Travel Award
Academic Excellence Award
Academic Excellence Scholarship
Academic Excellence Award
EBPS Bursary Award
Travel Award for Keynote Lecture: HellenicNeurosciSociety
Summer Internship Award: Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory
HSN Poster Award
BAP Bursary Award

Committees

Committee Function From / To
Neuroscience Ireland 01/01/2013 -
International Behavioural Neuroscience Society 01/07/2013 - 31/12/2015
SNHS Ethics Advisory Committee 01/01/2014 - 31/05/2016
SNHS Research Committee 01/09/2014 -

Languages

Language Reading Writing Speaking
English
Italian
Greek
French

Reviews

Journal Role
Neuroscience Letters Reviewer
Reviews in the Neurosciences Reviewer
Neuropharmacology Reviewer
Psychopharmacology series Reviewer
Behavioral Neuroscience Reviewer
Life Sciences Reviewer
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Reviewer
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reviewer
British Journal of Pharmacology Reviewer
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Reviewer
Frontiers in Psychiatry Reviewer
Frontiers in Neuroscience Reviewer
Frontiers in Pharmacology Reviewer
European Neuropsychopharmacology Reviewer
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry Reviewer
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (ONLINE) Reviewer
CNS and Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Reviewer
Journal of Neurochemistry Reviewer
Frontiers in Psychiatry Series Editor
International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Reviewer
Frontiers in Pharmacology Reviewer
Neuropsychopharmacology Reviewer

Enterprise Engagement

Year Engagement Type Client Description
2015 Continuous Professional Development/Training Aurora Aurora Women in Leadership Training

Outreach Activities

Year Engagement Type Organisation Description
Neuroscience Seminar Series delivered to HSE colleagues and professionals

Media

Title Year Type Authors
The Critical Minds Series 2013 Television interview/panel discussion Psychological Society of Ireland, Student Affairs Group
Yeah bonobos 2014 Documentary Rory Bresnihan
Love is… “almost like a psychological disorder” 2014 Radio Interviews Pat Kenny
Love is… “almost like a psychological disorder" 2014 Newspaper article (Print) Styliani Vlachou Contributor

Research Interests

Dr. Vlachou's main research interests include:

Interactions between drugs of abuse and brain reward systems;

The role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in behaviour and reward;

The role of GABAB receptor compounds on the reinforcing effects of nicotine or the depression-like aspects of nicotine withdrawal; The role of GABAB receptors on neuropsychiatric disorders;

Interactions of drugs of abuse, such as nicotine, cocaine, alcohol and cannabinoids, and their effects in impulsivity and drug dependence during adolescence and adulthood;

Effects of alkaloid and flavonoid compounds on behaviour and drug dependence;

Animal models of sensorimotor disorders.


The Neuropsychopharmacology Unit of the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory at DCU is actively looking for highly motivated, curious, and enthusiastic research assistants and/or graduate students to help us investigate research questions related to the above topics of interest.

Research Projects

Title Role Description Start date End date
The desire for control in homelessness and addiction - Lorna Crean DCU PI 01/09/2021 31/08/2024

Internal Collaborators

Type Name Company Role
Internal Dr. Konstantinos Gkrintzalis School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University Academic
Internal Dr Catherine Fassbender School of Psychology, Dublin City University Academic

External Collaborators

Type Name Company Role
External Dr Maria Jose Simon Ferre University of Granada Academic
External Prof. John F. Cryan University College Cork Academic

Teaching Interests

- Biological Psychology
- Preclinical Behavioural Neuroscience
- Neuropsychopharmacology
- Animal Models of Addiction, Reward and Cognition
- Psychiatric Disorders, Neuropsychopathology
- History and Philosophy of Psychology
- Comparative Evolutionary Psychology
- Nutritional Psychology
- Final Year Project Co-ordination and Supervision

Modules Coordinated

Term Title Subject
2022 Philosophy of Psychology PSYC108
2022 Biological Bases of Behaviour in the Brain PSYC502
2022 Neuropsychology PSYC403
2022 Biological Psychology 2 PSYC202
2022 Psychopharmacology PSYC306
2022 Psychology Research Project PSYC400