Nektarios-Dimitrios Giannakis,  International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Υear 1 student, was awarded the Silver Award in GALAXIA (International Astronomy Challenge) 2026, an international competition for senior high school students that emphasizes conceptual understanding, quantitative problem-solving, data interpretation, and logical reasoning across astronomy, astrophysics, and space science, covering topics from the Solar System to the observable Universe.

He also participated in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC), where he received the National Award of Greece, ranking among the top three in the country, as well as a Bronze Honor Award, placing him in the top 10% worldwide.

In addition, Nektarios submitted a Python program to the European Astro Pi Challenge 2025–2026 – Mission Space Lab, which was selected for deployment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for ten minutes. The program uses a specialised algorithm to identify common features across successive photographs captured by a camera on board the ISS. By measuring the displacement of these features and the time interval between frames, it successfully calculated the ISS's orbital speed.

Building on his research interests, Nektarios has also designed and constructed a radio antenna using a satellite dish, electronic components, and specialised software to detect solar radio emissions. This work culminated in a video presentation featured at the RADIIO Online International Workshop on 7 March 2026, hosted by Dr Eleni Vardoulaki. The workshop brought together students from Greece, China, and Pakistan to present projects in astronomy, radio astronomy, technology, and innovation as part of the RADIIO educational programme, funded by the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development.