Nektarios Tavernarakis is a Greek biologist. His work aims to elucidate and understand the causes of diseases associated with aging. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of necrotic cell death and neurodegeneration, the interaction of cellular metabolism and aging, the mechanisms of sensory transduction and integration of the nervous system, and the development of novel genetic tools for biomedical research.

Tavernarakis examines the process of aging which is associated with a general reduction in neuronal functions and with susceptibility to neurodegenerative processes. In humans, this includes an increased risk of certain diseases, such as stroke, ataxias, i.e. disorders of movement coordination, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.