Dr. Michalopoulos is professor and chairman of the department of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Michalopoulos received his medical doctoral degree at Athens University School of Medicine in 1969. A residency in Anatomic Pathology and a Ph.D. study in Oncology were completed at the Wisconsin Medical Center, in Madison, in 1977. Dr. Michalopoulos moved to Duke University as an Assistant Professor in 1977, and stayed at Duke University until 1991. He then moved to Pittsburgh and joined the university faculty in April of 1991. In addition to his current appointment, Dr. Michalopoulos also served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences and Interim Dean of the School of Medicine from November of 1995-1998.

The laboratory of Dr. Michalopoulos led the studies associated with the discovery of HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) and its receptor (c-Met). His research has focused on the molecular events involving growth factor and ECM signaling leading to initiation and termination of liver regeneration, and the molecular pathways controlling differentiation of hepatic cells (hepatocytes, stellate cells and biliary epithelial cells). His recent studies have shown that hepatocytes and biliary cells can function as facultative stem cells for each other in situations of compromised regeneration. Pathways associated with termination of liver regeneration involve extracellular matrix signaling. Pathways involving formation of hepatocellular carcinomas are also associated with signaling molecules involved in hepatocyte growth regulation. Awards and distinctions include a Merit Award from NIH; Chair of the Board of Scientific Counselors of NIH/ NIAAA; induction as fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Rous-Whipple Award in Experimental Pathology; Distinguished Research Award by the American Liver Foundation; Distinguished Alumnus award from the University of Wisconsin (Madison); Honorary Doctorate degree from the University of Athens, Greece; Distinguished research Professor, University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Michalopoulos is a member of AASLD since 1985 and became an inaugural fellow of AASLD in 2014. He is associate editor of Lab Investigation, Human Pathology, J. Cell. Physiology and has been conducting multiple reviews on areas of his expertise for Hepatology, Gastroenterology, J. of Hepatology, Science, Nature, Cell, etc.