Elmars Grens#
Born: October 9, 1935, Riga, Latvia
Interests:
- Gene Structure and Molecular Genetics
- Regulatory Regions of Messenger RNA
- Protein Ultrastructure
- Immunogenic Proteins and Antigenic Determinants
- Molecular Virology
- Recombinant Proteins - Design and Biotechnology.
- Languages: Latvian, English, Russian
Education
- University of Latvia (Faculty of Chemistry), 1958
- Candidate of Science (Chemistry), Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1963
- Doctor of Science (Chemistry), Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga,1968
- Dr.habil.biol., Institute of Molecular Biology, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1992
Experience
- Junior and Senior Researcher, Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1958-1975
- Head of Department, Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1975-1991
- Research Director, Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1975-1980
- Director, Institute of Molecular Biology, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1991-1993
- Professor (Molecular Biology), Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, 1978 - 2001
- Director, Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1993-2001
- Director, International Center of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 1999 - 2007
- Scientific Director, Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 2001-
Honours and Awards
- Corresponding Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1982
- Full Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1987
- Corresponding Member, USSR/Russian Academy of Sciences, 1987
- Member, Academia Europaea, 1993
- The Latvian Academy of Sciences Grand Medal, 1995
- The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia Prize , 2000
- The Riga Prize, 2008
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member of Presidium and Senate, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1989-
- Member of Senate, University of Latvia, 1991 - 2004; (Chairman, 1995 - 1998)
- Member, Latvian Biochemical Society, 1977 - ; (Chairman, 1977-1989)
- Member, Latvian Union of Scientists, 1988 -, (Chairman, 1988-1991)
- Member, Latvian Council of Science, 1990 - , ( Chairman, 1990 and 2000, 2007-2009)
- Member, Federation of the European Biochemical Societies, Courses Committee, 1992 - 1996
- Member, European Federation of Biotechnology, Working group - Molecular Genetics, 1992 -
- Latvian Coordinator for collaboration in RTD with the European Union, 1996 - 2006
Courses:
University of Latvia (Faculty of Biology):
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Human Genome
Research Projects
- E.Grens (Head of Project). Recombinant Viral Capsids - New Proteins for Diagnostic Use and Vaccination. INCO-COPERNICUS Project PI in Latvia. (1994-1996).
- E.Grens (Coordinator of Latvian Part of Programme). Research and Development of Immunological Methods. Production of Elisa Tests for the Diagnosis of Hepatitis B. NATO Programme (1995-1997).
- E.Grens (Coordinator of Latvian Part of Programme). Hepatitis B Virus Assembly, Structure and Entry into New Host Cells. KIRT Programme ( 1995-1997).
- E.Grens (Head of Programme). Malignant Tumors. Latvian Council of Science (1995-2000).
- E.Grens (Head of Project). Multivalent Chimeric Particles of Hepatitis B Core Antigen. Latvian Council of Science (1994-1996).
- E.Grens (Head of Project). Investigation of Molecular Architecture of Protein Complexes by Means of High-Resolution Methods. Latvian Council of Science (1997-2000).
- E.Grens (Head of Project). Genome Studies of the Latvian Population, their Application for Diagnosis and Prevention of Human Pathology. Latvian Council of Science (2001-2004).
- E.Grens (Programme Director). Genome Studies of the Latvian Population. Latvian Council of Science (2005-2008).
