!!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).