!!Elmars Grens
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__Born:__ October 9, 1935, Riga, Latvia\\ \\

__Interests: __
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*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
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__Education __
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*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 
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__Experience __
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*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- 
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__Honours and Awards __
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*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 
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__Professional Activities and Memberships __
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*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 
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__Courses:__
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''University of Latvia (Faculty of Biology):''
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*Molecular Biology 
*Molecular Genetics 
*Human Genome 
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__Research Projects __
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*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).