Professor Mait Metspalu was re-elected as director of the Institute of Genomics

The Council of the Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu re-elected Professor Mait Metspalu as the institute's director for 2024–2026.

Officially commencing on February 1st, Mait Metspalu's new term as director will span three years. Metspalu outlines the institute's focal points into three categories: research, societal contribution, and education. "In advancing our work in genetics, we must embark on a new course to maintain our leadership in the field. Our first goal is to progress in precision phenotyping and functional studies. Additionally, we aim to direct more attention to linking medical issues with evolution and broadening the scope of ancient DNA research. Certainly, the rich dataset of the Estonian Biobank should be used more from a population genetics perspective," said Metspalu.

Furthermore, Metspalu emphasises the importance of disseminating research results to society and the institute's role in implementing personalised medicine in Estonia. "The Institute of Genomics carries significant moral responsibility as an advocate for genetic research and the custodian of the Estonian Biobank. As part of a consortium, we are developing a groundbreaking 30-million-euro-funded centre of excellence for personalised medicine. In addition, we are contributing to developing a national long-term personalised medicine program," Metspalu added. He also highlights the need to review the vision and strategy of the Estonian Biobank, considering the developments in the field.

The Institute of Genomics has made substantial strides on the educational front in recent years. For the second academic year, the institute has established its doctoral program "Genomics". Metspalu underscores the importance of creating an appealing genomics specialisation at the undergraduate and master's levels and the current doctoral program.

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Born in 1975, Mait Metspalu holds a doctoral degree in molecular biology and evolution. From 2010 to 2014, he served as the research director of the Estonian Biocentre, followed by his role as the director from 2014 to 2017. After the merger of the Estonian Biocentre and the Estonian Biobank at the UT on January 1, 2018, he became one of the vice directors of the institute. Since June 1, 2018, he has been the Institute of Genomics' director. 

Mait Metspalu CV in Estonian Research Information System (ETIS)

The Institute of Genomics’s management includes vice directors, the head of the Estonian Biobank, and the institute's director.