معرفی
Prof. Andres Metspalu (MD 1976, PhD 1979) is a distinguished Professor at the University of Tartu, leading the Estonian Biobank at the Institute of Genomics. With a career spanning over three decades, he has held roles including Director of the Estonian Genome Center (2007-2018), Head of Molecular Diagnostics Centre (1996-2007), and Visiting Professor at institutions like Baylor College of Medicine and University of Lausanne.
- Founded the Molecular Diagnostics Centre at Tartu University Hospital
- Key contributor to EU 1+Million Genome Initiative and "Genome of Europe" project
- Over 600 publications with H-index 169 in Google Scholar
- Doctor Honoris Causa at Vilnius University (2010)
His research focuses on human genetics and genomics, particularly genomics-based personalized medicine, biobanking, and genetic epidemiology. His work includes groundbreaking studies on blood pressure genetics, familial hypercholesterolemia screening, and ALK gene discovery in thinness.
Recent publications highlight his leadership in biobank methodology, with studies demonstrating genotype-driven screening efficacy and creating comprehensive genetic maps of Europe. These works span genetic epidemiology, biobank infrastructure, polygenic risk scoring, metabolic research, precision medicine, and population-scale genomics.
- Estonian Academy of Sciences Member (2010)
- Baltic Assembly Prize for Science (2017)
- Tartu University "Large Medal" (2016)
- National Science Prize in Medicine (2003)
- French and Estonian state honors including L'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (2003)
As an academic leader, he has supervised 30 PhD students and taught biotechnology, human genetics, and genome sciences at the University of Tartu from 1992 to 2024. His work bridges academic research, clinical applications, and healthcare policy through biobanking innovations.
