Māra Pilmane

Māra Pilmane is a Professor, Head of the Department of Morphology, and Director of the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology at Riga Stradins University, Faculty of Medicine. She has held these positions since 2001 and is a leading figure in morphological sciences in Latvia.

• Education: Dr. med. (1992), Dr. habil. med. (1997) from Riga Stradins University; Clinical Residency (1986–1990); Doctorial Diploma in Paediatrics (1986).
• Professional Recognition: Corresponding Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (1997).

Her research centers on morphology, embryology, and tissue regeneration, with a focus on neurohormonal peptides, growth factors, biomaterials, and the pathomorphogenesis of congenital disorders such as cleft lip and palate. She employs advanced techniques including immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, and cell cultures. Her work bridges human and veterinary medicine, exploring comparative embryology and tissue responses to implants.

The recent articles reflect a strong trend in molecular morphology, particularly in pediatric and regenerative contexts. Key themes include cytokine and growth factor expression in congenital diseases, biocompatibility of bone implants, and immune responses in skin and nail pathologies. Her research integrates clinical, experimental, and molecular approaches across disciplines.

Scientific Awards:

• Academic Personnel Award, RSU (2010)
• Best Poster Award, Baltic Morphology VI (2011)
• Award for Most Productive Scientific Contributor, Baltic Morphology VI (2011)
• Gratitude of Rector, RSU (2012)
• Best Poster Award, Baltic Morphology VII (2013)
• J. Prīmanis Award for Research Excellence (2014)
• Gratitude of RSU for Scientific Achievements (2015)

She has supervised 23 doctoral theses and numerous master’s and student research projects. She has led multiple national and international research projects funded by the Latvian Council of Science, ERAF, and EU frameworks, particularly in regenerative medicine and biomaterials. She is actively involved in academic governance as a member of RSU’s Scientific Council, Medical Faculty Council, and Library Council. She has participated in over 50 international conferences and collaborative projects with institutions in Sweden, Turkey, Poland, and the UK.

Laboratory and Teams: She leads research at the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, supervising a multidisciplinary team focused on morphological research, tissue engineering, and developmental biology. Her lab collaborates with Riga Technical University and international partners on biomaterial development and stem cell applications.