SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW MART LOOG OF UT INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AWARDED A RESEARCH GRANT OF NEARLY 1M EUROS
Dr. Loog, UT Institute of Technology Senior Research Fellow in Molecular Biology, has been studying certain protein molecules, which act as molecular switches in the system controlling cell division. Dr Loog explained the potential applications of his research as follows: “Our main aim is to understand the logic governing the signals controlling division, the topology of the signal network and its switching mechanisms. This will contribute significantly to the development of a number of fields, including drug design”.
According to Dr. Mart Ustav, Director of the Institute, the grant from the Wellcome Trust represents a direct investment into Estonian science, significantly boosting UT activities in the fields of proteomics and biomedicine and creating first-class working conditions for yet another research group. “Reputable international organisations consider it worthwhile to invest significant sums in Estonian science. Estonia’s investment policy should take the cue and step up its participation too,” Ustav added.
Dr. Loog’s research received prestigious recognition also in December 2005, when the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) together with the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) awarded research grants of 225,000 USD each to Dr. Loog and five other Central European scientists to start independent research labs.
Additional information: Märt Miljan, UT Institute of Technology, tel. +372 737 4805
Liina Jürgen
Senior Specialist for Public Relations,
UT Public Relations and Information Unit
tel. +372 737 5509; mob. +372 527 6922