At the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, genome research drives Monta Brīvība’s efforts to understand how genetic variation shapes human health. As Head of the Genome Centre and researcher in the Precision Medicine Group, she explores how genomic data can reveal disease risks and support the development of more accurate, personalised healthcare.
“Genome research and biomedicine combine evidence-based thinking and precision with a human objective – a healthier and longer life for society. It is inspiring to be a small part of this process.”
BMC is one of Latvia’s leading research institutions in molecular biology, biomedicine and biotechnology. Since its establishment in 1993, BMC has evolved into a strong science centre conducting fundamental and applied research in molecular medicine; biotechnology and structural biology; and molecular ecology and biosystems. From June 2026, the Latvian National Research and Innovation Institute (NRII) will unite the expertise of BMC and the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis to create an interdisciplinary space for biomedical and biotechnological research and new drug development.
Monta began her career at BMC in 2017 as a research assistant in the group led by Professor Dr. biol. Jānis Kloviņš. Through consistent development of skills and knowledge, she has grown into a dedicated and highly capable scientist. In 2022, she defended her doctoral thesis titled “Molecular signatures for therapeutic effectiveness and risk of complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”. During this time, Monta worked on highly interdisciplinary projects and gained valuable experience in clinical trial organisation and next-generation sequencing data analysis.
Her research focuses on metabolic diseases and malignant childhood tumours, including large-scale analysis of genomic, transcriptomic and microbiome data. The transcriptome reflects which genes are active in a particular cell or tissue at a given moment, offering insights into disease mechanisms and treatment effects. The microbiome, the collection of microorganisms and their genetic material in a specific environment, influences metabolism, immunity and disease susceptibility.
As the Director of the Latvian Genome Centre, Monta plays a central role in developing Latvia’s national biobank and genome sequencing capacity. This work strengthens translational medicine – the field that connects fundamental scientific discoveries with clinical practice – and provides experience in integrating biological (omics) and medical data and working with large research cohorts.
Monta describes herself as driven by practical impact: “There are people who work in fundamental science and make discoveries that may not be immediately applicable. I prefer the practical approach – it is motivating to see that my work can truly help someone, save lives or prevent disease.”
International conferences are a major source of inspiration for Monta and her colleagues. These events bring new global perspectives, new ideas and the latest insights from biomedical research. Monta also finds great professional satisfaction in writing scientific publications, where research results take their final, refined form.
Her work reflects a commitment to scientific excellence, societal benefit and the advancement of personalised medicine – all essential foundations for a healthier future.
Watch a video about Dr. biol. Montas Brīvības research
The science calendar “Research Latvia 2026” and the researcher descriptions were developed within the ERDF-funded project No. http://1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 “More Efficient Implementation and Management of Latvia‘s Science Policy”, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science.