Biography
Professor and vice-rector for research at Riga Technical University (RTU)
Talis has more than 15 years’ experience in science and innovation management both at the university and the national level. He has introduced the technology transfer strategy that allowed RTU to become an innovative university in the region. He has received Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering with a focus on water and wastewater biology and has established the Water and Biotechnology laboratory at RTU in 2002. He is the director of the study program in Biotechnology and Bioengineering.
His research is focusing on the application of biotechnologies in drinking water, wastewater systems and renewable energy production. Juhna has received several awards including a full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. He represents the expert group of engineering sciences at the Latvian Council of Science where he also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Juhna is involved in several research boards in industry-academia clusters including climate technologies, biotechnology, and material science. He is a Board Member of Riga Water Company and co-founder of a high-tech biotech start-up.