Professor Godfrey Grech
PhD Molecular Oncology (Erasmus MC)
Following a Science degree at the University of Malta in 1994, I pursued my studies at a Masters level in the Faculty of Medicine specializing in Molecular Genetics. In 2002, I started my doctorate studies at the Erasmus Medical Centre in the Netherlands for 4 years, studying the Molecular Control of Leukemia. I published in high impact journals and presented in International conferences such as the American Society of Hematology and the European Haematology Association.
Currently, I am an Full Professor at the Department of Pathology, in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta. The academic responsibilities include the coordination of an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, and principle investigator of a research group studying the molecular mechanisms of haematopoietic malignancies and solid tumours. Clinical translation of research outcomes is possible through joint ventures with Commercial partners that license in the use of Intellectual Properties (IP).
I am a member of the International groups including the International Scientific Council of the European Group for Molecular Pathology (EMP), member of Scientific committee at European Medical Association (EMA), member of the European Lifestyle medicine Organisation (ELMO) and a member of the European Association for Predictive, Preventive & Personalised medicine (EPMA), with the aim to formulate educational programs in Molecular Pathology, harmonise molecular protocols, organise quality control programs, define organizational rules for tissue banking and establish a bioethical platform in Molecular Pathology.
Health Innovator
Innovation has always been the motivation of my research. Throughout my 18 years of academic research various scientific and technological breakthroughs were and are being developed. The first Intellectual Property defined a subset of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer patients that led to the licensing of a specific test with commercialisation potential. In parallel advances in technologies and methodologies led to a number of publications showcasing the sensitivity of our methods towards low quality an low input patient material, including the use of liquid biopsies. Today the main impact includes the isolation and characterisation of tumour-derived vesicles that are present in blood and hence can be used for early detection of cancer and management of patients with minimal invasive techniques.
The technology repertoire generated in my lab is today being exploited by our team to develop tests for early detection of cancer in the field of colorectal and lung cancer. Infact the current project aims to develop a predictive test to identify lesions way before they develop into a cancer. Our team does not work in isolation and we have an extensive collaborative network in other countries resulting in technology transfers between entities. Currently, we are involved in projects to commercialise our findings with local biotech companies and support their services in Europe and beyond.
Social Media links to Prof Godfrey Grech’s Research Projects and URL to publications, funds, commission of trust and achievements.
- Lead investigator on Development of a predictive hyperplasia assay for early colorectal cancer detection. (FLAME), funded by ALIVE Charity Foundation through RIDT – University of Malta Research Trust (2024-2026)
- Lead investigator on Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation Grant (2021-2024), entitled, “Molecular Signature of Metastatic Disease in colorectal cancer” (Molmed).
- Lead investigator on EJ Busuttil Fund (2022-2025), entitled, “Validation of exosomal biomarkers in Lung Cancer patients” (vEB-LUNG).
- Lead investigator on Europadonna Grant (2021-2024), entitled, “Predictive biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer metastatic disease”.
- Joint investigator on FUSION TDP project (2020-2023) funded by MCST, entitled, “Innovative Molecular PRofiling of distINct Tumour derived cells in blood (iMPRINT)”.
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