Following a Science degree at the University of Malta in 1994, Prof. Grech pursued his studies at a Masters level in the Faculty of Medicine specializing in Molecular Genetics. In 2002, he started his doctorate studies at the Erasmus Medical Centre in the Netherlands for 4 years, studying the Molecular Control of Leukemia. He published in high impact journals and presented in International conferences such as the American Society of Hematology and the European Haematology Associaton.
Currently, he is a 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).
He is 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.
Innovation has always been the motivation of my research. Throughout his 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 his lab is today being exploited by his 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. His team does not work in isolation and has an extensive collaborative network in other countries resulting in technology transfers between entities. Currently, he is involved in projects to commercialise findings with local biotech companies and support their services in Europe and beyond.