Researcher profile

Talis Juhna

Professor Tālis Juhna (born 22 January 1972) is a Professor of Water Technology, environmental biotechnologist, and Rector of Riga Technical University (RTU), the oldest and one of the largest technical universities in the Baltic States. He is internationally recognised as one of Latvia’s leading researchers and was ranked among the Top 10 Latvian researchers in 2013 by Ir magazine. His research on pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water distribution systems, particularly viable but non-cultivable organisms, has attracted significant international attention and has been among the most-read publications in journals of the American Society for Microbiology. Professor Juhna obtained his Doctor of Engineering (EngD) degree in Water Technologies in 2002 in Sweden, specialising in environmental and water engineering. His early scientific work focused on biological stability of drinking water, biofilm formation, and the development of cultivation-independent methods for detecting microorganisms in water supply networks—research that has had lasting impact on water safety assessment and monitoring practices. Alongside his academic career, he has worked as a water engineering consultant, including professional experience in India, contributing to practical solutions in water treatment and infrastructure development. Since 2012, Professor Juhna has held senior leadership positions at Riga Technical University, initially serving as Vice-Rector for Research and later becoming Rector of RTU. In these roles, he has played a key part in shaping the university’s research, innovation, and internationalisation strategy. He has actively promoted closer integration of science, innovation, and industry, strengthened technology transfer and entrepreneurship, and supported the embedding of advanced research results into higher education and doctoral training. Professor Juhna is the founder and head of the Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory at RTU, one of the most advanced water research laboratories in the Baltic region. Under his leadership, the laboratory participates in major European research projects and carries out applied research for industry and public utilities. His broader research interests include drinking water quality and safety, wastewater treatment and environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology and biofilms, early-warning and monitoring systems, and sustainable resource recovery solutions. He serves as a member of editorial boards of several international scientific journals and is actively involved in European and national research and innovation initiatives. Professor Juhna has received multiple awards for his scientific and academic achievements, including the RTU “New Scientist” Award (2006) and the Latvian Academy of Sciences and JSC “Latvijas Gāze” Award for contributions to science. As an academic leader and researcher, Professor Tālis Juhna continues to focus on strengthening scientific excellence, fostering interdisciplinary and industrial cooperation, and advancing innovation-driven research that addresses societal challenges in water security, environmental sustainability, and technological development.