Meet UNMC New Investigator Tahir Tahirov, Ph.D.









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Tahir Tahirov, Ph.D.
UNMC researcher Tahir Tahirov, Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.

NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 23 researchers who will be honored at an April 6 ceremony for UNMC’s 2009 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.

  • Name: Tahir Tahirov, Ph.D.
  • Title: Professor in the Eppley Institute
  • Joined UNMC: 2005
  • Hometown: Nakhchivan (Naxçıvan), Azerbaijan

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

We are using structural biology methods to understand the detailed mechanisms of transcription and replication.

How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?

Revelation of the precise structure-function relationship of macromolecules provides an insight into the details of disease-related aberrant function of macromolecules. Once the structural details of macromolecular function and its relation to disease are established, we can regulate the disease-causing function of macromolecule, making it harmless.

Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?

The best indicator for the success is the ratio of the number of citations to resulting publications to the amount of grant money.

List three things few people know about you.

  • I designed and executed my first scientific experiment when I was 5 years old.
  • I learned structural biology independently in Taiwan and was the first scientist who solved the crystal structure of protein in Taiwan.
  • I like to listen to Azeri folk music and grill on weekends when my family gathers together.