In Honoris & In Memoriam
Sport Biochemistry
Atko-Meeme Viru
07.09.1932 — 21.10.2007
PhD ยท DSc
Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences
University of Tartu, Estonia
Biography
A. Viru — Professor Emeritus
Atko-Meeme Viru, PhD, DSc, was a professor emeritus specializing in exercise physiology at the University of Tartu in Estonia. He graduated at the Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tartu, completed his postgraduate course in the Department of Physiology.
He earned a PhD from the University of Tartu and a DSc from the Academy of Sciences of Estonia.
His investigations examined endocrine functions in muscular activity and adaptation mechanisms in training. He was a pioneer in the study of both the fundamental problems and applied questions related to training monitoring.
Author of 13 monographs and numerous scientific articles. Taught university courses and lectured at conferences on human physiology and its practical application to sport training.
Broad experience monitoring the training of Estonian elite athletes in different sport events.
Scientific Advisor of EEB Sport Training Barcelona (www.sporttraining.org) since 2004.
Curriculum Vitae
Academic Career & Achievements
Academic Positions
| 1959-64 | Teacher and Senior Teacher, Chair of Sports Games, University of Tartu |
| 1964-67 | Senior Teacher, Chair of Sports Medicine |
| 1967-71 | Chairman, Docent Chair of Sports Medicine |
| 1971-92 | Chairman, Professor, Chair of Sports Physiology |
| 1973-89 | Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports |
| 1992-98 | Professor of Sports Physiology |
| 1998 | Professor Emeritus, University of Tartu |
Academic Degrees
| 1932 | Born 07.09.1932, Tallinn, Estonia |
| 1955 | Higher Education, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tartu |
| 1963 | Cand.biol.sci (PhD), University of Tartu |
| 1970 | Doctor biol.sci (DSc), Academy of Sciences of Estonia |
Honours & Awards
- Merit Scientist of Estonian SSR (1977)
- Anokhin Medal (1988)
- IOC Annual Award (1996)
- Red Cross Order (2001)
- Govt. of Estonia Award for Life-Long Activity (2002)
- Paul Keres Fair Play Award (2002)
- Professor Honoris Causa, Lithuanian Academy (2003)
- Honorary Citizen of Tartu (2007)
- Member, New York Academy of Sciences (1985)
Organisational Roles
- Chairman, Estonian Physiological Society (1985-89)
- President, National Olympic Academy of Estonia (1989-91)
- Member, Board of Estonian Union of Scientists (1989-)
- IOC Member (1989-2000); Vice-President EOC
Editorial Boards
- Sports Biology – Correspondent Editor
- International Journal of Sports Medicine
- Sports Medicine, Training, Rehabilitation
- Medicina dello Sport
- Medicina Sportiva
- Kinesiologia
- Acta Academiae Olympiquae Estoniae
Supervisor of 45 academic dissertations. Theme: Hormonal regulation of adaptation to muscular activity.
Eesti Entsuklopeedia
Biograafia eesti keeles
VIRU, Atko-Meeme (7. IX 1932 Tallinn – 21. X 2007 Tartu), korvpallur, sporditegelane, -pedagoog ja -teadlane, bioloogiadr (1970), Mehis V. isa. 186 cm. Lopetas 1951 Viljandi 2. kk-i ja 1955 TRU KKT. Hakkas korraparaselt sportima 1945 Viljandis Elmar Ardma ja Heldur Tuutsi innustusel.
Opingute ajal (1949-51 Viljandis ja 1953-59 Tartus) tegutses spordikooli treenerina, juhendas 1957 Tartu Kalevi meeskonda, kes tuli NL-i noortemeistriks. A-st 1959 TRU/TU KKT oppejoud, a-st 1974 prof. Olnud 1967-71 spordimeditsiini- ja 1971-92 spordifuusioloogiakateedri juhataja, 1973-89 KKT dekaan, 1992-98 emeriitprof. Avaldanud monograafiaid ja artikleid. New Yorgi TA liige (1985). ENSV tnl teadlane (1977). Oli 1989-2003 EOK liige, a-st 2003 EOK auliige. 1989-2001 oli Olumpiaakadeemia president.
Viimati taeiendatud: 31.12.2010