Renowned geneticist Alex Felice dies aged 77
‘His contributions will resonate for decades to come,’ says organisation he founded
Alex Felice, a pioneer of modern biomedical research in Malta and beyond, has died aged 77.
Felice was most known for his research into the epidemiology, genetics and gene control of human haemoglobin and thalassaemia. He was a pioneer in the science of biobanking – the collection and storage of biological samples for use in medical research and future diagnosis.
Paying tribute to his father, his son Nicholas said that while he would remember his father for his professionalism, he always succeeded in balancing work and home life.
“He never pushed me into medicine, even though I ended up pursuing that career path and my sister became a nurse. As a father, he was very fair and supportive and was always ready to give advice, both to his family and friends, of which he had many.”
Felice also described his father as a ‘super fan’ of AC Milan and Valletta FC.
“His mood depended on how they were doing, so we knew to ask him for things when they were on a winning streak,” he laughed, adding that his father also had a sense of humour.
“He taught me for a semester and whenever I would miss a lecture here and there, he used to bring it up at the dinner table at home, and would make my friends and I sit at the front of the class.”
Writing on Facebook, the Malta Association of Biomedical Scientists said Felice had taught, mentored, and inspired generations of biomedical scientists.
“His contributions have shaped the scientific community in ways that will resonate for decades to come. His legacy lives on in every biomedical scientist and researcher who had the privilege to learn from him, work with him, or be influenced by his vision,” the association wrote.
After graduating from the Medical School at the University of Malta, Felice completed a PhD in the United States at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He held several positions in the US, including associate professor in the cell and molecular biology and paediatric haematology departments at the Medical College of Georgia.
He returned to Malta in 1989, where together with a team of undergraduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers who he mentored, he revolutionised biomedical science and rare illness diagnosis, including the introduction of a newborn screening programme for haemoglobin disorders.
Together with Nicholas, Felice is survived by his wife Joanna and daughter Rebecca, as well as three grandchildren.
His funeral will take place on Saturday at 2pm at St Dominic’s church in Rabat.