Surmak Ren was a Bajoran male who was born on Bajor in 2319 to Surmak Hoek and Surmak Stimson. Surmak graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Bajor in 2342, genetic programming being his major field of study. Following his graduation, Surmak was a member of the Akira Advanced Genetics Research Unit where he was recognized for his work in viral function studies. In 2351 he worked as an assistant to Dekon Elig, who created the aphasia virus booby trap.