Two Cambridge Stem Cell Institute Group Leaders are among the 63 scientists from around the world elected this year as Members and Associate Members of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO).
EMBO Membership honours distinguished scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the life sciences, including 88 Nobel Laureates. It is an international organisation of life scientists, which has more than 1800 members elected by peers.
Two Cambridge Stem Cell Institute Principal Investigators have been elected as members:
Professor Bertie Göttgens, Professor of Molecular Haematology, Deputy Director of the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, and a member of the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cambridge Centre Haematological Malignancies Programme. The Göttgens group studies how transcription factor networks control the function of blood stem cells, and how mutations that perturb these networks cause leukaemia.
Bertie said: "This honour is very much a reflection of the dedicated work and collective effort of all members of my research group over the years. Rather fittingly, I kick-started my independent career with a paper in an EMBO Journal. Becoming an EMBO member therefore represents a very special milestone to me."
Professor Anna Philpott, Head of the School of Biological Sciences, Professor of Cancer and Developmental Biology, and member of the CRUK Cambridge Centre Paediatric Cancer Programme. Anna’s group studies the balance between proliferation and differentiation during development and cancer, using a range of models.
Anna said: “I am delighted to be invited to join an organisation that has done so much for European science.”
EMBO Members actively participate in EMBO initiatives, for example by serving on
EMBO Council and committees, by mentoring young scientists, or supporting
activities such as the promotion of sound science policy. Members also guide and
support the organisation in ensuring the highest quality in the selection of future members, postdoctoral fellows, and courses and workshops.