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| Heidelberg
and Rome, Friday, 7 November 2003 |
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| Prof. Fotis C. Kafatos, Director-General of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory [EMBL], becomes a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences |
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EMBL Director-General joins the oldest scientific academy in the modern world whose members have included Galileo Galilei, Max Planck, Niels Bohr, Sir Alexander Fleming, Max Perutz and many other distinguished scientists.
Prof. Fotis Kafatos, Director-General of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory [EMBL], will receive the insignia of his appointment to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences from Pope John Paul II. The ceremony will take place between November 7 and 9, during the 400th year anniversary celebration at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences headquarters, the Casina Plus IV, in Vatican City.
Appointed Director-General of the EMBL in 1993, Professor Kafatos' also heads an active research group at this leading European laboratory. His current scientific work involves malaria research with emphasis on mosquito genomics and innate immunity of the malaria mosquito. He was instrumental in establishing the international consortium that determined the mosquito genome sequence in 2002, and in developing new approaches to elucidate the genetic basis of interaction, between the malaria parasite and its carrier mosquito. Prof. Kafatos is also actively involved in efforts to promote research and scientific education in the developing world.
"It is a humbling experience to be in the intellectual company of the likes of Galileo, Newton, Darwin and Perutz," comments Prof. Kafatos. "Remembering Newton and standing on the shoulders of such giants, it is our duty to see far, for the sake of science and humanity."
A dual Greek and American citizen, Prof. Kafatos has held distinguished academic positions at Harvard University [for 29 years] and at the Universities of Athens and Crete. His distinctions include three honorary doctorates and honorary professorships at the University of Heidelberg, as well as membership in the US National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Society of London, and the French Academy of Sciences.
Since its establishment in Rome in 1603, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences has become a international and interdisciplinary scientific body with an increasing number of Academicians – distinguished scientist members. Its aim is to promote the progress of the mathematical, physical and natural sciences as well as the study of related epistemological questions and issues.
Press
Contact
Trista Dawson
EMBL Press Officer, European Molecular Biology
Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg,
Germany
Tel: +49 [0] 6221 387 452
E-mail: trista.dawson@embl.de |
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