Donnacha Fitzgerald, former EMBL doctoral researcher, has been recognised for his work applying AI for the programmable design of cells for therapeutics

EMBL alumnus Donnacha Fitzgerald has been named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2026 list in the Science & Healthcare category, recognising his contributions to advancing the field of synthetic biology through artificial intelligence.

Fitzgerald was a doctoral researcher in the Huber and Dietrich groups at EMBL Heidelberg from 2019 to 2024. During his time at EMBL, he studied the role of the immune system and cellular differentiation in tumor variation and evolution. Today, he is the founder of Origenity, a startup focused on transforming how scientists engineer cells.

Biology is governed by complex genetic networks, yet much of modern cell engineering still relies on slow and costly trial-and-error approaches. Origenity aims to change this by combining AI with synthetic biology to design cells with specific, predictable traits. “The goal is to make engineering in biology more like design,” Fitzgerald explains. Among the company’s current priorities is the development of more resilient T-cells that can better withstand exhaustion during cancer therapy.

Reflecting on his time at EMBL, Fitzgerald emphasised the institute’s lasting influence on his scientific outlook. He described EMBL as “central to my formative years as a scientist,” highlighting in particular the impact of its people and culture. “Academia isn’t perfect, but if everywhere were like EMBL, it would be a much better place,” he said. “World-leading science, genuine people, and a haven to think deeply.”

Fitzgerald pointed to the importance of the EMBL community in shaping his career. “I continue to be inspired by the people I met along the way, and hope to carry pieces of that culture with me throughout my career,” he noted.

Founded to bring a more systematic, design-driven approach to engineering biology, Origenity is backed by leading investors and funders.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 is an annual set of lists published by Forbes magazine and its regional editions, recognising 30 notable young entrepreneurs, leaders, and trailblazers under the age of 30 in 20 different industries.

Fitzgerald’s recognition by Forbes highlights the growing impact of EMBL alumni at the intersection of biology, technology, and innovation, and underscores the role of EMBL in nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.