Lisa Maier

EMBL: Postdoc, Typas Group, Genome Biology, 2015–2018
2026: Professor for Host-Microbiome Interactions Institution University of Tübingen
Recipient of the 2026 John Kendrew Award.

Talk title: The off-target effects of drugs on the gut microbiome

Lisa Maier is a microbiologist whose pioneering research has transformed our understanding of how commonly used drugs affect the human gut microbiome. A former EMBL Heidelberg postdoc in the Typas Group (2015–2018), she helped establish experimental microbiome science as a major field of research. Now Professor of Interactions Between Drugs and the Microbiome at the University of Tübingen, her work is reshaping approaches to drug development and antimicrobial therapies while advancing strategies to protect the gut ecosystem. Find out more

Stephen Cusack

EMBL: Head of  EMBL Grenoble, 1989 -2022
2026: Emeritus, EMBl / Visiting Professor of Structural Biology, Oxford University, Dunn School of Pathology
Recipient of the 2026 Lennart Philipson Award

Talk title: Forays from fundamental research into translation: countering toe fungus, tuberculosis and the ‘flu’

Stephen Cusack is a structural biologist whose research has demonstrated how fundamental discoveries can drive the development of new treatments for infectious diseases. Head of EMBL Grenoble from 1989 to 2022 and now EMBL Emeritus and Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, he has made landmark contributions to structure-guided drug development against bacterial and viral pathogens. His work helped underpin therapies targeting influenza, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, highlighting the global impact of structural biology on human health. Find out more

All alumni attending in person are invited to continue the Lab Day celebrations following the Awards Ceremony:

14:30-15:30 CEST:
EMBL Alumni Awards Ceremony, online and ATC Klaus Tschira Auditorium
15:30-16:30 CEST: Celebratory toast and networking, EMBL ATC Foyer
16:30-17:00 CEST: Coffee Break, EMBL ATC Foyer
17:00-18:00 CEST: Lab Day poster session, ATC Helix A & B
18:00-19:00 CEST: Meet the alumni mingling event, Operon Foyer and Operon Courtyard
19:00-20:00 CEST: Dinner, EMBL Canteen
20:00-00:00 CEST: Lab Day Party with after dinner drinks, live music and DJ, Courtyard outside EMBL Canteen