The first local chapter meeting for EMBL alumni in the UK took place on 15 February at London’s University College. Forty scientists gathered for an afternoon of science and networking.

Talks were given by ex-EMBL Group Leader Angus Lamond of Dundee University (“Time-lapse proteomics and a quantitative analysis of nuclear dynamics”), Geoff Richards of the Human Frontier Science Programme (“HFSP as a user-friendly programme”), Christian Boulin (“Core Facilities at EMBL”), and Graham Cameron (“Current and future perspectives for the EBI”).

There was a great demand in the ensuing discussions for a strong scientific programme for future meetings. Sixty alumni (including those who couldn’t attend) expressed interest in pursuing the development of a UK local chapter, and Graham Cameron offered to host one at the EBI. Meetings offer an invaluable opportunity for EMBL staff and alumni to network and exchange scientific ideas.

The chair of the alumni board, Angus Lamond, and the co-ordinators of the event, Annalisa Pastore of the National Institute for Medical Research in London and Mark Pfuhl of the University of Leicester, would like to thank their UCL host, EMBL alumnus Dan Cutler, and all participants.