{"id":39635,"date":"2026-02-24T12:39:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T12:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/?page_id=39635"},"modified":"2026-06-24T09:57:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:57:27","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/research","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n  <style>\n    #top.vf-hero {\n              --vf-hero--bg-image: url('https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260506_AR2025_Heros2-scaled.jpg');\n            }\n\n  <\/style>\n<section id=\"top\" class=\"vf-hero | vf-u-fullbleed  | vf-u-margin__bottom--0\">\n  <div class=\"vf-hero__content | vf-box | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n        <p class=\"vf-hero__kicker\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2024\">Annual Report 2025<\/a>\n          <h1 class=\"vf-hero__heading\">\n              Research          <\/h1>\n\n        <p class=\"vf-hero__subheading\">To perform fundamental research in molecular biology<\/p>\n    \n    \n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!--\/vf-hero-->\n<nav class=\"vf-navigation vf-navigation--main | vf-cluster | vf-u-padding__top--0\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\">\n  <ul class=\"vf-navigation__list | vf-list | vf-cluster__inner\">\n<li id=\"menu-item-40144\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-40146\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/research\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Research<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-40145\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/services\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-40150\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/training\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Training<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-40149\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/innovation-translation\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Innovation &amp; Translation<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-40148\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/integrating-european-life-sciences\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Integrating European Life Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-40147\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2025\/people-processes-places\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">People, Processes, Places<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!--\/vf-navigation-->\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-3\"><div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-2\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EMBL\u2019s research aims to understand the basis of life at a molecular level and in the context of different environments. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Its researchers develop innovative techniques and technologies as part of this process. In the current programme, seven overlapping themes facilitate collaborative, impactful work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seven cross-cutting research themes offered significant, diverse findings and milestones in 2025: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/molecular-building-blocks\/\">molecular building blocks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/cellular-multicellular-dynamics\/\">multicellular dynamics<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/microbial-ecosystems\/\">microbial ecosystems<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/infection-biology\/\">infection biology<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/human-ecosystems\/\">human ecosystems<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/planetary-biology\/\">planetary biology<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/programme\/research-plans\/theory-at-embl\/\">Theory@EMBL<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n  <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AR2025_Mock.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"EMBL Annual Report 2025 printed summary PDF\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AR2025_Mock.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AR2025_Mock-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AR2025_Mock-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/documents\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260623_2025_AR_PDF_Digital.pdf\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Download 2025 EMBL annual report summary \n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#embl-research-facts-&#038;-figures\" target=\"\">\n    <button class=\"vf-button vf-button--primary vf-button--sm\">\n        EMBL Research in Numbers    <\/button>\n<\/a>\n<!--\/vf-button-->\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<nav class=\"vf-navigation vf-navigation--on-this-page | vf-u-fullbleed | vf-cluster\">\n      <ul class=\"vf-navigation__list | vf-list | vf-cluster__inner\" data-vf-js-navigation-on-this-page-container=\"true\">\n    <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n    On this page\n    <\/li>\n      <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#mb\" aria-selected=\"true\">Molecular building blocks<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n        <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#md\" >Multicellular dynamics<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n        <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#me\" >Microbial ecosystems<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n        <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#ib\" >Infection biology<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n        <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#he\" >Human ecosystems<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n        <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#pb\" >Planetary biology<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n        <li class=\"vf-navigation__item\">\n     <a class=\"vf-navigation__link\" href=\"#th\" >Theory@EMBL<\/a>\n   <\/li>\n         <\/ul>\n  <\/nav>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"162\" height=\"162\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Wojciech-Galej.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Wojciech-Galej.jpg 162w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Wojciech-Galej-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 162px) 100vw, 162px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201c<em>Our long-term goal is to understand how this entire pathway works at the molecular level, and we hope that this and future work will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular basis of genetic disorders associated with the components of the minor spliceosome. This could ultimately lead to new therapeutic applications.<\/em>\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 Wojciech Galej, Group Leader at EMBL Grenoble<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-4\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"mb\">\n        Molecular Building Blocks    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">EMBL research delves into cellular function and subcellular components to systematically determine how responses to a changing environment are mediated at the molecular level. Among the many advances this year within this theme, EMBL Hamburg scientists developed an improved way to measure certain properties of \u2018shapeless\u2019 proteins involved in diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Galej_visual_final.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/splicing-twins-unravelling-the-secrets-of-the-minor-spliceosome-complex\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Splicing twins: unravelling the secrets of the minor spliceosome complex \n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Researchers in the Galej Group at EMBL Grenoble\u00a0 provided new insights into the structure of the minor spliceosome, an essential RNA-protein complex.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/visual-final-1000x600-1.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/novel-analysis-of-intrinsically-disordered-proteins\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Novel analysis of intrinsically disordered proteins\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Researchers from Mainz University and EMBL Hamburg presented a new way to structurally characterise disordered proteins.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2025-SAEZ-RODRIGUEZ-Machine-Intelligence-1000x600-1.png\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/corneto-machine-learning-to-decode-complex-omics-data\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        CORNETO: machine learning to decode complex omics data\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">A new computational tool can help reveal shared and cell-specific pathways in disease research, such as\u00a0 signalling pathways in chemotherapy-resistant\u00a0 ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"156\" height=\"156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Laura-Avino-Esteban.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Laura-Avino-Esteban.jpg 156w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Laura-Avino-Esteban-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 156px) 100vw, 156px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201cOur method addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of developmental biology: the inability to visualise gene expression changes dynamically. Even more importantly, we achieved this without requiring additional data collection.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 Laura Avi\u00f1\u00f3-Esteban, Predoctoral Fellow of the Sharpe Group, EMBL Barcelona<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-4\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"md\">\n        Cellular and Multicellular Dynamics    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">EMBL aims to unravel the impact of genetic and environmental variations in living systems and to understand responses at the single-cell and multicellular levels. Applying a technique often used by video game developers, EMBL Barcelona scientists developed a new computational method to reconstruct embryonic development.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/visual-limb.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/how-video-games-inspired-a-new-way-to-visualise-limb-development\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        How video games inspired a new way to visualise limb development\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL Barcelona researchers developed a new computational method to reconstruct embryonic development.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250909_Aulehla_Option2_ArtisticF2C.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/when-metabolism-provides-more-than-fuel\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        When metabolism provides more than fuel\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Research from the Aulehla Group discovered an unexpected relationship between metabolism and cell communication during embryonic development.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250212_Prevedel_Microscopy3wp.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/pushing-the-limits-of-custom-made-microscopy\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Pushing the limits of &#039;custom-made&#039; microscopy\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL further fine-tuned Brillouin microscopy to significantly widen its aperture and provide for quick, more efficient 3-D imaging of light-sensitive samples.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"270\" height=\"271\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LEES_John_portrait-1.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LEES_John_portrait-1.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LEES_John_portrait-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201c<em>Having the ability to search all publicly available bacterial genomes in minutes changes what\u2019s possible. If you\u2019re developing a new antibiotic and discover a resistance mutation, you need to know how common it is in the real world. Now, for the first time, you can search over 2 million genomes \u2013 the entire global collection \u2013 in minutes to find out.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 John Lees, Group Leader at EMBL-EBI<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-4\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"me\">\n        Microbial Ecosystems    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">With an eye towards microbes that impact humans, this theme aims to generate the foundational knowledge that will enable us to modulate human microbial communities towards desired traits and compositions rationally. In 2025, scientists continued their intensive work to better understand gut microbiomes, including a new meta-analysis from EMBL Grenoble that utilised machine learning tools to explore the links between the gut microbiome and Parkinson&#039;s disease.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250127_GutMicrobiome_gycosylationBrain_SavitskiGroup_FINAL.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/bacteria-brains-and-sugar-scientists-uncover-new-connections\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Bacteria, brains, and sugar: scientists uncover new connections\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Using a new method to study how carbohydrates modify proteins, scientists discovered gut bacteria can alter molecular signatures in the brain, shedding light on connections between the microbiome and the nervous system.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2025-LEES-LexicMap-1000x600-1.png\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/how-to-rapidly-search-the-worlds-microbial-dna\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        How to rapidly search the world\u2019s microbial DNA\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">By making the world\u2019s microbial DNA easier to explore, LexicMap can now help researchers track outbreaks, study antibiotic resistance, and understand microbial diversity.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/20251106_MachineLearning_QuadramInstitute-01-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/gut-microbiome-study-links-parkinsons-disease-to-environmental-chemicals\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Parkinson\u2019s disease&#039;s environmental chemical footprints in the gut\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">A large-scale meta-analysis of nearly 4,500 Parkinson\u2019s disease patients used machine learning tools to explore links between the gut microbiome and Parkinson&#8217;s disease, potentially informing future diagnostic strategies.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Maria-Bernabeu-Aznar.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Maria-Bernabeu-Aznar.jpg 155w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Maria-Bernabeu-Aznar-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 155px) 100vw, 155px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201cOur 3D blood-brain barrier model is one of the most advanced to date, but we want to go further. Our next step is to include immune cells and additional cell types present in the brain, like microglia and neurons. This will enhance the complexity of the model to make it as similar as possible to the real brain.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 Maria Bernabeu, Group Leader at EMBL Barcelona<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-4\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"ib\">\n        Infection Biology    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">EMBL&#039;s Infection Biology theme aims to contribute to research on the biology and mechanisms of infection, as well as on diagnostics and treatment of infectious diseases. One of this past year&#039;s highlights came from EMBL Grenoble. Scientists there found new structural insights in trypanosomes, parasites that cause sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and other animal diseases, that could advance the development of anti-parasitic drugs.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/malaria-visual.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/cerebral-malaria-new-study-shows-how-the-malaria-parasite-opens-the-way-to-the-brain\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Cerebral malaria: new study shows how the malaria parasite opens the way to the brain\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL Barcelona researchers created a lab-grown blood-brain barrier to show how the malaria parasite damages it during severe malaria.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/EMBL-UNESCO-main-visual.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/connections\/knowledge-exchange-between-continents-supports-infection-biology-research\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Knowledge exchange between continents supports infection biology research\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">A second cohort of EMBL-UNESCO fellows benefited from EMBL residencies that focused on their own infection biology research.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kowalinski-visual_1000x600.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/structural-insights-reveal-drug-target-in-trypanosome-parasites\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Structural insights reveal drug target in trypanosome parasites\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">The Kowalinski group at EMBL Grenoble identified significant differences between the trypanosomal and human nuclear cap-binding complex that could serve as target points for novel anti-parasitic drugs.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"147\" height=\"148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/James-Hackett.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201c<em>Our study represents a step toward understanding the mechanism of epigenetic inheritance, particularly through the paternal line.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 James Hackett, Group Leader, Deputy Head of Unit (EMBL Rome)<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-4\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"he\">\n        Human Ecosystems    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">Within this theme, EMBL scientists use rapidly expanding human datasets to explore the gene-environment interplay and its effects on human phenotypes. This transversal theme had some significant findings in 2025. Among them, EMBL-EBI bioinformaticians developed an AI model that can estimate the long-term risk of over 1,000 diseases and forecast human health changes more than a decade in advance.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1000x600-visual.jpeg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/fathers-shape-embryonic-development-through-molecular-signatures\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Fathers&#039; early impacts on embryonic development\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL Rome scientists revealed a father\u2019s preconception environment can leave subtle molecular footprints in embryos, able to shape development and long-term health of offspring.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2025-BIRNEY-Delphi-2M-1000x600-1.png\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/ai-model-forecasts-disease-risk-decades-in-advance\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        AI model forecasts disease risk decades in advance\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Researchers developed an AI model that estimates long-term disease risk across more than 1,000 medical conditions.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/20250901_MAGIC_1000x600px.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/magic-ai-assisted-laser-tag-illuminates-cancer-origins\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        MAGIC: AI-assisted laser tag illuminates cancer origins\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL researchers developed a new AI tool, which, through a game of molecular laser tag, identifies cells that can shed light on the earliest origins of cancer.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"166\" height=\"166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Federico-Vignale.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Federico-Vignale.jpg 166w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Federico-Vignale-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 166px) 100vw, 166px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201c<em>Our research should help us understand the early evolution of life on Earth. It\u2019s the kind of knowledge that also offers potential clues into our search for life on other planets, revealing how organisms might survive under the extreme conditions found there.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 Federico Vignale, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Garcia Alai Team at EMBL Hamburg<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-4\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"pb\">\n        Planetary Biology    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">This research theme aims to understand \u2013 from molecule to population levels \u2013 how microbes, plants, and animals respond to each other and their environment. To this end, its flagship project, the TREC expedition, began a pilot project to move from coastal sampling to freshwater sampling. Additionally, several EMBL research groups became further engaged in using a powerful technique called expansion microscopy to peek deeper inside living organisms to better understand how they function.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Featured_ExMTokyo_25-10-17.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/expanding-the-biological-world-through-microscopy\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Expanding the biological world through microscopy\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL researchers have been using a powerful technique called expansion microscopy to peek deeper inside living organisms and understand how they function.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/going-inland-in-france-trec-pilot-project-to-explore-freshwater-ecosystems\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        TREC explores freshwater ecosystems in France\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Scientists from EMBL and Ecotron IleDeFrance\u00a0 advanced environmental research by deploying mobile labs to study freshwater ecosystems and their vulnerability to human activities.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/archaea-combo.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/archaea-the-ultimate-survivor\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Scientists increasingly studying archaea, the ultimate survivor\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">From different angles, EMBL researchers are looking at archaea with the hope these understudied organisms will answer questions about evolution, adaptability, and more.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-6\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--large vf-profile--inline | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"214\" height=\"215\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Jenna-Elliott-Need-approved-photo.jpg\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Jenna-Elliott-Need-approved-photo.jpg 214w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Jenna-Elliott-Need-approved-photo-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 214px) 100vw, 214px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" >\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-5\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><em>\u201cBiology has solved problems that currently plague synthetic soft matter computation. Living systems can \u2018compute\u2019 in noisy, complicated environments without electronics. If we understand these physical rules, we can design synthetic materials that adapt or compute. Soft materials are also much easier to mesh with human tissue for medical applications than silicon chips.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--4\">\u2014 Jenna Elliott, Predoctoral Fellow of the Erzberger Group at EMBL Heidelberg<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-2\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container  | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n          <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" id=\"th\">\n        Theory@EMBL    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\">EMBL\u2019s theory research programme promotes theory-guided paths to discovering, understanding, and conceptualising the underlying principles of complex and dynamic biological systems at all scales, from molecules to organisms to ecosystems. Insights from theoretical physics proved helpful for scientists to understand how living cells process information and use it to self-organise.<\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-2\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250815_Sharpe-singlecell2.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/spotting-stealth-multiplets-for-better-single-cell-experiment-design\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Spotting stealth multiplets for better single-cell experiment design\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL Barcelona scientists quantitatively evaluated the risk of undetected artefacts in single-cell RNA sequencing experiments, a predicament that can distort data and mislead interpretation.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AnnaErzbergerGroup_TheoreticalBiophysics_17Feb.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science-technology\/shapes-signals-and-boundaries-how-cells-turn-physics-into-information\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Shapes, signals, and boundaries: how cells turn physics into information\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">Insights from theoretical physics are increasingly helping scientists to\u00a0 understand how living cells process information and use it to self-organise.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"embl-research-facts-&amp;-figures\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container  | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--white \">\n          <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" >\n        Research in Numbers    <\/h2>\n                <p class=\"vf-section-header__text\"><\/p>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-2\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading  vf-u-text-color--green\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Collaborative scientific publications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-u-text-color--grey\">In 2025, EMBL researchers produced <strong>692<\/strong> publications, <br>mostly in collaboration with scientists within EMBL member <br>or associate member states, as shown on this chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"vf-figure wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"320\" class=\"vf-figure__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research.png\" alt=\"In 2025, EMBL researchers produced 675 publications, 628 in collaboration with Member states.\" class=\"wp-image-40199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research.png 900w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research-300x107.png 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research-768x273.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading  vf-u-text-color--green\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Collaborative grants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-u-text-color--grey\">Beyond EMBL\u2019s member state funding, external grants support activities often done in collaboration with scientists beyond EMBL. These charts broadly break down the type of grants EMBL held in 2025.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"vf-figure wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"320\" class=\"vf-figure__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research2.png\" alt=\"432 grants (269 in research, 140 in infrastructure, 23 in training). Pie chart showing 159 grants by EMBL, 229 by EMBL with orgs in member states, 44 with others. \" class=\"wp-image-40200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research2.png 900w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research2-300x107.png 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260513_WEBSITE_STATS_Research2-768x273.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\r\n.vf-grid__col-6 {\r\ngrid-column-gap: 0rem !important;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<style>\r\n.vf-hero__kicker {\r\npointer-events: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.vf-hero__kicker a {\r\ntext-decoration: none !important;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":39617,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"vf_template_home-page.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"embl_taxonomy":[],"class_list":["post-39635","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"embl_taxonomy_terms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39635"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40323,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39635\/revisions\/40323"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"embl_taxonomy","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/embl_taxonomy?post=39635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}