We are EMBL: Neeya Jacob on streamlining operations and preserving the spark of her inner child
The new Head of Administration at EMBL Rome talks about her vision for creating a stable and supportive operational environment, and the importance of leading with clarity, consistency, and compliance
A Canadian born in India, Neeya Jacob lived in several countries before ultimately settling in Italy, where she pursued a Master of Business Administration and went on to build extensive experience working in international organisations. She recently joined EMBL Rome as Head of Administration, leading the administration team and overseeing site operations, including IT, Facility Management, and Communications.
We spoke with Jacob about her first steps in this role and her introduction to the wider EMBL ecosystem, as well as her vision for streamlining operations and strengthening collaboration across sites. She also shared a few personal insights, giving us the chance to get to know her better.
What are some of the first things you’re hoping to achieve in your new role?
My first priority is to understand what our people and our Unit need, what slows us down, and where we can make meaningful improvements both in the short and long term. I see operations as the frame that gives us stability and administration as the lubricant that keeps everything moving. My focus will therefore be on finding the right balance by combining operational ease, clear structure, and strong governance to create a supportive environment that enables us to move forward with confidence and purpose.
What’s the best part of working at EMBL?
The best part has been the genuine sense of warmth and community I’ve felt, not only at EMBL Rome, but across the wider EMBL network. Despite spanning multiple countries and campuses, EMBL still manages to feel remarkably intimate. That’s entirely due to the kindness, openness, and immediate sense of partnership people have extended to me from the moment I arrived.
In my conversations, I’ve been struck by how proud colleagues are to work for EMBL and how sincere their desire is to ensure EMBL performs at its best. It’s rare to find an environment where excellence, collaboration, and kindness come together so naturally. Being part of that ecosystem is inspiring and energising every day.
Where do you find inspiration for solving problems at work?
I find inspiration in different ways, depending on the situation. I like to start by observing, often asking myself whether a challenge echoes something I’ve tackled before. I also draw on peers, both across EMBL and in my wider professional network, as well as mentors whose perspectives help me see things from new angles and benefit from their experience. I’m energised by moments when teams collaborate too; the way different viewpoints intersect often sparks ideas none of us would reach alone.
Sometimes, stepping away from my desk helps too. A short walk outside or a change of scenery usually helps me see a problem from a different perspective. You may have already spotted me doing ‘walk‑and‑talk’ meetings on campus, with the Roman weather usually cooperating. These conversations often turned out to be very productive, and we get our steps in at the same time!
What’s the best advice you were ever given in pursuing your field?
I’ve pivoted careers a couple of times, and I’ve been fortunate to have had kind, supportive mentors throughout each transition. Regardless of the sector, they consistently returned to three core principles: communicate clearly, be consistent, and stay safe by staying compliant.
Administration touches everything, from the everyday rhythm of our work to how we respond in moments of crisis, and these principles build stability and trust. They have guided me through every transition, shaped my approach to leadership, and reinforced my belief that effective administration is ultimately about enabling people to do their best work safely and confidently.
What are your passions and interests?
I’ve always been drawn to the things that spark both curiosity and comfort, which has led to a colourful mix of interests, though a few have stayed with me more than others.
I started my career in television and film production, which left me with a lasting love of cinema and its ability to transport you into someone else’s world for a while. That same sense of discovery fuels my love of travel, and living in different places has deepened my appreciation for culture through food.
When I moved to Italy, I missed Toronto’s easy access to authentic multicultural cuisine, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. If I wanted a proper fudgy brownie or kaju katli, I had to make it myself. Somewhere along the way, necessity turned into a genuine passion for cooking and baking.
I’m also a huge dog person, which means my camera roll is approximately 80% my dog doing absolutely nothing noteworthy. Every dog sighting becomes a serious exercise in self-control as I fight the urge to squeal, point, and sprint like a kid spotting the ice cream truck on the first day of summer. That said, I firmly believe we should never lose touch with our inner child, that’s where curiosity, wonder, and discovery come from, so every now and then, I let mine off the leash a little.
What is one of the best things about living in Rome?
Rome has taught me to fully embrace il dolce far niente, the joy of doing nothing, and I honour the ‘when in Rome…’ philosophy with enthusiasm. My ideal summer evening involves a terrace, a crisp glass of wine, clouds against an azure sky to misidentify as dragons and dachshunds with family, friends, and my unimpressed dog. In the background, an 80s/90s playlist that would be dangerously warped if it still lived on cassette, now thankfully without the DJ interrupting the first and last few seconds (if you know, you know).
What is the best meal you’ve ever had in your life?
This one is always tricky for me, because every place I’ve lived has a dish tied to a memory, and the memory is half the flavour. But if I had to choose, it would be my great‑grandmother’s Mangalore Mutton Biryani.
You won’t find it in any restaurant, not even beyond the Mangalore city limits, and it is different from any other variety of biryani. It’s comforting, punched with flavour, and seasoned generously with nostalgia.
