Buon Compleanno!

It was fun, fireworks, festa and familiar faces at EMBL Monterotondo on 20 June, as the outstation marked not one, but two birthdays with a symposium dedicated to the contribution of EMBL to European science.

Head of EMBL Monterotondo, Philip Avner, makes a toast. PHOTO: MEHRNOOSH RAYNER

EMBL Director General Iain Mattaj welcomes attendees. PHOTO: MEHRNOOSH RAYNER

Participants gather for a buffet lunch to kick off the day — Current staff join alumni and special guests for a buffet lunch. PHOTO: MEHRNOOSH RAYNER

The event, which included talks, celebrations and social gatherings, brought together staff, alumni, and special guests, on the occasions of EMBL’s 40th anniversary and the outstation’s 15th birthday.

Speakers included Claus Nerlov (University of Oxford), Foteini Mourkioti (Stanford University), Roberto di Lauro (Naples University), Valeria Carola (Santa Lucia Foundation) and a host of EMBL scientists, with talks reflecting on the impact that EMBL Monterotondo has had on life science research in Italy, as well as the contributions of alumni to EMBL’s scientific success.

Cornelius Gross, Deputy Head of Outstation, speaks about his research into the neural circuitry of fear. PHOTO: MEHRNOOSH RAYNER

Foteini Mourkioti, a researcher at Stanford University, addresses a packed audience. PHOTO: MEHRNOOSH RAYNER

There was also time to catch up with old friends with a buffet lunch, dinner, fireworks, and live music from in-Lab band, Black 6. “EMBL is a great place because it is run by people who continuously come up with new ideas, and this has allowed Monterotondo to grow and flourish in the context of the European scientific environment,” explains Nadia Rosenthal, former head of the outstation who now heads up EMBL Australia.

We can look to the future with a sense of excitement and pride

“It was a great event, bringing together many of the people who have made the outstation a success over the years – thanks to their efforts we can look to the future with a sense of excitement and pride,” adds Philip Avner, head of EMBL Monterotondo.