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14 January 2025 EMBL Director General Edith Heard (left) and ELLIS President Bernhard Schölkopf (right) are signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

New strategic partnership for AI in the sciences

Memorandum of Understanding between EMBL and ELLIS will drive AI in European life science research, training, and technology. The strategic partnership will promote interdisciplinary training and develop innovative projects that address pressing challenges in human and planetary health.

CONNECTIONS

2025

connections

10 January 2025 Colourful image of mouse cells

Sweet gene regulation in the mammalian embryo

Researchers in the Boulard group at EMBL Rome demonstrated that the catalytic activity of the OGT enzyme is essential for embryonic development, and that when it’s reduced, embryo development is delayed – especially in males.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2025

science-technology

9 January 2025

DECIPHER v11.29 released

The v11.29 DECIPHER release is out now. Find out about the new features and improvements.

2025

updates-from-data-resources

17 December 2024

Fuelling discovery together: 2024 user survey learnings

Blog post by Eleni Tzampatzopoulou, EMBL-EBI Impact Manager In summer 2024, EMBL-EBI ran a user survey, inviting our community to let us know how they use the open data resources we jointly manage with our collaborators. With over 2,300 responses from 126 countries, we were delighted by the depth…

2024

announcements

13 December 2024

Speaking the language of DNA

Right from the early days of DNA sequencing, EMBL’s scientists have been instrumental in helping the world understand, decode, archive, and manipulate genomes at scale and across many branches of the evolutionary tree, a task they continue to excel at today.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

26 November 2024

Complex Portal expands Human Complexome with ML-predicted human protein complexes

The Complex Portal – an encyclopaedic resource of macromolecular complexes from key model organisms – has expanded its coverage of the Human Complexome. This includes: To find out more, read the new paper entitled Complex Portal 2025: Predicted human complexes and enhanced visualisation tools…

2024

uncategorizedupdates-from-data-resources

26 November 2024

Diving into the world of science

EMBL Grenoble took part in a series of activities during the French Science Week, highlighting EMBL’s research and the TREC scientific expedition.

LAB MATTERS

2024

lab-matters

25 November 2024

Sparking a data revolution

The introduction of computational methods in biology opened up an entirely new world of insights and breakthroughs. Over the last several decades, EMBL has been at the forefront of discoveries and innovations that have not only propelled the field forward but also opened up access to bioinformatics…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

22 November 2024

Celebrating 25 years of EMBL Rome

EMBL Rome celebrates its 25th anniversary this year – some impressions of the symposium and party organised for staff and alumni to mark this special occasion.

LAB MATTERS

2024

lab-matters

15 November 2024 Woman in red jacket outdoors with fall foliage behind her

The value of a scientific meet-up

Yuvarani Masarapu, a junior bioinformatician and doctoral student at SciLifeLab in Stockholm, spent a week with EMBL collaborators, finding solutions to research challenges and expanding her scientific perspective.

CONNECTIONS

2024

connections

7 November 2024

Welcome: Dan Trigg

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m a chartered civil engineer and I’ve worked in different capacities in the building and construction space. I worked for a contractor, delivering large infrastructure projects, such as roads, tunnels, bridges all over the UK.  I also worked as a…

2024

perspectives

4 November 2024 Around 40 international people of all ages posing together before a big mobile laboratory truck with logos of EMBL, TREC, and industry sponsors printed on its side.

TREC in numbers: the expedition’s impact so far

In less than two years, the EMBL-led TREC expedition has demonstrated that large-scale international collaboration is essential for driving ground-breaking planetary and human health research with societal impact. Here, we summarise some aspects of the expedition in numbers.

CONNECTIONS

2024

connections

28 October 2024 A mixed group of people standing on a set of stairs outside a building.

Empowering research infrastructure scientists

The ARISE summer school brought together fellows from across EMBL sites who are working on technology projects as part of EMBL’s Career Accelerator for Research Infrastructure Scientists (ARISE) programme.

CONNECTIONS

2024

connections

25 October 2024

DECIPHER v11.28 Released

The v11.28 DECIPHER release is out now. Find out about the new features and improvements.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

23 October 2024

BioChemGraph: Unifying structural and bioactivity data to accelerate drug discovery

In the era of data-driven biology, integrating information from different resources is essential yet often challenging. The BioChemGraph project addresses this challenge by creating infrastructure that consolidates structural, functional, and biochemical annotations for small molecules and their…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

21 October 2024 InterPro logo

InterPro 102.0 released

InterPro version 102.0 and InterProScan 5.70-102.0 are now available. 

2024

updates-from-data-resources

17 October 2024 SEM image of sponge cells several grey-cylinder like shapes arranged in a circle, with a green spot in the centre.

Seeing is understanding

Imaging lets us observe biology in action – it makes visible the hidden processes of life. From its founding, EMBL has been a centre of breakthroughs and developments in bioimaging, and it continues to play a pioneering role in this field today.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

16 October 2024

All eyes on science!

EMBL Rome volunteers participated in the European Researchers’ Night organised by the CNR in Montelibretti, attended by over 1,500 visitors. They prepared activities and games reflecting the wide variety of projects conducted at the site and across EMBL.

LAB MATTERS

2024

lab-matters

10 October 2024 A multi-coloured donut representing the structure of an NPC.

“Structurally” sound

The function of biological molecules is intimately linked to their structure. In the 50 years since EMBL was established, its researchers and engineers have constantly provided leadership in structural biology research and services, resulting in many scientific breakthroughs and novel insights.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

8 October 2024

New MGnify Proteins web resources launched

EMBL-EBI’s microbiome data resource MGnify produces a valuable trove of protein sequence data through its ongoing analysis of microbiome derived data. Two new MGnify Proteins web resources make this dataset easily accessible and searchable, both for large queries across the entire database…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

8 October 2024 Illustration showing a mitochondrion covered with many ribosomes on the left, and a zoom in to the molecular structure of a ribosome facing a membrane with its smaller subunit on the right.

What we can learn from hungry yeast cells

Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg and University of Virginia revealed a new cellular response to starvation: ribosomes attach to the mitochondrial outer membrane in a very unusual way, via their small subunit. The finding made in yeast might provide insights into how cancer cells survive the harsh…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

27 September 2024 Five PhD students are seen sitting on a set of stairs outside EMBL's Imaging Centre.

Training for the future

Starting in the 1980s, EMBL’s PhD programme has played a notable role in helping train some of the brightest scientific minds in Europe, as well as in building a thriving research community focused on collaboration and innovation.

LAB MATTERS

2024

lab-matters

24 September 2024 Single Cell Expression Atlas logo on green background

Single Cell Expression Atlas 21 released

New datasets The release has 381 single-cell RNA-Seq experiments, consisting of more than 13.5 million cells from 21 different species to explore in the Single Cell Expression Atlas (SCEA). The resource now includes an entirely new class of data – externally analysed data, marked with an…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

23 August 2024

Welcome: David Ocaña

EMBL-EBI’s new Head of Applications will use his expertise in cloud infrastructure and security to support the institute’s open data resources.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2024

people-perspectivesperspectives

16 August 2024 Two trucks with EMBL and TREC logos drive along a road next to the seaside, in the background are hills and houses from the suburbs of Athens.

TREC expedition concludes sampling in Greece

The TREC expedition concluded its sampling in Greece and strengthened scientific exchange and collaborative networks with their Greek partners during a political and scientific stakeholder event in Athens.

CONNECTIONS

2024

connections

25 July 2024

DECIPHER v11.27 release

The v11.27 DECIPHER release is out now. Find out about the new features and improvements.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

2 July 2024

Bulgaria becomes EMBL prospect member state

Bulgaria has become the latest EMBL prospect member state, starting a three-year process toward full membership. The prospect membership opens up new opportunities for mutual exchange and collaboration. Including Bulgaria, EMBL is now supported by 29 full member states, one associate member state,…

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2024

embl-announcements

1 July 2024

EMBL celebrates 50 years of cutting-edge life science research

EMBL celebrates 50 years of cutting-edge European research: founded in Heidelberg by the first ten member states, Europe's pioneering Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is now supported by 29 member states and stands for outstanding open research, scientific services for researchers, innovative…

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2024

embl-announcements

25 June 2024 In the front, a 3D model of three molecules bound together: METTL6 in (orange), serine tRNA synthetase in (shades of lilac) and serine tRNA (black). In the background an illustration of a construction site. Two trucks with ‘UGA’ and ‘AGA’ written on them are visible at the bottom.

An enzyme with a smart friend

EMBL Grenoble’s Kowalinski Group analysed the structure of an enzyme responsible for modifying tRNA molecules to fine-tune protein production. They discovered that to distinguish almost identical, yet different, tRNA molecules, the enzyme uses help from another enzyme – a type of cooperation…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

21 June 2024

Welcome: Mallory Freeberg

The new Team Leader for Human Genomics at EMBL-EBI shares how curiosity and maths shaped her career and what it takes to be a community builder.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2024

people-perspectivesperspectives

19 June 2024 In the centre: green angular origami-like shapes stacked on top of each other. Small orange rectangles akin to adhesive tape are placed where the green shapes connect with each other. In the background: a circle in the middle and cancer cells on the left and right.

‘Invisible’ protein keeps cancer at bay

EMBL Hamburg scientists and collaborators discovered a new molecular mechanism in which an unstructured protein disables one of the main cancer-promoting proteins by gluing them into an elongated stack. Data from human patient samples support the role of this mechanism in prostate cancer…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

17 June 2024

TREC in Italy – sampling from coast to coast

For almost two months, Italy was the stage for the TREC expedition, with a rich programme of events organised across the country attended by the public, scientists, schools, and high-level political stakeholders, including Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini.

CONNECTIONS

2024

connections

29 May 2024 Two scientists stand in front of window, talking

12 moments of philanthropy: #5 Friends of EMBL

Starting in 2014, Friends of EMBL engages a diverse range of individuals to support and connect with EMBL research. Through unique events and philanthropic contributions, members play a vital role in fostering a stronger bond between EMBL and society.

CONNECTIONS

2024

connections

28 May 2024 An illustration of cells in a mosaic context, demonstrating the idea of genetic mosaicism in blood stem cells.

Genetic mosaicism more common than thought

Blood stem cells from healthy people carry major chromosomal alterations, a study in Nature Genetics by researchers at the Max Delbrück Center and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) finds. The discovery suggests that we are all genetic mosaics, which may contribute to ageing-related…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

28 May 2024 DECIPHER logo

DECIPHER v11.26 release

The latest DECIPHER release includes AlphaMissense scores, links to the Open Targets Platform and more.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

24 May 2024

Stephen Cusack: what I’ve learned

Stephen Cusack, world-renowned structural biologist and former Head of EMBL Grenoble, reflects on his early influences, his achievements, and the lessons he’s learned as he embarks on his next adventure

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2024

people-perspectives

17 May 2024 Expression Atlas logo

Expression Atlas 40 released

The latest Expression Atlas 40 release is now live, containing new RNA-seq datasets, including a featured experiment resulting from a collaboration with Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) project as well as new proteomics data derived from our collaboration with PRIDE. In total, this release…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

13 May 2024 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl 112 has been released

Ensembl 112 and the corresponding release of Ensembl Genomes 59 has released. This includes exciting new fish species, many more drosophila species and new VEP updates.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

1 May 2024 Alt Text: An artistic representation of gut microbes and sperm cells

Father’s gut microbes affect the next generation

Scientists from EMBL Rome and EMBL Heidelberg found that disrupting the gut microbiome of male mice increases the risk of disease in their offspring. Their findings suggest that a father’s pre-conception environment can have lifelong effects on offspring.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

23 April 2024 This image showcases a processor with neon lights and abstract shapes that represent the flow and integration of spatial omics information. The background shows the analyzed and annotated breast cancer sample.

A universal framework for spatial biology

SpatialData is a tool developed by EMBL scientists in cooperation with multiple research institutions to unify and integrate data from different omics technologies in a spatial environment, providing holistic insights into health and disease. Researchers can now freely access and use SpatialData…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

8 April 2024 Artist’s stylised, semi-abstract representation of artificial intelligence

When AI meets biology

A recent EMBO | EMBL conference provided a forum for researchers to share how AI is making a difference in biology and bioinformatics.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

2 April 2024

DECIPHER v11.25 released

The latest DECIPHER update, version 11.25, introduces new key features including the integration of functional data from multiplexed assays of variant effect (MAVEs) and much more.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

27 March 2024

Using Data Hubs to analyse SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogen sequences

The SARS-CoV-2 Data Hubs are a set of tools coupled with infrastructure that support four components: the submission, analysis, presentation and visualisation of SARS-CoV-2 raw read data, and its resulting analyses. What makes Data Hubs attractive is a unique set of features: A new publication in…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

8 March 2024 MGnify logo with text underneath which reads release

MGnify Genomes mouse gut catalogue v1.0 released

The MGnify data resource for microbiome data has launched the latest MGnify Genomes catalogue comprising 112,951 genomes derived from mouse gut datasets, represented by 2,847 species-level cluster representative genomes. This catalogue was generated as part of our work with the MRC funded…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

28 February 2024 DECIPHER logo

DECIPHER v11.24 Released

Version 11.24 of DECIPHER introduces a new ACMG/AMP pathogenicity interface for sequence variant predictions, displays ClinGen Variant Curation Expert Panel recommendations on gene pages, and updates ACMG secondary finding information to v3.2.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

29 January 2024 InterPro logo

InterPro 98.0 released

InterPro version 98.0 and InterProScan 5.66-98.0 are now available. InterPro now features hundreds of new methods integrated from partner databases, and InterProScan draws on over 40000 entries. InterPro version 98.0 New features include: InterPro 98.0 covers 81.7% of UniProt Knowledgebase release…

2024

updates-from-data-resources

25 January 2024 An oval light blue shape. In the central part, there is a smaller a red object, from which stem many highly branched smaller canals that cover a significant part of the blue surface. The whole sponge image is in placed in a circle. The background around the circle is blue-green.

Ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ response gets sponges moving

Sponges lack muscles and neurons. Yet, they make coordinated movements. Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg have discovered that sponge movement is controlled by an ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ response that is also present in vertebrate blood vessels. The findings shed light on sponge physiology…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

sciencescience-technology

12 January 2024 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl 111 has been released

The Ensembl 111 features a range of new Ensembl VEP plugins and updated agricultural, fish, plant and metazoa species.

2024

updates-from-data-resources

21 December 2023 On the left: image of a protein complex in a shape of a yellow doughnut with blue elements. Above it is a drawing of nucleic acid with arrows connecting nitrogenous bases to different points in the protein complex. On the right: a line with peaks indicating the peaks recorded in mass spectrometry. Above two peaks, there are smaller depictions of the doughnut-shaped complex, one with a blue element and one without.

RNA to rule them all

The Kosinski Group at EMBL Hamburg collaborated with other groups in Hamburg to reveal critical steps in Lassa virus ribonucleoparticle assembly and recruitment, and the crucial role played by RNA in in the Lassa virus life cycle.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

19 December 2023 Cartoon showing nanoparticles on a conveyer belt passing through a machine. They are ordered by size and the smallest one pass through the machine before the bigger ones. A ray of light enters the machine, where a nanoparticle is being scanned, and leaves it on the other side. A monitor on top of the scanning machine shows an X-ray of a nanoparticle.

‘X-ray vision’ for investigation of mRNA nanomedicines

EMBL Hamburg, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Postnova Analytics GmbH, and BioNTech SE have developed a new method to quantitatively investigate sizes of nanoparticles containing mRNA. It may become an important part of regular characterisation of mRNA nanomedicines in the future.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

7 December 2023 Against blue and green background are two faux polaroids, one of an older man holding a coffee cup and the other a man in glasses

Navigating success: an EMBL alumni mentorship story

A recent success story of the Alumni Mentorship Programme is that of Luis Pedro Coelho, a Portuguese former postdoctoral fellow in the Bork Group, and his mentor Frank Gannon, former EMBO Director and EMBL Group Leader and Senior Scientist.

LAB MATTERS

2023

alumnilab-matters

16 November 2023

EMBLetc. issue 101 published

The newest issue of our online magazine dives deep into a critical research direction in developmental biology, structures of promiscuous proteins, EMBL’s newest service offerings in field research, and much, much more.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS

2023

embl-announcementslab-matters

16 November 2023

New evidence on retinal function

A new study from the Asari group at EMBL Rome shows a different retinal function in awake mice compared to isolated retinal samples. These new insights could help to develop prosthetic devices that can act as a retina in the future.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

15 November 2023 Female scientist

Advocating for a generalist approach to science and life

Sara Fahs, who did her PhD from EMBL Heidelberg and is one of the newest members of the EMBL alumni association board, writes about key insights from her journey in science and her work on medicinal chemistry, during a career spanning academia and industry.

EMBLetc

2023

15 November 2023 A truck bearing the TREC mobile services logo and illustration on its side.

Taking science on the road

With the new advanced mobile laboratory, EMBL is taking its service offerings to new heights, bringing cutting-edge life science technologies to the field in a way never seen before.

EMBLetc

2023

15 November 2023

Remembering the moment EMBL was established

The EMBL agreement, which made reality the idea of creating a European laboratory for life sciences, was signed in 1973 and ratified in 1974. Fifty years later, we look back at this historic moment.

EMBLetc

2023

15 November 2023 Decorative elements on a green background, representing awards.

Awards and honours (Issue 101)

The work and excellence of EMBL researchers have been recognised with multiple awards and honours during the past six months.

EMBLetc

2023

15 November 2023

Why time is of the essence in development

EMBL developmental biologists – with help from other disciplines – pursue the significance of time, timing, and transitions in organisms during their development

EMBLetc

2023

15 November 2023 Two male scientists in lab coats looking at.a computer screen

Embracing the genome sequencing revolution

EMBL’s Genomics Core Facility provides end-to-end support to researchers across Europe and beyond and stands at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs.

EMBLetc

2023

15 November 2023 Illustration showing a doorknob with a lock and many protein-marked keys floating towards it.

The secret of molecular promiscuity

Promiscuity is critical for nourishment. How? This question lies at the focus of research by the Löw Group at EMBL Hamburg. Using structural biology methods, they explore how specialised molecules located in the cell membrane allow cells absorb nutrients from their environment.

EMBLetc

2023

14 November 2023 InterPro logo

InterPro 97.0 released

InterPro version 97.0 and InterProScan 5.64-97.0 are now available. InterPro now features hundreds of new methods integrated from partner databases, and InterProScan draws on over 40000 entries.

2023

updates-from-data-resources

31 October 2023

EMBL’s southern hemisphere connection

Ian Smith, Chair of EMBL Australia´s Council, chats about the synergies between the organisations, opportunities for collaboration, and ideas for exciting new programmes arising out of a recent visit to EMBL Heidelberg.

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2023

connectionslab-matters

5 October 2023 A composite image of four 3D micrographs showing the cellular organelles of a phytoplankton marked in different colours.

Spotlight: Seeing into the seas

A new method developed by EMBL scientists can help us identify and investigate plankton species in field samples with greater speed, accuracy, and resolution than ever possible before.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

2 October 2023 Outline of a human, purple against red background. Red RNA strand in the background, electrocardiogram across the image. On the right, outline of a Nobel prize medal.

mRNA nanomedicines scoop Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Pioneers of the mRNA nanomedicines technology receive 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or medicine. EMBL is pleased to have supported the development of the application of the mRNA nanomedicine technology through our long-standing collaboration with BioNTech, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

28 September 2023 Visual of AlphaFold Protein prediction, embedded into a visual of scientific data

EMBL receives German AI prize

EMBL receives the German AI prize awarded for outstanding services to the research and development as well as application and commercialisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in life science research.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2023

embl-announcementsscience

27 September 2023 A female scientist with shoulder-length hair and black shirt listens to a male scientist in burgundy shirt and white beard, seated to the right.

Five decades of EMBL visits

Structural biologist Shlomo Trachtenberg has made research trips to EMBL from Israel since the late 1970s and reflects on the boost EMBL’s technology provided his research, the ingredients for an ideal research institution, and his ongoing fascination with microscopes.

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2023

connectionslab-matters

26 September 2023 InterPro logo

InterPro 96.0 released

InterPro version 96.0 and InterProScan 5.64-96.0 are now available.

2023

updates-from-data-resources

21 September 2023

Understanding the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis

Enzymes constitute a large fraction of genomes – 20% in humans – which makes them a very important part of life. Despite decades of studies and a rich literature dedicated to understanding the reaction mechanisms of enzymes, the rules of enzyme catalysis are still not fully clear. A new…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

science-technologytechnology-and-innovation

21 September 2023 Man standing outside

Welcome: David Hulcoop

David Hulcoop discusses how his experience bridging organisational cultures will help address critical challenges in drug discovery and target selection at Open Targets.

LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

announcementslab-matterspeople-perspectives

15 September 2023

Switching off the cytokine storm

EMBL Grenoble and University of Geneva researchers shed light on the molecular activation of the MAP kinase p38α, the final ‘switch’ triggering the inflammatory response.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

13 September 2023

Exploring Nexus Island

Learn more about the game-based workshop that lets participants experience what it feels like to be a researcher on the TREC expedition.

LAB MATTERS

2023

lab-matters

6 September 2023 A drawing of swordfish and a bubble containing a drawing of a molecular model. Both on blue background representing water.

Swordfish sword under X-rays: SAXS explained

Learn how scientists use bio-SAXS, an experimental X-ray technique, to study the shape and dynamics of proteins and other biomolecules. SAXS can be even used to analyse the structure of mineral particles in the swordfish sword bone, which can help scientists better understand bone ageing.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

31 August 2023 Part of a fruit fly embryo imaged against a dark background, with nuclei stained with DAPI (white), and a cluster of pole cells, marked by Vasa protein (yellow)

Spotlight: Off to the pole

For a fruit fly embryo to develop correctly, key factors need to get to the right place at the right time – a journey that starts in the developing egg, as seen in this image from the Ephrussi Group at EMBL Heidelberg

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

picture-of-the-weeksciencescience-technology

22 August 2023 Polaroid style shot of Sergiy Avilov, mentioning the years he was at EMBL

After EMBL: Sergiy Avilov

Ukrainian scientist Sergiy Avilov uses the microscopy skills and scientific network he built at EMBL in his current role heading the Imaging Facility at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

alumnipeople-perspectives

18 August 2023 On green-hued multi-coloured background are four circle photographs of scientists working with high-tech equipment

Bringing scientific services together ‘2RISE’

An upcoming EMBL-led infrastructure management training will help formalise information exchange in the Rhine-Neckar region to widen access to technology and scientific services for members of the Health + Life Science Alliance.

CONNECTIONS

2023

connectionsevents

8 August 2023 Clément Blanchet at the EMBL Hamburg’s P12 beamline’s experimental hutch.

Welcome: Clément Blanchet

Clément Blanchet has been appointed to lead the team working on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at EMBL Hamburg. In this interview, he talks his ambitions for the future work of the SAXS Team, his passion for science, and a memorable ‘aha’ moment he had in his early career.

LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

25 July 2023 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl Bacteria releases new annotation for all its genomes

Ensembl 110 and Ensembl Genomes 57 have introduced in-house prokaryotic gene annotation across genomes available in Ensembl Bacteria.  Since its inception, Ensembl Bacteria has imported user-submitted annotations from the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC) for…

2023

updates-from-data-resources

17 July 2023 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl 110 has been released

Ensembl 100 release brings exciting updates, such as the addition of regulation data to 5 animal genomes studied extensively in agriculture.

2023

updates-from-data-resources

7 July 2023 InterPro logo

InterPro 95.0 released

InterPro version 95.0 and InterProScan 5.63-95.0 are now available! InterPro now features hundreds of new methods integrated from partner databases, and InterProScan draws on over 39000 entries. InterPro version 95.0 – new features include: InterPro 95.0 covers 81.7% of UniProt Knowledgebase…

2023

updates-from-data-resources

4 July 2023 EMBL logo amended to note its upcoming 50th anniversary

Save the date: 4-5 July 2024!

EMBL will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a dynamic scientific symposium. The event will share fundamental research that continues to open the way to scientific discoveries.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2023

embl-announcementsevents

3 July 2023 In the foreground: an intrinsically disordered protein, which has a form of a tangled, unstructured string. In the background: a set of parallel curved lines.

Bringing research on disordered proteins to order

A third of all known proteins are either completely or partially unstructured. EMBL scientists contributed to a new set of guidelines – Minimum Information About a Disorder Experiment (MIADE) – that will help researchers share data on unstructured proteins in a more useful way and will enable…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

28 June 2023 Female scientist in white lab coat enjoying camaraderie of colleagues.

After EMBL: Urtė Neniškytė

EMBL Rome alumna Urtė Neniškytė returned to her native Lithuania, helping establish the Vilnius University-EMBL Partnership Institute and advance genome-editing technologies there.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

alumnipeople-perspectives

25 May 2023 Close-up photo of a mother and father with their two young daughters

After EMBL: Heiko Runz and Laurence Ettwiller

From biking together while at EMBL to assistant professorships at Heidelberg University, two academics soon formed a union that took them to the United States., into various industry positions, and now to a life with two young children.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

alumnipeople-perspectives

16 May 2023

Managing a bioinformatics core facility

BioImage Archive Team Leader Matthew Hartley shares his experience and tips for people interested in managing a bioinformatics core facility.

2023

technology-and-innovation

15 May 2023 Decorative elements on a green background, representing awards.

Awards and honours (Issue 100)

The work and excellence of EMBL researchers have been recognised with multiple awards and honours during the past six months. Here are some of the awardees.

EMBLetc

2023

15 May 2023 Science illustration representing research on organoids, organs-on-chip and human health. The image shows an abstract composition of several elements referring to the tools and some areas of research covered at EMBL Barcelona, featured on the cover of the 100th issue of EMBL etc.

Celebrating 100 issues of EMBLetc.

First published in 1999 as a black-and-white printed newsletter for EMBL staff and alumni, EMBLetc. has undergone many transformations in its 24 years of existence.

EMBLetc

2023

15 May 2023 A computer showing the EMBLetc. homepage open, with a few EMBLetc. magazines and postcards nearby.

A trip down memory lane

EMBLetc., the online magazine of Europe’s life sciences laboratory, celebrates its 24th birthday with its 100th issue. We took a walk through the past issues of this dynamic publication, and here are 10 recurring themes that emerged.

EMBLetc

2023

15 May 2023 Two scientists in a laboratory

Behind the scenes of innovation

EMBL Grenoble technology teams provide a sneak peek into their latest collaborative project in structural biology services: the complete automation of an integral step in X-ray crystallography.

EMBLetc

2023

15 May 2023 A section of electron microscopy volume of a Platynereis larvae. Different colours mark different cell groups.

Visualising biology: new tools of the trade

EMBL researchers are pushing the frontiers of big data analysis in biological imaging, allowing scientists to gain a many-layered and multidimensional view of organisms, tissues, and cells in action.

EMBLetc

2023

15 May 2023 Researcher holding two sample bags..

In pictures: the story of TREC

EMBL’s newest expedition attempts to answer some of the biggest questions in planetary biology, and will help scientists find solutions to pressing global concerns.

EMBLetc

2023

15 May 2023 Male scientist profile image

Merging science and theatre

Veli Vural Uslu, winner of the 2023 John Kendrew award, chats about his journey in science and his adventures in science communication. Uslu is the writer, director, and organiser of various science-themed theatre plays, and the founder of TAP (The Awesome Potatoes) Science Theater Heidelberg.

EMBLetc

2023

11 May 2023 An colourful image taken from the World of Molecular Biology exhibition.

The World of Molecular Biology is open 

EMBL´s new permanent exhibition ‘The World of Molecular Biology’ in Heidelberg is now open for registration. The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey of scales, from genomes to ecosystems, and introduces key imaging technologies.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTSLAB MATTERS

2023

embl-announcementslab-matters

10 May 2023 Illustration showing a cute humanoid-shaped robot that spits pink droplets at a sheet.

Time-resolved crystallography for the masses

EMBL Hamburg scientists have contributed to the development of the Spitrobot, a ground-breaking experimental setup that will simplify creating molecular movies. The Spitrobot automates the sample preparation for time-resolved crystallography, which is used to create 3D snapshots of protein…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

28 April 2023 two students wear virtual reality headsets

Building a broader European science community

Croatian scientists and students from the Ruđer Bošković Institute and University of Zagreb visited EMBL to exchange ideas with researchers and public outreach experts on ways to increase interest, awareness, and involvement in science.

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2023

connectionslab-matters

28 April 2023 Group photograph of people facing the camera holding certificates.

EMBL celebrates 43 new PhDs

On Friday 21 April 2023, EMBL held a graduation ceremony to celebrate its newest group of PhDs who graduated during the last 12 months. The graduating class comprised 43 fellows representing 17 nationalities and all six EMBL sites.

LAB MATTERS

2023

eventslab-matters

20 April 2023 Photo of a human hand introducing a small element into a machine at the SPC Facility.

EMBL Hamburg joins northern European life science consortium

EMBL Hamburg partners with the Hanseatic Life Science Research Infrastructure Consortium (HALRIC) to enhance life sciences research in Scandinavia and northern Germany. The consortium builds on the HALOS project to foster collaborations between industry, hospitals, and universities, leveraging…

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2023

connectionslab-matters

18 April 2023 Decorative image showing WormBase ParaSite logo

WormBase ParaSite 18 released

WormBase ParaSite release 18 adds largest number of new genomes and annotations since launch, as well as full integration with AlphaFold.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

science-technologyupdates-from-data-resources

11 April 2023

EMBL and Montenegro: boosting cooperation and enhancing awareness

Europe’s life sciences laboratory EMBL on 5 April welcomed Council delegates Ivana Lagator and Lidija Vukcevic from the Montenegrin Ministry of Science and Technological Development, and University of Montenegro representative Professor Danilo Mrdak, to discuss expanding research and training…

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2023

connectionsembl-member-stateslab-matters

4 April 2023 A mobile lab on a road, with the TREC logo on the side.

TREC is underway!

EMBL’s planetary biology flagship TREC expedition has officially started. The new project applies EMBL's expertise and technologies in molecular and cellular biology to current environmental challenges, and connects with a wide range of research disciplines.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2023

embl-announcementseventsscience

4 April 2023 Title slide for the conference, The organism and its environment

Life in context

Upcoming EMBO/EMBL symposium provides a forum to explore how organisms function together, and how they react or adapt to changes at different molecular levels.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

eventsscience-technology

3 April 2023 Two male scientists with safety glasses at EMBL Imaging Centre

Dispensing microscopy expertise

Home to some of Europe’s most cutting-edge tools in molecular biology, EMBL has long shared its expertise and access to these tools through an extensive repertoire of courses, conferences, seminars, and other training. And now included in this mix is a job shadowing programme at EMBL Imaging…

LAB MATTERSSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

lab-mattersscience-technology

29 March 2023 Photographs of two male scientists in circular insets against a decorative background

EMBL Alumni Awards Announced for 2023

Two former EMBL scientists have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the fields of science communication and multiple sequence alignment research, respectively.

2023

alumni

23 March 2023 Portrait of a person looking at the camera. In the background there are trees and a white building

Welcome: Alejandro Torres-Sánchez

The new group leader is setting up the first purely theory-focused research group at EMBL Barcelona. He aims to understand fundamental biological principles using mathematical models and computer simulations, in close collaboration with experimental researchers across EMBL.

LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

22 March 2023 Artistic representation that features a long, winding helix joining together a doughnut-figure to a small shaggy ball to indicate the connections long-read sequencing can make about DNA mutations.

The ‘long read’ for cancer

Using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, EMBL scientists sequenced a primary childhood brain tumour known as a medulloblastoma, uncovering a novel complex mutation pattern.

2023

science

17 March 2023 Liz Duke standing on the left side of the photo, with EMBL Hamburg's P14 beamline and a big screen on the right.

Molecules to Ecosystems: Liz Duke on X-ray imaging

Biological X-ray imaging is an emerging technology that uses X-rays to image tissues or even entire organisms. It will play an important role in EMBL Hamburg’s future service portfolio, and will allow studying life on multiple scales. Team Leader Liz Duke discusses her plans to establish X-ray…

LAB MATTERSPEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

7 March 2023 Black and white photograph showing a group of scientists standing in frnot of a building.

Tracing the history of women in science at EMBL

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2023, EMBL archivist Maria Papanikolaou discusses the traces left by the women in science who have passed through EMBL, irrevocably changing the organisation in small and big ways.

LAB MATTERS

2023

lab-matters

7 March 2023 InterPro logo

New releases: InterPro 93.0 and InterProScan 5.61-93.0

InterPro now features hundreds of new methods integrated from partner databases, and InterProScan draws on over 38,000 entries. InterPro version 93.0 InterPro 93.0 integrates 300 new methods from the CDD (261), PANTHER (12), PROSITE profiles (17), SMART (9), TIGRFAMs (1) databases, and covers 81.7%…

2023

updates-from-data-resources

1 March 2023 Moisés Bueno is standing next to the transfer robot. The robot has a form of a yellow robotic arm on a stand. Behind is the CrystalDirect™ Harvester, which is a white cuboid with two transparent dimmed windows for laser protection.

Biology meets engineering

Physicists, engineers and robotics experts work together in EMBL Hamburg’s Instrumentation Team to design instruments that support structural biology research. The team has finished a transfer robot that facilitates automated handling of protein crystals with care and precision. This will help…

LAB MATTERSSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

lab-mattersscience-technology

23 February 2023 Decorative image

New Job Dispatcher website launched

EMBL-EBI’s Software Development and Operations team is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new Job Dispatcher website, currently in development.  The updated website provides a landing page for the Job Dispatcher services, making it easier for users to find and navigate services…

2023

updates-from-data-resources

8 February 2023 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl 109 has been released

Latest Ensembl and Ensembl Genomes releases bring updates to donkey and horse assemblies, and lots of new plants and metazoa.

2023

updates-from-data-resources

7 February 2023 BII and EMBL logos are on a white band set against a wavy green background

Promoting European innovation in the life sciences

One of EMBL’s core missions is the development and transfer of scientific know-how and technologies to academia, industry, and commercial entities to facilitate further research, innovations, and commercialisation for the benefit of society at large. Working across Europe, EMBL has partnerships…

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2023

connectionslab-matters

2 February 2023 Science illustration showing from left to right the progression from cryo-EM software to an annotated image of sub-cellular organelles, using a deep learning software.

AI helps scientists decipher cellular structures

New artificial intelligence tool adds speed and detailed cellular information to analysis of cryo-electron tomography to aid researchers’ understanding of inner cell workings.

2023

science

9 January 2023

New molecular insights on medical cannabis

EMBL Grenoble researchers have investigated the interaction between THC and some proteins it might bind to. In a recent study, they showed in vitro that THC inhibits an important human enzyme called autotaxin.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

4 January 2023 InterPro logo

New releases: InterPro 92.0 and InterProScan 5.60-92.0

InterPro version 92.0 and InterProScan 5.60-92.0 are now available. InterPro now features hundreds of new methods integrated from partner databases, and InterProScan draws on over 38000 entries.

2023

updates-from-data-resources

20 December 2022

First linked dataset on Pathogens Portal

The first  cohort study linking data across categories was recently added on the Pathogens Portal Cohort Browser and is also accessible from the BioSamples browser. This pilot study comes from Erasmus Medical Centre through the ReCoDID project, one of the COVID-19 Data Platform supporting…

2022

updates-from-data-resources

16 December 2022 Group of around hundred people looking at the camera

EMBL in Spain: from EvoDevo to Tissues

More than a hundred scientists from across Spain and Europe met at the Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD) for the 2022 “EMBL in Spain” event.

2022

alumni

12 December 2022 A mother and her child looking through a microscope

Celebrating science in Grenoble

In October 2022, EMBL Grenoble participated in the annual science outreach event Parvis des Sciences, organised by the GIANT campus under the umbrella of the French science week – La Fête de la science.

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2022

connectionslab-matters

1 December 2022

Getting closer to stopping toxoplasmosis infection

Recent studies supported by EMBL Grenoble’s expertise in structural biology research and scientific services have identified Altiratinib as a potential drug to stop toxoplasmosis infection and opened up treatment options against malaria.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

18 November 2022 Group photo of speakers and organisers standing in front of a slide saying “Welcome to the DANEMO Symposium”.

Promoting EMBL opportunities for the Danish scientific community

DANEMO is a communication platform and research support initiative launched by DANDRITE at Aarhus University. It aims to encourage scientists in Denmark to engage with EMBL and EMBO. The DANEMO symposium from 3-4 November in Aarhus focused on raising awareness of the new EMBL programme ‘Molecules…

CONNECTIONS

2022

connectionsevents

16 November 2022 A woman can be seen collecting samples from the shallow ocean, with mountains in the background

From coast to coast and beyond

EMBL researchers conducted a pilot project in Iceland as the final preparatory step before commencing their journey traversing European coastlines.

EMBLetc

2022

16 November 2022

The power of a pesticide library

EMBL research groups apply molecular biology and its research tools to better understand agricultural pesticides

EMBLetc

2022

16 November 2022 Female scientist photographed against a grey background

From academia to industry and back

Sara A. Courtneidge, recipient of the 2022 Lennart Philipson Award, reflects on the fundamental and translational research aspects of her career in cancer research

EMBLetc

2022

16 November 2022 Decorative elements on a green background, representing awards.

Awards & honours

The work and excellence of EMBL researchers have been recognised with multiple awards and honours during the past year.

EMBLetc

2022

11 November 2022 Photos of four panel discussion speakers

Open science for climate justice

Our experts discuss the importance of open science for food security and preserving global biodiversity.

2022

perspectivesscience

2 November 2022 Fluorescent microscopy image of skeletal muscle with biological data imagery

AI4LIFE: AI models for bioimaging

Researchers across EMBL are helping to make artificial intelligence (AI) models for bioimaging analysis interoperable and openly available to the scientific community.

2022

announcementsscience

31 October 2022 Two photos of a cell nucleus with blue, bandage-like objects wrapped around a roundish nucleus. The photos show before and after a parasitic invasion, so few chromosomes remain afterwards.

Plankton zombies for Halloween!

Plankton parasites provide a zombie story perfect for Halloween. While invading single-celled plankton, these parasites devour the cell’s nucleus and hijack metabolism while the organism remains alive.

2022

science

21 October 2022 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl 108 has been released

We are pleased to announce the release of Ensembl 108, and the corresponding release of Ensembl Genomes 55 featuring changes in the human default tracks, new genomes in Ensembl Plants and Ensembl Metazoa, and the addition of mitochondrial annotation for Tasmanian devil. Genome assemblies and…

2022

updates-from-data-resources

12 October 2022 A group photo taken at the EMBL Heidelberg site, showing members of EMBL and the Ruder Boskovic Institute

EMBL deepens ties with Croatia

Visit of delegation from the Ruđer Bošković Institute to EMBL Heidelberg marks a new chapter in scientific and institutional cooperation

CONNECTIONS

2022

connectionsevents

10 October 2022 Retinal cells can be seen in a cross section. A blue stain (DAPI) marks the cell nuclei, barcoded background cells are visible in green, while a single dopaminergic cell is visible in the centre, marked in orange (Th) and pink (a second barcode).

Light-Seq: from images to sequences in context

Researchers have combined advanced light microscopy with next-generation sequencing to create a method to study cells directly in the context of their native tissues

2022

science

7 October 2022 A group of people at EMBL's partnership conference

The EMBL Connection

EMBL's Partnership Conference highlights the value of its networks, bringing researchers together to build new scientific connections.

CONNECTIONS

2022

connectionsevents

3 October 2022 A conference banner in green and blue, including the original signature of Fotis Kafatos

Inaugural Kafatos Lecture brings outstanding science to the global public

EMBL´s Inaugural Kafatos Lecture brings outstanding science to the global public. The 2022 lecture will be delivered by EMBL alumnus and distinguished developmental geneticist Denis Duboule and will focus on ‘Evolution and Embryonic Development: The Complex Story of our Dual Origins’.

2022

alumni

29 September 2022 young girl in lab coat

Tools for teachers

EMBL reminds teachers of freely available educational resources and workshops just in time for school.

LAB MATTERS

2022

lab-matters

20 September 2022 8 representatives of both the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and EMBL are standing in the EMBL Imaging Centre foyer facing the camera

Life Science Alliance starts new chapter

Dieter Schwarz Foundation renews 3-year funding to EMBL for the EMBL | Stanford Life Science Alliance, a unique international collaboration bringing together researchers from the two leading institutions to develop transformative technologies and accelerate biomedical research.

CONNECTIONSLAB MATTERS

2022

connectionslab-matters

15 September 2022 The foreground shows two yellow pipes representing the human gastrointestinal tract coming together, representing the confluence of donor and recipient gut ecosystems. Bacteria can be seen as green shapes inside the pipes and various kinds of interactions between them are shown symbolically as a mixing of colours.

When microbiomes collide

EMBL researchers used data from over 300 human faecal microbiota transplants to gain an ecological understanding of what happens when two gut microbiomes clash.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

9 September 2022 Monochrome decorative image with the word "statement" on grey background.

In tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The United Kingdom is a founding member of EMBL, and has hosted EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute since 1994. We recognise that the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will have a profound impact on the country, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family at this…

2022

announcements

9 September 2022 A female career advisor at computer participates in webinar

Insights into scientific careers

As the career landscape continues to change for PhDs and postdocs, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service offers webinars that present professional options in and beyond academia.

LAB MATTERS

2022

eventslab-matters

7 September 2022 Female scientist stands in laboratory setting

Augmenting science

The Scientific Visitor Programme shares EMBL tools and talent with outside researchers in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.

LAB MATTERS

2022

lab-matters

1 September 2022 4D reconstruction of a mouse limb with lateral and top view.

Building the ideal limb

EMBL researchers use a “fearless” computer reconstruction and a two-centuries-old mathematical approach to study limb bud growth.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

9 August 2022 InterPro logo

New releases: InterPro 90.0 and InterProScan 5.57-90.0

InterPro version 90.0 and InterProScan 5.57-90.0 are now available. InterPro now features hundreds of new methods integrated from partner databases, and InterProScan draws on over 40000 entries

2022

updates-from-data-resources

5 August 2022 A rod-like structure with green and magenta segments representing cellular markers.

Making patterns visible

How do gene expression patterns result in the generation of different cell types? Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg used the zebrafish notochord to find out.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

4 August 2022 An illustration provides representation of fingers hovering over a cell phone

Zooming in to get the full picture

EMBL and UW researchers plus additional collaborators have constructed a complete map of fruit fly embryonic development using machine learning. This research is foundational to better understanding overall embryo development in other species, including humans.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

18 July 2022 Large, elongated purple molecule has an on/off switch on it pointed to on.

The retron switch

EMBL researchers now understand the function of an elusive small DNA in bacteria and have developed a tool that can be used to better understand what might ‘switch on’ bacterial immune defences.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

12 July 2022 Ensembl logo in white circle on blue and green background

Ensembl 107 has been released

The Ensembl 107 release contains updates to regulatory annotations and updated vertebrate and metazoan species.

2022

updates-from-data-resources

7 July 2022 Single Cell Expression Atlas logo on green background

Interactive data visualisation for Single Cell Expression Atlas

Using powerful data visualisation and interactive search results across datasets allows users to explore hypotheses across a range of metadata, and discover new insights backed by expertly curated, consistently reanalysed single cell sequencing data. Searching for metadata, allows a powerful…

2022

updates-from-data-resources

30 June 2022