Message from the EMBL Council Chair
A message from Chair of EMBL Council, Virginijus Siksnys:
On behalf of EMBL’s Council, I offer our sincere condolences to the EMBL community on the unexpected and very sad passing of EMBL Interim Director General Professor Peer Bork.
Many of us on Council have had the privilege of working with Peer scientifically during the more than thirty years he spent at EMBL. His curiosity, energy and passion were truly inspiring. In the last year, Council members had the opportunity to work even more closely with him when he took on the role of Interim Director General. Peer’s commitment to EMBL was unshakable and Council deeply appreciates the dedication with which he approached leading the organisation, alongside Ewan Birney as Interim Executive Director.
Peer and Ewan jointly led EMBL whilst we await the tenure of DG elect Professor Anthony Hyman. Peer had the title Interim Director General, which can only be held by one individual. Council has met to formally appoint Ewan Birney, who becomes Interim Director General, with all of the legal responsibilities that entails, until Tony joins EMBL on 31 March 2026.
I would like to thank Ewan and the leadership team at EMBL who are ensuring that EMBL operations continue at this difficult time. And of course our thoughts are with Peer’s family, friends, current and former colleagues and all those close to him. We look forward to joining EMBL in honouring Peer’s memory in the weeks and months to come.
