EMBL celebrates 50 years of its French site
Together with institutional partners, alumni, and collaborators who have been part of EMBL’s scientific journey over the years, we engaged in insightful discussions and reflected on EMBL Grenoble's key scientific milestones
Fifty years ago, EMBL – Europe’s unique life science laboratory – opened its French site in Grenoble, capital of the Alps. For half a century, EMBL Grenoble’s brilliant minds have been at the forefront of structural biology research and the development of cutting-edge instrumentation, methods, and services, all within a highly vibrant technological ecosystem.
On Friday, 4th July 2025, participants with a connection to EMBL and EMBL Grenoble gathered to celebrate fifty years of the site. The event took place in the idyllic, historic Château de Sassenage, a venue deeply rooted in the Grenoble area.
During the first session, representatives from French institutions and scientific organisations spoke about the crucial importance of collaboration and cross-disciplinary work in fostering rigorous and accessible scientific research. Peer Bork and Ewan Birney (EMBL’s Interim Director General and Interim Executive Director, respectively) opened the session. They highlighted the strong, multi-layered ties with France, discussed various technical advancements with significant societal impact, and shared a vision for EMBL’s future in France. The subsequent speakers in this session further underscored these points.
To explore the rich history of the Grenoble region, guests had the opportunity to explore the grounds of the Château de Sassenage, constructed in the seventeenth century, which also boasts a magnificent botanical garden.
This journey back in time offered an opportunity to reflect on past successes and look ahead to future goals, reinforcing the idea that EMBL’s achievements are truly the result of a collective effort.
The second session was filled with discussions about the latest scientific advancements, personal anecdotes, and perspectives for the next 50 years, greeted with enthusiasm by the audience. One of the highlights of the anniversary celebrations was the coffee break, during which Kristina Djinović-Carugo cut the 50th-anniversary cake to the guests’ delight.
Credit: UtopikPhoto
Finally, the evening concluded with a lively performance in the sumptuous gardens of Château de Sassenage. Guests were treated to a show by the band Monsieur Manchango, featuring EMBL Grenoble Team Leader Gergely Papp on drums. For approximately an hour, the band played rock ‘n’ roll covers of classic songs from across Europe, including French, English, Greek, and Italian hits. It was a testament to our researchers’ creativity, ensuring truly memorable moments were made.
To learn more about EMBL Grenoble’s history and scientific contributions, click here.
