EMBL Rome was established in 1999 to apply EMBL’s approach to research to the study of mammalian physiology and genetics
Research at the site integrates epigenetics, neurobiology, and artificial intelligence to investigate the molecular mechanisms of environmental adaptation.
A central theme across projects at the site is understanding how changes in gene expression and brain plasticity enable organisms to respond to their environment. This is pursued through a combination of experimental and AI-first research, alongside the development of computational models of brain-body-environment interactions, integrating theoretical approaches with experimental data.
In alignment with the broader EMBL AI Strategy, research at the site is also aimed at embedding AI into the research workflow. This includes developing AI-driven agents capable of reasoning over multimodal data, integrating information from diverse sources, and collaborating with scientists to accelerate scientific discovery.
In addition to research, the institute operates a set of core facilities supporting internal and external researchers to establish and deliver cutting-edge tools and technologies in flow cytometry, advanced microscopy and genome editing.
Researchers at EMBL Rome take advantage of close links with EMBL’s sites in Germany, France, Spain and the UK. These include collaborations with data science experts at EMBL-EBI in Hinxton, with structural biologists at EMBL Hamburg and EMBL Grenoble, and a wide range of molecular biologists and technology experts at EMBL Heidelberg and EMBL Barcelona that host a series of complementary core facilities in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging.
The interdisciplinary focus and relatively small size of the Unit foster a special atmosphere that exemplifies the founding principles of EMBL as a dynamic, open and collaborative environment where new scientific ideas are born and shaped.
The Head of EMBL Rome is Dr Cornelius Gross.
