EMBL Rome 25th Anniversary

“At EMBL Rome I had my first international experience. I found a small and friendly environment and a great group of PIs, young researchers and students. The exchange with them had a profound impact on my approach to science and my scientific career.”

“For me the EMBL spirit is always helping each other. I felt surrounded by people willing to help my growth, and that’s what I try to accomplish now as a more senior professional.”

“I took away from EMBL the principles of work ethics, which include – but are not limited to – responsibility, integrity, discipline, and teamwork.”

“Curiosity, innovation and networking: these three words have marked my journey at EMBL and are exactly what  I try to pass on to my collaborators every day.”

— Mariano Maffei, Analytical Research Manager at Dompé farmaceutici SpA, L’Aquila (former postdoc in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2015-2019)

“The time at EMBL was extremely influential for all my career steps afterward. I am still carrying the EMBL spirit in my heart. To a large extent, many elements that made TWINCORE a success are influenced by EMBL Monterotondo. ”

— Ulrich Kalinke, Executive Director of TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Reseach, Director of the Institute for Experimental Infection Research, Hannover (former Staff Scientist in the group of Klaus Rajewsky 1998-2001)

“For me, the essence of the EMBL spirit lies in mutual assistance and collaboration. I have always felt aided by colleagues eager to contribute to my development and projects. Now, as a more experienced professional, I strive to offer the same support. Additionally, numerous great scientific projects have originated from casual discussions over coffee, illustrating how informal settings can foster groundbreaking ideas and scientific progress.”

— Lukasz Piszczek, Postdoc in Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna (former PhD student in the group of Cornelius Gross 2008-2012)

“Thank you EMBL Rome, a unique environment in so many ways. It is a place that natures incredible science and interactions to last a lifetime.”

— Jamie Hackett, Group Leader at EMBL Rome

“When I first arrived here in 2019, I was still so young. Looking back now, I can see so many beautiful memories and amazing people, but also challenges that have shaped me into who I am today. EMBL Rome has been the place where I’ve grown, not just scientifically and professionally, but where I’ve become an adult.”

— Adriana Castillo, Lead Technician of Virus Production at EMBL Rome

“EMBL Rome brings a breath of fresh air to Italian, European and international science with exciting, cutting-edge research focused on epigenetics and neurobiology, as well as a plethora of impactful outreach events including talks, workshops, core facilities engagement and seminar series. As a young lab in Italy, we are very grateful for its presence, which serves as a powerful stimulus to inspire scientists like us, locally and globally.”

— Simona Giunta, Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome

“EMBL was key to shaping my career: I met one of the founders of the company where I work now during an EMBL Alumni event.”

“I am where I am now because of EMBL Rome. Having senior members of the research community advocate for me at critical junctions in my career gave me the courage to take the steps that I might not have taken otherwise. I will be forever grateful.”

“The interdisciplinarity and collaborative attitude I found at EMBL Rome were fundamental for my professional growth. I started thinking broadly about my scientific questions very early in my career, and that has helped a lot during my postdoc and my current PI position.”

— Nereo Kalebic, Group Leader at Human Technopole, Milan (former PhD student in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2008-2013)

“I time I spent at EMBL Rome left the greatest impact on me of all my academic studies and set the standard for scientific curiosity that I still carry with me today. I remember attending the 20th anniversary celebration and I am very excited to see the direction this wonderful place has taken in the last 5 years!”

— Balint Doleschall, PhD student, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Vienna (former master’s student in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2018-2019)

“At EMBL Rome I met my first great mentor, who taught me how to do things no one has ever seen before, do them precisely and excellently, and have fun while doing them. This is the approach to science I try to cultivate in my current work, and I hope to teach it to others.”

— Agnieszka Piszczek, Head of Histology Facility at Vienna Biocenter Core Facilities (former Research Assistant at the histology facility 2010-2012)

“EMBL Monterotondo was my first position with research and it completely changed my career. The fact that I met my wife while working in Rome wasn’t too bad either.”

— Mark Carter, Technical manager, University of Birmingham (former Laboratory Manager 2001-2011)

“EMBL Rome truly allowed me to flourish as a scientist – giving me the resources to start a lab and perform extremely difficult experiments to probe the basic circuits of vision, as well at the necessary time and stability to produce the best possible work we could do!”

— Santiago Rompani, Group Leader at EMBL Rome

“I spent five fantastic years at EMBL Rome, where I encountered great scientists, a joyful environment, gratifying collaborations, and enriching scientific exchanges. This experience opened my mind and gave me the opportunity to prepare myself for my future career in microscopy. I hope EMBL Rome will continue to inspire researchers, shape the next generation of scientists, and lead to groundbreaking discoveries!”

— Laura Batti, Advanced Microscopy Facility manager at Wyss Center, Geneva (former postdoc in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2011-2015)

“I joined CNR in 2003 as tenure-track researcher at the IBC-Institute of Cell Biology. One of the main reasons for me to accept that position was the presence of the EMBL outstation. I always appreciate and consider vital the international atmosphere that reigns in our Campus! Thank you EMBL!!!”

— Silvia Mandillo, Senior Researcher at CNR IBBC

“The presence of EMBL Rome at the Adriano Buzzati-Traverso campus has enabled many collaborations between CNR and EMBL in biomedical research activities.”

— Paolo Fruscoloni, Senior Research Associate at CNR IBBC

“It is an honour and I am very proud to be part of the EMBL group; assisting important researchers is a source of pride for me.”

— Massimiliano Aguzzi, Technical assistant at EMBL Rome

“I worked hard at a time when EMBL Rome was a very young research centre. I hope it continues to grow and consolidate its value and legacy.”

“I wish EMBL Rome continues to grow and foster great science, but in doing so it never loses its sense of a family that made it such an extraordinary place to train.”

“I wish EMBL Rome has a newly refurbished building soon, and high-quality infrastructures to house the next scientists to arrive.”

— Alessandro Ciccarelli, Senior Microscopist at the Francis Crick Institute, London (former postdoc in the group of Cornelius Gross 2014-2017)

“I hope that EMBL Rome will continue to develop in the spirit of friendliness, cooperation and internationality that has always distinguished it.”

— Nereo Kalebic, Group Leader at Human Technopole, Milan (former PhD student in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2008-2013)

“My wish for EMBL Rome’s 25th anniversary: Enjoy, Motivate, (be) Brave (and) Limitless. Just continue to be EMBL!”

— Mariano Maffei, Analytical Research Manager at Dompé farmaceutici SpA, L’Aquila (former postdoc in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2015-2019)

“I am very happy to be part of EMBL and witness the 25th anniversary. Since I began my scientific career, EMBL has always been a dream due to the quality of its philosophy and it is a pleasure to have achieved this goal that will undoubtedly be one of the best stages of my life. Happy anniversary EMBL”

— Andres Gonzalez, Laboratory Manager in the group of Santiago Rompani, EMBL Rome

“Dear EMBL Rome, Happy 25th Birthday! You share your birthday with the EMBL Alumni Association and EMBLEM – all set-up by Fotis Kafatos in 1999. Wishing you a fabulous future with your brilliant people and brilliant life sciences focus.”

— Mehrnoosh Rayner, Head of Alumni Relations, EMBL

“I started working at EMBL Rome when it was just a two years old ‘baby’ trying to walk on its feet. Ever since I have seen it going a long way and I am happy to see, now that it is an adult, that it has preserved the same spirit and it still wants to grow bigger and make the difference. Good luck EMBL Rome.”

— Flavio Zizzo, Purchasing officer at EMBL Rome

“Happy anniversary EMBL Rome – You’re a great home to my lab;))”

— Ana Boskovic, Group Leader at EMBL Rome

“Congratulations to EMBL Rome on its 25th anniversary. I am delighted to have been able to follow the development of the site over this quarter of a century and to support them in matters of health and safety.”

— Corinna Gorny, Head of Health & Safety at EMBL

“Wishing you a heartfelt 25-year work anniversary. I was responsible for taking care of EMBL Rome for about 8 years and really it has been an amazing experience. Special thanks to administration and Pascale for their continued support. EMBL Rome is always special for me:-)”

— Reshma Surendran, HR Programme Manager at EMBL

“Happy Birthday EMBL Rome! I always enjoy visiting the site – you created such a positive and welcoming atmosphere. To many happy returns!”

— Monika Lachner, Interim Head of EICAT, Head of Internal Scientific Training and Dean of Graduate Studies at EMBL

“My best wish for EMBL Rome’s anniversary is that it continues to foster the supportive and enjoyable atmosphere we’ve all cherished during our times there.”

“My wish is that the EMBL Rome continues to excel in fundamental research and prove that it can have direct and unexpected applications.”

“I wish for EMBL Rome to continue being the same open, enriching and vibrant place that it has always been. Happy birthday!”

“I wish all the best to EMBL Rome for its 25th anniversary, where I had the chance to discover beautiful Italy and Rome, earn a PhD and name human genes, meet my better half, and a bunch of other exceptional people including the kind and much-missed Esfir and my brilliant supervisors Nadia and Cornelius!”

— Olivier Mirabeau, Staff Bioinformatician at the Institut Pasteur, Paris (former PhD student in the group of Nadia Rosenthal 2003-2007)

“All my best wishes for this 25th anniversary of EMBL Rome, which I saw growing and I enjoyed a lot during my postdoctoral training.”

— Peggy Kirstetter, Scientific Researcher, INSERM, Strasbourg (former postdoc in the group of Claus Nerlov 2002-2007)

“I’m very proud to be part of this scientific community. Learning daily and contributing to the EMBL success is such a big privilege. Ad maiora!”

— Michela Ascolani, Technical Officer in the Gene Editing and Virus Facility, EMBL Rome

“Congratulations EMBL Rome on your 25th anniversary! My time at EMBL Rome, where I conducted my master thesis, ignited my passion for neuroscience and electrophysiology. Thank you for inspiring and shaping my scientific journey. Best wishes for your continued success and excellence in science.”

— Annalisa Bucci, postdoc at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology in Basel (former master’s student 2015-2017)

“Establishment of EMBL in Italy represents a milestone in European science and EMBL history. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to live a bit of it. Best wishes and looking forward to the 50th ;)”

— Tommaso Nastasi, President and Co-founder at Adamas Scienza, (former postdoc and Science Education officer at EMBL 2005-2012)

“I wish to all my colleagues in Rome the best 25th anniversary they could have, to 100 years more of amazing science and interesting challenges!”

— Silvio Mariani, Legal Officer responsible for EMBL Rome

“Happy Anniversary, EMBL Rome ! Congratulations to all involved for 25 years of outstanding science ! I will always remember the excellent conferences and courses which were and are initiated and led by scientists from EMBL Rome in the Course and Conference Programme. I wish EMBL Rome a bright and successful future!”

— Jürgen Deka, Head of External Scientific Training at EMBL

“I very much appreciated working for and with EMBL Rome over all these years. The open and good working relationship with Rome management and colleagues at all levels has always been a great experience. From an HR perspective, I would like to especially thank our admin colleagues and their great work and support! Wishing EMBL Rome a very happy anniversary and all the very best for the future!”

— Elke Jagomast, Head of Recruitment & Contracting at EMBL

“I spent a wonderful 2 years at EMBL Rome! The community built on our institute is truly remarkable and something that I will always treasure.”

“I have so many fun memories of my time at EMBL, such as the ‘Hepps factor’ where members of our group participated in a song contest! Plus and not least, I met my husband at EMBL Rome, so it will stay in my heart forever!”

– Linda Nocchi, Senior Scientist at Nouscom, Rome (former postdoc in the group of Paul Heppenstall 2014-2019)

“I had a magnificent chapter of my life in Rome and at EMBL Monterotondo, with excellent research conditions that enabled me to conduct beautiful experiments. It was also a place where I formed many lasting friendships with teammates from all over Europe and our local neighbors at the CNR. It was a time full of discoveries, including those in mouse biology, the treasures of Italy, and the birth of my son. As I celebrate the 25th anniversary of EMBL Rome, I cherish these fond memories of its early days, and I wish for it to continue growing strong and thriving for many years to come.”

– Che Serguera, Chief Sientific Officer Asfalia Biologics, Paris (former postdoc in the group of Liliana Minichiello 2002-2006)

“I had the pleasure to support the EMBL Rome administration for an interim period. And it was a great experience! Right from day one I felt extremely welcomed and all colleagues across the board were incredibly helpful and friendly. Congratulations to 25 years of excellent science and all the best for the future!”

– Simone Walther, Office Manager in a film production company (former Administration officer 2022)

“Joyeux Anniversaire EMBL Rome! I still remember the times when Walter and Christine were at EMBL HD and prepared their move to Rome with us in the Purchasing team! Exciting times… All the best for the future years in a brand new building!”

– Evelyne Cudraz, Head of Purchase Department at EMBL

“What I took with me of the ‘EMBL spirit’ is the collaborative approach, and the importance of a balance between good experiments and good parties. I still remember Halloween and Carnival parties, live concerts in the garden, and very passionate football matches with EMBL colleagues.”

“Happy 25th anniversary EMBL Rome, or as I knew it: EMBL Monterotondo!! I have so many great memories from my time here. I had the chance to work with fantastic scientists, colleagues and friends, and a very special person who became the pillar of my life and father of our son.”

– Friederike Jönsson, Group Leader, Institut Pasteur, Paris (former PhD student in the group of Walter Witke 2003-2007)

“I have good memories of my time at EMBL. You have the feeling that everything is possible there and you have all the support that you need. My personal experience has shown me that the EMBL model works, because of the people.”

– Paul Heppenstall, Professor at SISSA, Trieste and founder of Borea Therapeutics (former Group Leader at EMBL Rome 2008-2019)

“I am very happy to attend this event and grateful for the magical five years I have spent at EMBL Rome. I am thankful for all the amazing people and scientists I had the luck to meet there, many of whom are still part of my life.”

– Andrea Cerase, Lecturer at the University of Pisa (former postdoc in the group of Phil Avner 2014-2018)

“Embl Monterotondo was my first workplace in 2008, and it was an honour to work with such good scientists!
Over the years I have returned many times.
It will always have a special place in my heart.”

– Claudia Valeri, Lab Manager at Plaisant srl, Rome (EMBL Rome Alumna)

“25 years have passed and we haven’t even noticed. I had the privilege of being among the first CNR researchers to populate the Monterotondo Campus and participate in the installation of EMBL. I still remember with pleasure those intense early years full of scientific activities. My best wishes for the 25th EMBL anniversary.”

– Marcello Raspa, Technology Executive at CNR IBBC