Scientific education is a key commitment of both EMBO and EMBL. Almost daily, it seems, the hum of construction brings more of the helix-inspired EMBL Advanced Training Centre (ATC) into existence to remind Heidelberg staff from both organisations and visitors of opportunities ahead to integrate training activities. The 450-seat auditorium and space to exhibit 300 posters plus seminar rooms and teaching labs will offer a premium conference facility in Europe.

EMBO and EMBL are collaborating to jointly fund an annual series of symposia, to be known as EMBO | EMBL Symposia in the ATC. The first series of three symposia are planned to commence in 2010 but up to six symposia could take place annually, each over two to four days. Both organisations have identified a committee of 10 members (see table) to identify forward-looking symposia topics in a top-down manner in conjunction with Hermann Bujard and Iain Mattaj as co-chairs, thus ensuring subject areas are complementary to EMBO Courses & Workshops Programme. The committee will meet for the first time in September 2008 and welcomes suggestions for symposia topics.