MESSAGE FROM EMBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR



Bujard

Molecular biology in the modern era

Intense discussions on the future direction of molecular biology were already taking place in what could be considered the “classical era” of molecular biology – between the years 1950 and 1968. “…this new molecular biology…has to explore the high-level logical computations, the programmes, the algorithm of development in molecular terms. Because after all.... we are asking the question that people raised in the 1870’s,” contributed Sydney Brenner in 1960. “…and one would like to be able...to move between the molecular hardware and the logical software of how it is all organised without feeling they are different sciences.”

Molecular biology has indeed moved in the direction envisioned by Sydney and his colleagues. Its concepts have pervaded practically all areas of biology including the applied disciplines of medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. In this way, molecular biology has stayed young and there is no sign that it will slow down with regard to gaining exciting new insights into mechanisms and processes of living systems.
At EMBO we observe these wonderful developments with delight. Alongside these developments we examine our operations: does our membership profile still reflect present day molecular biology? Do our programmes support the right young researchers? Do we, according to our mission, disseminate the right ideas, knowledge and techniques? Do we reach all the communities of scientists we aim to reach in all member states?

EMBO Council and EMBO management had intense discussions on these topics during recent meetings, and accordingly, we are reassessing our policies and the spectrum of activities. While a number of issues are still under discussion, we are moving ahead with others.

One of the ways molecular biologists contribute to solving problems in our societies is by working at the interface of clinical research and basic molecular biology. Thus, in 2008 EMBO initiated a Fellowship Programme for molecular medicine. Moreover, thanks to the dedicated work of Les Grivell, EMBO Molecular Medicine, a new peer-reviewed journal devoted to this partnership, calls for article submission prior to its launch in early 2009.

In 2009, EMBO is re-igniting an early tradition of providing a forum for scientific exchange by introducing The EMBO Meeting. This annual conference intends to bring together researchers from Europe and all over the world and will address, in particular, scientists in early years of their research careers, such as PhD students and postdocs.

The elegant EMBL Advanced Training Centre (ATC), rising before our eyes in Heidelberg, will open its doors in late 2009. Beginning in 2010, EMBO and EMBL will co-organise a new series of symposia that will complement EMBO Courses & Workshops Programme, managed by Maria Barbosa. Maria, who joined us towards the end of last year, is playing a key role as part of the working group for EMBO/EMBL Symposia.

To take on these new activities, in addition to our ongoing programmes, would not have been possible without a dedicated and competent staff in Heidelberg to ensure the successful execution of all that EMBO delivers to our communities. Over the past year, some new people have joined us and others have changed roles and in some cases taken on more responsibilities. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of those involved.

Gerlind Wallon and Jan Taplick were promoted to Deputy Executive Directors of EMBO, effective January 2008. Gerlind and Jan work closely with me and share a number of key duties. Suzanne Beveridge joined us last September as EMBO Chief Communication Officer, and heads the team that ensures, not only effective execution of The EMBO Meeting, but of all communications – whether print- or web-based – as well as public relations activities. Of essential help in all of our reorganisation is Volker Wiersdorff, who was promoted to head EMBO Information Support & Resources group. Database harmonisation by new software and hardware has allowed us to make a number of processes more efficient and thus to create more working capacity. Finally, to have a smooth start for EMBO Molecular Medicine, Sandra Caldeira will take on the internal editor role. Sandra previously was an editor for EMBO reports. In this way, with the support of EMBO Council, EMBC and our staff, EMBO is well positioned to play its unique role in the modern era of molecular biology – a discipline as strong and relevant as ever.

Hermann Bujard

 

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