Matthias Lütolf elected among new EMBO Members
Mattthias Lütolf (credit: own)
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has announced 62 outstanding life scientists elected to membership, joining a group of more than 1800 of the best researchers in Europe and around the world. Among the new members is Professor Matthias Lütolf at EPFL’s Institute of Bioengineering.
"It is a huge honor for me to have been selected as a new EMBO Member,” says Matthias Lütolf, who directs EPFL’s Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering. “It means a lot to my lab that our approach of combining biology and engineering is recognized by the leading life scientists in Europe."
Lütolf’s research aims to uncover mechanisms of stem cell fate regulation, and use this to better grow stem cells in culture and use them for various applications. These include miniature constructs called “organoids”, which are miniature organs that can be grown in the lab from a person’s stem cells. The goal for Lütolf’s research is not only to better understand early mammalian development, but also to open up exciting prospects for drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
“EMBO Members are leading scientists working across all of the life sciences,” says EMBO Director Maria Leptin. “They also strengthen the research community in Europe and beyond through their international collaborations and connections.”
The members are actively involved in the execution of the organization’s initiatives by serving on EMBO Council, Committees and Editorial Boards, by evaluating applications for EMBO funding, by mentoring young scientists and by providing suggestions and feedback on activities.
Of the 62 newly elected EMBO Members, 53 reside in 17 Member States of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), EMBO’s intergovernmental funding body. The other nine are EMBO Associate Members, who are researchers currently working in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, and the US.
“It is a particular pleasure to welcome nine researchers based in seven non-European countries among the 62 new members,” says Leptin. “EMBO has been actively pursuing ways to strengthen collaboration and scientific exchange through its Global Activities. Our international membership brings experience and connections that are an important component of our work.”
The new EMBO Members and Associate Members will be formally welcomed at the Members’ Meeting in Heidelberg between 24 and 26 October 2018. An online directory with all existing and new EMBO Members is available at people.embo.org.
Related articles
- Taking miniature organs from lab to clinic
- Lasers carve the path to tissue engineering
- Squeezing cells into stem cells
- Eyes turn into skin: how inflammation can change the fate of cells
EMBO is an organization of more than 1800 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences. The major goals of the organization are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a European research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.
EMBO helps young scientists to advance their research, promote their international reputations and ensure their mobility. Courses, workshops, conferences and scientific journals disseminate the latest research and offer training in techniques to maintain high standards of excellence in research practice. EMBO helps to shape science and research policy by seeking input and feedback from our community and by following closely the trends in science in Europe. For more information: www.embo.org