European Molecular Biology Organization - EMBO

Funding Profiles

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Established in 1964, the founders of EMBO showed an incredible vision when they established the organisation. They were true motors of change, even revolutionaries, who raised the level of biological research in Europe by adhering to the highest standards of scientific excellence. Keeping faith with their vision, their principles and standards are a guide to our activities today.

"....projects and persons be chosen, regardless of nationality, and all activities be guided by scientific excellence, coupled with usefulness to molecular biology."

Investigating the origins of EMBO also allows us to explore the history of molecular biology in Europe and how it changed from a marginal specialty into a well-established practice. Our origin dates back to 1963, when a group of leading European biologists met in Ravello, Italy to propose the establishment of an organization for co-operation in molecular biology and a European laboratory. Both suggestions were endorsed and in 1964, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) was officially born.

EMBO had two initial goals – creation of a central molecular biology laboratory and the establishment of networking activities to enhance interactions between European laboratories. Networking activities started with the provision of fellowships and the election of 200 biologists as the organization’s first members.

Permanent support for EMBO actions came in 1969 with the establishment of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), the intergovernmental funding body of EMBO. EMBC accepted the EMBO proposal to establish a European laboratory and in 1974 the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) was founded. EMBC has since grown to 27 member states including many European Union countries and beyond.

EMBO activities expanded dramatically over the decades in response to changes in molecular biology. This growth dictated the need for a larger, more permanent base. In 2000, an EMBO building was constructed on a site donated by EMBL and in 2001, EMBO moved from its offices at EMBL to its new premises.

Today EMBO has more than 1400 members in Europe and close to 90 associate members worldwide – providing a dedicated focal point for the vast network of molecular biology. The organization runs an extended programme of activities ranging from fellowships, courses and workshops to science & society activities and scientific publications. In looking back on the great start to an organization we also look forward to one that is robust and well-structured, such that it can continue to play a major role in the future of science in Europe.

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The fund is not a competitive fund
web site: http://www.embo.org/