Heidelberg, 5 June 2008 – South African scientists will gain access to the latest thinking in molecular biology research through an agreement announced today by the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). The Government of the Republic of South Africa signed a cooperation agreement with the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), the intergovernmental funding body for EMBO, allowing scientists from South Africa to participate in EMBO programmes and activities. The agreement also provides for some EMBO activities to occur in South Africa.
EMBO recognises and fosters talented scientists, empowering them to advance the field of molecular biology. The cooperation agreement facilitates access for South African scientists to core EMBO programmes, such as EMBO Fellowships, EMBO Courses & Workshops and EMBO Young Investigator Programme.
"Scientists the world over benefit from access to funding, the latest research information and networking with their colleagues," said Hermann Bujard, EMBO Executive Director. "EMBO is delighted to welcome South African scientists to join our networks that foster collaboration and information exchange."
EMBO annually will sponsor one practical course or workshop and one plenary lecture held in South Africa, thus encouraging local participation and awareness. Up to three South African scientists will have the opportunity to network with young European group leaders at EMBO Young Investigator meetings. EMBO Life Sciences Mobility Portal will post targeted information for reciprocal career development and funding opportunities between South Africa and Europe.
About EMBO
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) promotes excellence in molecular life sciences in Europe. Since 1964, leading scientists are elected annually to become EMBO Members based on proven excellence in research. Members number more than 1300 today with a further 80 associate members worldwide. Forty-five scientists from the EMBO membership have received the Nobel Prize. More than half of the EMBO Members are involved in guiding the execution of the many EMBO initiatives offered to life scientists and have a significant impact on the direction of European life sciences.
Leading peer-reviewed journals – The EMBO Journal, EMBO reports and Molecular Systems Biology – span a broad spectrum of topics of molecular biology and reflect how science is shaping the world. A new journal from early 2009, EMBO Molecular Medicine, will publish original research offering molecular insight into the cellular and systemic processes underlying human disease.
EMBO-sponsored training and networking activities impact thousands of scientists every year, promoting collaboration in all areas of molecular biology – within Europe and worldwide.
EMBO is renowned for the quality and funding of these programmes and activities that include EMBO Courses and Workshops, EMBO Long-and Short-term Fellowships, the EMBO Young Investigator Programme, the EMBO Science & Society Programme, EMBO Installation Grants and EMBO Women in Science.
Annual awards, such as the EMBO Gold Medal and the EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences, recognise significant contributions of European researchers to the advancement of science.
For more information: www.embo.org