Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
David Staněk and Hana Hanzlíková from the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IMG) have become new members of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). More than 2000 scientists from all over the world are currently represented in the prestigious EMBO community. This year 69 new members were added, four of them from the Czech Republic, which is an unprecedented success. The total number of members active in the Czech Republic has risen to 16. Previously, Jiří Forejt, Petr Svoboda and Václav Pačes had been elected for IMG.
“I am very happy and appreciate the fact that the scientific community, the best colleagues in the field, positively perceive our work and our results, which my laboratory at IMG has achieved. At the same time, it is a commitment for the future to continue to bring fundamental scientific discoveries,” says David Staněk and adds: “I also see my appointment as a recognition of the quality science we do at IMG. It is no coincidence that one third of the EMBO members in the Czech Republic work at IMG. Molecular biology is rapidly developing in the Czech Republic and is becoming respected in a global context, which is reflected in the fact that this year there were as many as four new EMBO members from the Czech Republic.”
David Staněk graduated from the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague. He is mainly interested in RNA splicing, which is one of the basic molecular biological processes. Mutations in genes involved in DNA splicing cause various diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, which can lead to blindness.
You can find out more about his research, e.g., in the video by the Czech Academy of Sciences, or in the publication RNA – temná hmota v našich buňkách (“RNA – dark mass in our cells”, Academia press, edition: Věda kolem nás, available only in Czech).
Hana Hanzlíková studied biology at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague and molecular and cell biology at the University of Bern, Switzerland. She is investigating DNA damage in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. She has worked in England, Denmark and Switzerland. She heads the Laboratory of Genome Dynamics at IMG.
You can read about her research, for example, here: Naše věda musí sloužit pacientům. Říká vědkyně, která posunula léčbu rakoviny (“Our science must serve patients, says scientist who has advanced cancer research,” only in Czech).
“It is a great honor for me to be newly elected as a member of EMBO, which represents recognition in the world of molecular biology. As an EMBO member, I have the opportunity to represent Czech science and the Institute of Molecular Genetics. Unique opportunities arise for me to collaborate with other distinguished scientists, participate in prestigious conferences and workshops, and obtain financial support for research projects, which can lead to new discoveries and scientific growth. I can engage in a network of contacts and discussions organized by EMBO and contribute to the development and promotion of molecular biology in Europe. My mentors, the EMBO members, inspire me with their willingness to dedicate their time and provide support. I highly value and appreciate their commitment. I hope to use my position as an EMBO member to help other scientists in a similar way, including the amazing people in my team,” said Hana Hanzlíková.
EMBO is an organisation that brings together molecular biologists to promote excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. The election of the new members was announced in a press release on July 4, 2023, and the organization will officially welcome them at its annual meeting in Heidelberg, Germany, on October 25-27, 2023
“These remarkable scientists have unravelled molecular secrets of life, deepened our understanding of health and disease, and are paving the way for further discoveries and innovations. Their achievements reinforce the critical role that life science research plays in the lives of citizens across Europe and the world, “ said EMBO Director Fiona Watt in a press release.
A list of all members can be found on the EMBO website. EMBO members, e.g., evaluate funding applications and serve on the EMBO Board and expert committees.
Source: EMBO / Czech Academy of Sciences
