Professor Zoltán Molnár elected to EMBO membership
Professor Zoltán Molnár has been elected to membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in recognition of his research on the mammalian cerebral cortex and his outstanding achievements in the life sciences.
He is one of 120 scientists elected this year with new members’ work covering the spectrum of life science research, including work that has advanced understanding of how infectious disease spreads, the intricacies of ocean nutrient cycles, the mysteries of cellular signalling networks, the secrets of how plants survive in desert environments, and the links between the biology of our brains and our emotions. New members come from thirty-seven countries.
EMBO Director Fiona Watt said:
‘The new EMBO Members and Associate Members have made immense contributions to fundamental life science research, and, in many cases, their work has paved the way for innovations that have improved lives and livelihoods around the world. As EMBO marks its 60th anniversary, we celebrate the pivotal roles played by the EMBO Membership in strengthening international life science research and contributing to the EMBO Programmes and activities. I send my warmest congratulations to all those elected.’
Professor Molnár added:
‘I am honoured to have been elected as an EMBO Member. I am especially pleased as the founding father of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Sir John Kendrew, served as the first Director General until 1982. After his retirement from EMBL, he became President of St John's College (1981–7). He is commemorated in the College in a marble column inscribed with a three-dimensional representation of a myoglobin molecule. This iron- and oxygen-binding protein is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates and was the subject of Sir John’s Nobel-prizewinning research. Sir John is also remembered for his endowment of studentships in science and music at St John’s.’
EMBO Members guide the execution of EMBO Programmes and activities, for example by evaluating funding applications, serving on EMBO Council and committees, and contributing to initiatives such as training, policy, outreach and mentorship. New members are nominated and elected by the existing EMBO Membership.
Many congratulations to Professor Molnár!