18 EMBL December 2003 &cetera Newsletter of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Monterotondo celebrates mouse house ...page 8 Under the 3D microscope ...page 3 EMBL DG joins Pontifical Academy ...page 5

“Centres” to promote cross-Unit research We know that lots of you have been waiting to do your “dream” inter- There must be something disciplinary research project – if you could just link up to the right collaborators, get input from a group in a dark corridor way down behind the Mosquito in the water at EMBL Feeding Room, and ...what was that other thing? Oh yes, funding. Well, here’s Five of them were born in Monte- your chance. EMBL is establishing several new thematic “Centres” to more rotondo in the past year alone, and actively encourage new projects across disciplines and EMBL Units. another’s on the way... Photos with Coordinators of the Centres are currently soliciting project proposals. Find out birth dates, birth weights and other more on page 2 measurements are taking over Programme announcement boards. Science in the European Constitution Practically the entire Mattaj lab The European Union is making history by involving citizens in composing a new seems to have been infected with the Constitution – and science is mentioned. The new treaty will have an impact on virus... European research policy and its implementation. Claus Madsen from the Across the EMBL sites kiddywinks, European Southern Observatory and Christian Boulin explain on page 4 Nachwuchs, bambini and enfants terri- bles are popping up everywhere. Grand challenges in global health EMBL is undergoing a veritable baby boom. Is it something in the water? In October, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and EMBL&cetera contributor Selene Melinda Gates Foundation announced the first 14 scientific challenges that will States investigates... on page 10 be the focus of the “Grand Challenges in Global Health” initiative – a $200-mil- lion medical research project which aims to help overcome roadblocks and lead to rapid progress against diseases affecting the developing world. EMBL Director-General Fotis C. Kafatos was one of three European experts to partici- pate on the project’s scientific board. Learn more about this exciting initiative at www.embl.de/ExternalInfo/oipa/pr2003/pr171003.html in this issue... A creative approach to “Physics and Life” 3D microscopy 3 If you couldn’t find a good physics or biology teacher during the second week of November, it’s because they had all ridden the train, flown, or biked to molecular medicine 3 Noordwijk on the coast of Holland. Their destination was the campus of the strategic forward look 4 European Space Agency, where they made loud noises, blew things up, explored bizarre uses of magnetism, or put on performances to demonstrate science and society 6 the best of European high school science teaching. (Not to forget the liquid PhD student symposium 7 nitrogen ice cream.) This was the third Physics on Stage, sponsored by the EIROforum (that includes EMBL) and the European Commission. EMBL is the EMBO corner 9 helping to collect the products – a set of unique classroom teaching resources news & events 11 – into a public on-line collection. A good time was had by all, especially by Eric Karsenti, who explained the wonders of microtubules and self-organization in people@EMBL 12 the keynote speech. Find out more at the EIROforum website: www.eiroforum.org EMBL&cetera Issue 18 - December 2003

Joint appointments and Centres to strengthen EMBL’s cross-disciplinary research As research in the life sciences moves Centres will also facilitate the development tional know-how throughout all Units of toward Systems Biology (a shift away from of methods and rapid technology exchange EMBL. (Coordinators: P. Bork, V. Lamzin, J. “one gene - one function” thinking towards across the Laboratory. They will provide Thornton) viewing living systems as based on integrat- important input to the development of the Disease Mechanisms. This Centre will ed molecular complexes), EMBL finds itself Laboratory’s core facilities. extend and reinforce the laboratory’s current well positioned to face new challenges. Currently the Units administer most Molecular Medicine activities and strength- Though the Laboratory has a strong tradi- research resources: personnel, budgets and en initiatives of EMBL faculty members in tion in fostering collaborative research, most shared equipment. Centres should be more the use of mammalian and lower organism collaborations involve only two groups and flexible and dynamic, open to new partici- models to investigate the mechanisms of happen within Units more often than across pants, quickly adapting to changes of human diseases. (Coordinators: M. Hentze, N. them. EMBL has introduced two mecha- emphasis within molecular biology. New Rosenthal, M. Pasparakis, J. Wittbrodt) nisms to promote interdisciplinary activities projects will be supported by modest funds more widely, systematically and effectively: High-Throughput Functional Genomics. from the Lab, matched by the Units of the 1. Joint appointments. More than 20 Group This Centre aims to promote and facilitate participating groups. Through the Centres, high-throughput approaches essential for Leaders have now been appointed to two Units will have the chance to invest in larg- different EMBL Units, strengthening efficient studies on functional genomics. er-scale collaborative research projects that Participants will share and cooperatively exchange across the Laboratory. they want to do, but might not be able to do develop their expertise in all aspects of high- 2. EMBL Centres. EMBL is establishing a on their own. throughput biology, and will reinforce the number of thematic “Centres” to promote Coordinators of the Centres are currently shared infrastructure of EMBL. (Coordinators: new projects across disciplines and EMBL soliciting ideas for activities. Project propos- E. Furlong, F.C. Kafatos, L. Steinmetz) Units. They will involve many scientists als will be discussed and decided upon by (from Group Leaders to PhD students), in Molecular and Cellular Imaging. Imaging the end of this year. If you are interested in critical areas that cut across EMBL’s vertical is now a crucial technology for research at all participating, contact a coordinator. structure represented by the Units. levels of biological organisation, from the The Centres currently being developed are: The Centres will be virtual, rather than lim- atom to the organism. This Centre will make ited to one EMBL site, catalysing the creation Computational Biology. This Centre will imaging tools and training widely available of electronic as well as "in person" discussion include scientists whose major focus is the across the Laboratory. It will integrate the groups, seminar series, workshops, and use and development of computational best software packages and algorithms into retreats of faculty members in different Units tools, and experimentalists whose research an appropriate computing infrastructure, who have similar or complementary techni- interests now heavily depend on computa- and thus produce a valuable and evolving cal and intellectual interests. Centre websites tional approaches. The major goals are the set of tools of use to structural, cell, develop- will provide information, expertise, and a efficient and wide dissemination of software mental and computational biologists. means of communication. tools and the spread of advanced computa- (Coordinators: J. Ellenberg, M. Wilmanns) report from the heads of units meeting First joint PhD degrees from EMBL and Heidelberg University awarded The Heads of EMBL’s Units (Research Prog- Christoph Müller, Pernille Rørth and Rolf rammes in Heidelberg and Monterotondo, Apweiler will organize both activities. plus the Outstations) meet regularly to dis- 3. Beamline scientists to meet. Beamline sci- cuss developments affecting the Laboratory. entists working at different EMBL sites will Their last session was held on November 6- now hold regular meetings in order to coor- 7 at EMBL-Monterotondo. Here are some dinate efforts. When possible, meetings will key points that were discussed: take place in conjuction with other events 1. EMBL Centres. Following a status report such as Lab Day or SPINE meetings. The on the development of the Centres, (see first will be coordinated by Stephen Cusack above), coordinators of the Centres were and Matthias Wilmanns. The possibility of asked to identify interested participants extending these meetings to include other On Saturday, November 15, 2003, (Group Leaders, postdocs, PhD students) EMBL staff working on instrumentation will Clemens Grabher and Thomas Vaccari and gather project proposals to be discussed be discussed. received their joint PhD degrees with Heidelberg University during a festive and decided upon by the end of this year. 4. In an effort to integrate IT projects and Web sites will be introduced to support com- ceremony in the magnificent “Alte experience and needs throughout the Aula.” These degrees are the first to be munication within the virtual Centres. Laboratory, IT staff from across EMBL sites awarded jointly by EMBL and Heidel- Mechanisms to improve internal communi- will hold regular meetings. The proposed berg University since the two institutes cations throughout the Lab were also dis- first topic of discussion is IBM servers. Peter signed a partnership agreement in cussed. Stoehr (EBI) will head up this initiative. December 2002. Uli Wiehe also received 2. Key dates for next year. Lab Day will take 5. The Spanish Ministry will fund three his degree from the University during place on June 15-16, 2004, at the main new postdoctoral fellowships to enable the ceremony. From left to right are: Nils Metzler-Nolte (Vice-Dean, Heidelberg Laboratory in Heidelberg. Spanish researchers to join groups at EMBL University), Clemens, Matthias Hentze The Faculty Retreat will take place on working in one of four specific research (Dean of EMBL's Graduate Studies December 3-5, 2004, near Grenoble, and will areas: systems biology, structural biology, Programme), Thomas and Uli. include both strategic and scientific topics. bioinformatics, and structural genomics. 3

A new perspective on microscopy: Ernst Stelzer takes a 3D view EMBL biophysicist Ernst Stelzer would A major disadvantage in observing fluores- "I've always wondered that myself," Ernst rather walk around a cell and admire it as a cently tagged proteins in ordinary scanning replied. sculpture than look at it flat and painting- microscopes is that over time, the fluores- It just goes to show that we biologists need like or pressed onto a coverslip. “Scientists cent signal becomes weaker, due to “photo- the physicists at EMBL to bring in a fresh like myself are so used to squashing samples bleaching.” However, since the 3D micro- perspective! scope illuminates only one sheet of the spec- onto slides,” he says, “that we might not – Cleopatra Kozlowski, EMBL predoc even think of looking at them in suspension, imen at once, instead of “scanning” with a in their physiological context.” laser point, exposure time to the laser and the resulting photobleaching is kept at a Ernst, Jim Swoger and Jan Huisken showed minimal level. Therefore, it is possible to me a fundamentally new type of 3D micro- carry out live-imaging for a relatively long scope that they have just developed. It can, period of time, and to take more pictures. they assured me, provide just such a view of Another important property of the system is tissues or even whole organisms. that a high axial resolution is achieved, Ernst says the method is surprisingly sim- which is equal to that in both the X and Y ple. A sample expressing a protein with a axes, whereas in the conventional confocal fluorescent tag is suspended in agar and microscope, the resolution of one axis is placed in a cuvette. A laser beam passes always lower due to the properties of a sin- through a cylindrical lens, causing an illumi- gle lens. In fact the 3D microscope can nation of a single plane in the cuvette. The resolve up to 200-300 nm in all three dimen- sample is then moved through this sheet of sions. To demonstrate this, Jim showed me a light, so that the observer, looking perpen- beautiful image of a spherical pollen, 12 dicularly to the laser, sees consecutive slices micrometers in diameter. through the specimen. Fluorescent images The microscope is not difficult to use, says are then recorded from several different Jan – just put your sample in and look! directions. Anyone in EMBL may ask Ernst’s group for Conventional microscopes see confusing permission to use it. In the future, they are multiple layers in the tissue. One of the chief planning to integrate additional features for advantages of the 3D system is that the laser laser cutting, and FRAP. focuses on a single optical section, and no "Looking at a 3D object in space instead of A Drosophila embryo recorded from four different other region in the specimen, at a time. This trying to project it into 2D, seems like an directions with Ernst Stelzer’s new 3D microscope. greatly increases the information content of The bottom image combines the views and reveals obvious method. Why has nobody else come otherwise hidden details.The sample was provided by the final image. up with this idea before?" I asked. H. Varmak & G. Gonzalez. molecular medicine mini-report: Cystic fibrosis researchers meet at EMBL for molecular medicine symposium

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and other secretory conductance to bicarbonate absorption. The ranging from drug candidates that interfere defects were the topic of EMBL’s 6th session was continued by talks about the with intracellular signalling to high- Molecular Medicine symposium, held this role of ion channels, including that of CFTR, throughput approaches, to promising autumn. CF is a genetic disease that affects on intestinal transport. attempts with natural compounds. about 60,000 Caucasians throughout the The afternoon session was devoted to talks world. The defect is caused by point muta- The meeting, held on November 7-8 at the and discussions about the complicated inter- tions, the most common being δF508, in the main Laboratory in Heidelberg, was co- play of the various ion channels as well as cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator organized by Carsten Schultz (EMBL) and protein trafficking and various mouse mod- (CFTR) that prevents proper folding of the els. The latter was presented by Huge de Frank-Michael Müller (Cystic Fibrosis protein and leads to premature ubiquination Jonge from Rotterdam. Center, University of Heidelberg) with enor- and degradation. The CFTR is normally mous help from EMBL’s Course and abundant in all epithelia and is essential for Saturday’s talks covered the regulation of Conference Office. The Molecular Medicine ion conductance and the water balance in kidney ion channels, pancreatic exocytosis lungs, gut, etc. Accordingly, CF, the CFTR, as well as the interplay between CFTR and symposium series is held on a regular basis, and ion secretion received the most attention anion exchanger proteins. Saturday morning across the different EMBL sites. The previ- of the physiologists, molecular biologists, concluded with two talks on mucins, their ous symposium on cardiovascular diseases and physicians from eight European coun- secretion, and their role in CF-related took place in Monterotondo in May. Group tries and the US present at the meeting. inflammation. After lunch, discussion leaders interested in bringing a medical sub- The symposium was opened by Paul focussed on calcium-activated chloride ject forward by organizing a symposium Quinton from the University of California, a channels, which are considered one of the within the series are invited to contact more promising targets for a potential thera- pioneer in the field of CF. Paul works on the Matthias Hentze and the new Centre for effects of the genetic defect in the sweat duct. py of CF, because these appear to be the only Disease Mechanisms (for more on this new He surprised listeners with the finding that anion channels not affected by the disease. initiative, see page 2). glutamate acts intracellularly in sweat The meeting concluded with a session on glands, thereby modulating the chloride novel experimental forms of CF treatment, – Carsten Schultz EMBL&cetera Issue 18 - December 2003

In the political incubator: What will a European Constitution mean for scientific research?

Over the course of 17 months, 105 wise men and Fotis Kafatos (EMBL), the EIROforum has This has direct relevance for our organiza- women have been preparing a proposal for a played a proactive role in the process tions. Because science is still predominantly European Constitution. This work is likely to through both verbal and written submis- funded by Member States, there must be an have a direct bearing on European science. sions to the Convention, drawing attention effective balance between national initia- to the crucial importance and specific needs The legal basis of the European Union is a tives, intergovernmental organizations (such of science in Europe. patchwork of four treaties. In December as EMBL) and communal actions (such as 2001, the European Council called for a The draft is now being discussed by the direct EC support for specific scientific proj- Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), aim- Convention for the Future of Europe to ects). The article not only secures the rights “consider the key issues arising for the ing to arrive at a new Treaty by the year’s of the Member States but also touches on the Union’s future development and try to iden- end. To come into force, it will have to be rat- possibility of “enhanced cooperation,” collo- tify the various possible responses.” Meeting ified by all Member-State parliaments, in for the first time in February 2002, chaired by some cases involving national referenda: this quially known as “variable-geometry solu- Valery Giscard d’Estaing, the Convention may last until 2006, and will certainly lead to tions.” This is important: experience shows was charged with making proposals for a changes. Nonetheless, the community needs that such solutions, i.e. when some countries substitute for the treaties and finding ways to be informed about the current draft text; have agreed to undertake a particular action, to ensure the further development of the in its final form, the Constitution will have a provide dynamic into the political process. A Union as it expands to 25+ countries. direct impact on science policy and EC sup- European research policy that allows for and port for research for years to come. The result came in July 2003, with a draft for supports dynamic is certainly called for. a Constitutional Treaty for the European Science in the Draft Convention Text Union, composed by the Convention's 105 Fundamental Rights and science The text is divided into three main parts. members, representing the Member-State Part II defines and describes the fundamen- Article I-3 sets out the objectives of the and Accession-State governments and par- Union and determines that “it shall promote tal rights of [the citizens] of the Union. With liaments, the European Parliament and the scientific and technological advance.” another historically-unique reference to sci- Commission, and 13 official observers. (Article I-3.3). This is both very important ence, Article II-13 determines that “the arts Furthermore, it was supported by a and possibly unique: few constitutions, if and scientific research shall be free of con- “Forum” which enabled wider consultations any, promote advancement in science as a straint. Academic freedom shall be respect- and debates with the civil society by means key objective. of hearings and a website. ed.” While there are no direct qualifications, Title III of Part I determines the competences this statement does not, of course, imply Not surprisingly, both the work style and the of the Union. Article I-13 lists the policy unlimited freedom. Article II-52 sets the gen- conclusions of the Convention were subject areas which are shared between the Union to intense public debate and, often, disagree- eral scope and interpretation of rights and and the Member States. Article I-13.3 stipu- principles; the second paragraph constitutes ment. However, what the EU has tried is his- lates that “In the areas of research, techno- what legal experts call a “watertight referral toric, never done before: writing a constitu- logical development and space, the Union clause,” limiting the application of the tion in public. shall have competence to carry out actions, Another historic aspect of the Constitution is in particular to define and implement pro- Charter vis-à-vis Member States and other its treatment of science, and here our com- grammes; however, the exercise of that com- parts of the Constitution. The significance of munities have contributed. Under the chair- petence may not result in Member States Article II-13 is that it introduces this freedom manships of Luciano Maiani (CERN) and being prevented from exercising theirs.” at the level of the Union.

Strategic Forward Look 2006-2015 sets stage for Laboratory for next decade In November, EMBL published a document called the “Strategic Forward Look, 2006-2015.” Written by Director General Fotis The EMBL missions revisted: Kafatos and Scientific Director Iain Mattaj, in consultation with a EMBL is a large-scale project for Europe. It was set up in order to Steering Committee appointed by Council, the SFL is intended to promote molecular biology across Europe, and provide an attractive serve as a broad outline of the directions in which the Laboratory’s alternative to the United States as a workplace for Europe’s leading activities should develop over the next ten years. The document young molecular biologists. To accomplish this, EMBL has pursued four major missions which are reaffirmed as part of the SFL: includes a discussion of EMBL’s founding principles, a reaffirmation of its missions and an analysis of the Laboratory’s scientific and a) To be a flagship laboratory for basic, investigator-driven research in molecular biology. administrative objectives for the coming decade. b) To develop and help disseminate cutting edge technologies and Unlike the Laboratory’s official Scientific Programme and Indicative instrumentation for molecular biology. Scheme, the SFL is not a request to the Members States for funding. c) To provide facilities and services for the scientific community. It is a strategy paper designed to provide information to, and garner feedback from, the Member States and the scientific community. d) To provide advanced training to individual scientists at all levels, from PhD students to independent investigators. Another important function of the SFL is to aid the search commit- tee in recruiting the Laboratory’s next Director General, who will From the beginning, it was foreseen that EMBL would need to develop both critical mass and excellence in many facets of molecular take office in May 2005. biology. Once these goals were achieved, the Laboratory was intended The full text of the Strategic Forward Look, 2006-2015 is available at to develop a philosophy of looking outward into the scientific www.embl.de/ExternalInfo/EMBLabout/emblsfl.pdf. community and to share widely its knowledge and expertise, to the benefit of molecular biology in all its Member States. 5

Operational Clauses Participation (as well as the rules governing execution of the Union's research. This Part III of the draft text is entitled “The the dissemination of research results) are could, for example, open the door for a Policies and Functioning of the Union.” In a European legal acts, hence subject to European Research Council (ERC), currently sense this is the operational part of the approval by the European Parliament and under discussion both in the scientific com- Treaty. Section 9 (Articles 146-156) is devoted subsequent agreement/confirmation by the munity and, increasingly, at the European to “Research and Technological Develop- European Council. The “Specific Program- political level. mes,” on the contrary, do not require parlia- ment, and Space.” Three other points are worth mentioning: mentary approval. Article III-146 sets the general scene for EU Marking the definitive entry of the EU into Other articles aim to support coordination research activities, stating that “The Union the area of outer space, Article III-155 deter- shall aim to strengthen the scientific and between the Member States and allow the mines that the Union shall draw up a technological bases of Union industry and Commission to “take any useful initiative to European space policy, including “support encourage it to become more competitive at promote the coordination.” research and technological development and international level, while promoting all the The draft text clearly supports the notion of coordinate the efforts needed for the explo- research activities deemed necessary by the European Research Area, though, sur- ration and exploitation of space.” virtue of other Chapters of the prisingly, the ERA is not explicitly men- Constitution.” tioned. Article III-151 opens the possibility Article III-212 constitutes the legal underpin- The text of this article is not new: it is identi- for European laws to establish supplemen- ning of a European Armaments, Research cal to Article 163 in the current Treaty. The tary programmes in which some (but not all) and Military Capabilities Agency, which key is its interpretation: until now, the text Member States participate; those states will should “support defence technology has been used as a justification to de facto finance the programmes, but with participa- research, and coordinate and plan joint exclude EU support for fundamental tion by the Union. research activities and the study of technical research. While in many areas of science, it is Along the same lines, Article III-152 enables solutions meeting future operational needs.” impossible to draw a distinction between the EU to participate in research and devel- Article III-157 (Section 10: “Energy”) says fundamental and applied research, this for- opment programmes undertaken by several that the EU shall “promote … the develop- mulation remains an issue of concern for us, Member States, including participation in ment of new and renewable forms of ener- and EIROforum has proposed modifications the structures created for the execution of gy.” Finally, according to the draft text, the to the wording of this article. Should this those programmes, as well as cooperation European Atomic Energy Community will proposal not be adopted by the with third countries and international organ- continue as a separate legal framework, with Intergovernmental Conference, then we isations (Article III-153). Article III-152 corre- some amendments to the EURATOM Treaty. hope that at least a less restrictive interpreta- sponds to the current Article 169. It has been The relationship between this and the tion can be used in the future. described as a potentially powerful way of Constitutional Treaty is a sensitive, difficult boosting European cooperation in science, Article III-149 proscribes that EU research issue that must be solved. activities must be part of a “multiannual but so far, only one programme (concerning framework programme”, that “shall be clinical tests in Africa) has been agreed It is certain that the changes in the text will enacted by European laws.” This is basically under FP-6 and we have yet to see how be proposed and perhaps adopted. Science identical to the current system, which com- effective this option is in stimulating joint and education are already firm constituents prises a “Framework Programme,” the research programmes. of the European political agenda. The Treaty “Specific Programmes,” the Rules for Article III-154 provides for the Council of – when ratified – will provide the legal and Participation and the “Work Programmes.” Ministers to adopt European regulations or operational framework for European science According to the draft text, the Framework decisions to set up joint undertakings or any policy initiatives in the years to come. Programme itself and the Rules for other structure necessary for the efficient – Christian Boulin & Claus Madsen (ESO)

EMBL DG appointed to Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican ceremony Fotis C. Kafatos has been appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. He received the papal insignia from Pope John Paul II on November 10, during the 400th anniversary celebration at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences headquarters in the Vatican City. Since its establishment in Rome in 1603, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences has become an international and interdisciplinary scien- tific body with an increasing number of dis- tinguished scientist members. Its aim is to promote the progress of the mathematical, physical and natural sciences as well as the study of related epistemological questions and issues. Members of the academy have included Galileo Galilei, Max Planck, Niels Bohr, Sir Alexander Fleming and Max Perutz. (Fotis is seated in the second row, to the right of Pope John Paul II) Photo courtesy of the Vatican EMBL&cetera Issue 18 - December 2003

Science & Society Tennessee fainting goats, marching bands and ion channels: Frances Ashcroft reveals how she uses stories to tell science

“Let me introduce you to my friend Ed delights she has experienced while learning “My philosophy is that an interesting story Jackson. Ed is the local sheriff in a small to communicate science to the public. captures the reader’s attention and makes town in Oklahoma, but he also runs a ranch “Most people haven’t the slightest idea what them read on. Before they realize it they are where he farms goats for meat. Ed is an an ion channel is but they are fascinated by into the science,” she says. “The best compli- extraordinary character but his goats are stories of the goats and of people who suffer ment I’ve had is when a reviewer wrote that even more unusual. They are variously from the same condition,” she says, “So I use my science stories are a brilliant source of known as stiff-legged goats, myotonic goats stories about human and animal disease to tales to tell in the pub, or that they made him or Tennessee fainting goats. This is because help explain something that is quite com- squirm and say, ‘Stop! Don’t tell me any- when they are startled or excited their mus- plex. I tell of pigs who shiver themselves to more!’, but then he had to go back and read cles seize up so that their legs get stiff and death, of children who really can die of one more.” they find it difficult to walk properly. fright, of mutations in ion channels that Sometimes they even fall over. There are sto- cause colour blindness, of how T-lympho- Ashcroft says that she has found life as a sci- ries of the whole herd collapsing simultane- cytes use ion channels to kill infected blood entific storyteller immensely hard work, but ously when a train runs past their field and cells, and so on.” also enormously enjoyable, very rewarding sounds its whistle. Or when a Tennessee Always captivated by the idea of writing a and a great privilege. She would also marching band walks past.” book, but never managing to sit down to do encourage other scientists to have a go at The opening paragraph of a novel set in the it, Professor Ashcroft seized her opportunity making science enthralling, informative and in a 1998 Wellcome Trust competition which deep South? Or the introduction to a TV doc- pertinent to the general public. “Because if called for a life scientist to write a science umentary? Guess again: it’s the introduction we don’t take the public with us, we not only book for the general reader. Though not the to a scientific lecture on ion channels and winning publication, Life at the Extremes was deprive them of an intellectual adventure how they are responsible for the electrical published in 2002 and has since won critical that we find compelling, we may also find activity of nerve and muscle. acclaim. In the book, Ashcroft tells of that they won’t be prepared to pay for it, and The author is Professor Frances Ashcroft, extraordinary feats of endurance experi- may even legislate to prevent us from doing full-time physiologist at Oxford University, enced by humans in extreme environments, some types of experiment.” and part-time yarn-spinner. She visited such as at high altitudes, or under high pres- Life at the Extremes is available on loan from EMBL’s main Laboratory in Heidelberg in sures. She uses historical anecdotes, enlists the Science and Society section of the Szilard December to give a talk within the EMBL scientific inventors and explorers as her pro- Forum on Science and Society. She used the tagonists – and manages to sneak the latest Library. occasion to share some of the difficulties and scientific findings in there, too. – Sarah Sherwood

Record turn out for the EMBO/EMBL annual joint Science & Society conference

This year's EMBO/EMBL joint Science & Society con- • Technological revolutions in genetic information ference “Genetics, Determinism and gathering and application Human Freedom,” held on • Genes and disease; the links and their conse- November 14-15, attracted more quences for human freedom than 250 participants. This record • The use and abuse of genetic information in number of attendees made their way justice, security and the information society to Heidelberg from 24 different • European countries and the USA. Fast forward: human trait modulation, Amongst them was a group of 30 "Genomes'R'us", designer babies and genetic school students from the International identity cards School of Stuttgart who actively partici- The dialogues were particularly interesting pated, asking questions and making since, as in the previous three years, the comments. The ever-increasing interest participants of the conference came from a from different parties in this conference broad variety of fields such as science, law, shows that this meeting, which has also consumer associations, journalism, poli- become part of the predoc course at the tics, patient support groups and ethics. EMBL, is a well-accepted tool to break "This was my first conference of this down the barriers between non-scientists kind, but I plan to attend many others. and scientists. It does this by promoting I became very motivated," said one mutual interest, understanding, and dialogue PhD student. on subjects that concern everyone. Another participant commented, "I During the two days of the conference, the was inspired by Steven Rose's talk. I met a lot of audience and the panels actively discussed the Mackensen Uta by Illustration teachers and will continue to be involved in public dialogue role of genetic information in disease and behav- and students events. And I'll try to be more politically active within iour, and downstream access to this data, with my area of science." – Sandra Bendiscioli and Ellen Peerenboom reference to its impact on society. Subjects focused on: 7

DNA-Spinner: A virtual company delivers real automation The EMBL Genomic Core Facility (EMBL- DNA purification robot with an integrated the Biotechnica trade fair in Hannover and GCF), EMBL Enterprise Management Tech- centrifuge within nine month,” Jürgen can be purchased from PerkinElmer. nology Transfer (EMBLEM), PerkinElmer explains. “The ‘virtual company’ approach combines Life and Analytical Sciences (PE LAS), The input of all the partners resulted in the basic research interests of institutions with Macherey-Nagel (MN), and Hettich have DNA-Spinner platform and the prototype is the business interests of companies. It grants formed a “virtual company” to develop up and running. Several applications as well participating scientists a maximum of free- automated solutions using integrated cen- as dedicated kits are being developed and dom and feeds participating companies with trifugation for a wide range of applications tested. In parallel, the system has been made excellent know-how without limiting their in molecular biology and diagnostics. The available to the scientific and industry com- flexibility,” summarizes EMBLEM’s Martin project, triggered by a request to the scientif- munities as a commercial product called Raditsch. Vladimir concludes, “We already ic community from Denis Duboule, EMBL MultiPROBE® II HT EX with integrated have more ideas, which we would like to alumnus and Vice-Chair of EMBL-Council, robotic centrifuge. The device was launched bring to reality within a similar set-up.” was initiated by the EMBL-GCF nine on the European market in October 2003 at – Jürgen Zimmermann & Martin Raditsch months ago and has resulted in the develop- ment of the PE-Spinner platform. DNA-Spinner. Many pro- Vladimir Benes, head of the EMBL-GCF, cesses include centrifuga- faced the challenge of purifying genomic tion as an essential step, DNA in a fast and reliable manner for down- which can’t be circumvent- stream applications. Such a purification ed. Variable viscosities in process requires multiple centrifugations of animal and tissue, forensic and clinical samples are the sample(s). Automation of the process the nightmare of every leads to time- and cost-cutting as well as to a automation project. Integ- reduction of error. Since a fully automated rated centrifugation sys- high-throughput system was not commer- tems are robust and en- cially available, Vladimir, Jürgen Zimmer- sure reproducible results, mann, and Christian Boulin began to devel- even in complex samples. op a solution with the help of companies The field of application of this technology is wide and includes, for example, simple precipi- tations, drying of samples, SPE, and chemical synthesis. active in this field. After the initial brain- storming sessions, EMBLEM was called in to DNA-Spinner addresses these applications by combining automated centrifugation, liquid handling and incubation capabilities in a compact instrument. The system, based on PE’s set up the contractual basis of the first “vir- MPII technology and Hettich’s automated Rotanta® centrifuge, can handle up to 16 microtitre tual company” project at EMBL. EMBL, plates simultaneously in 4 baskets, RCFs up to 6000g can be reached in a temperature-con- PerkinElmer, Macherey-Nagel, Hettich and trolled centrifuge environment. Computer-controlled shakers and incubators as well as sup- EMBLEM formed an interdisciplinary devel- ply stackers may complement the infrastructure, depending on the application and through- opment team covering the span of know- put needs. DNA-Spinner combines not only the hardware and software components but starts how required in automation, biochemistry, already with a set of verified applications, based on MN’s well established Nucleospin® tech- centrifuge and application, intellectual nology. DNA-Spinner-tuned kits for the extraction of genomic DNA from animal and plant tis- property protection and marketing. “The sues are available. Currently 192 samples can be purified in just under 2 hours, yielding up to 20µg of genomic DNA, A260/A280~1.8, CV~5%. For more, see (www.spinapp.embl.de). goal was to develop a high-throughput EMBL PhD students organize 4th annual symposium: Recognizing the difference

The 4th annual EMBL PhD symposium took As in previous events, the symposium was sium. It’s a truly unforgettable experience!" place at the main Laboratory in Heidelberg entirely organized by PhD students, from the organizers conclude. The post-confer- on November 20-22. Following the tradition inviting the speakers, to arranging the ses- ence party provided an occasion to celebrate of previous events, this year’s topic, "A Life sions and finding financial support. “We are a job well done. of Encounters: Recognition in Biology" grateful to the numerous companies that This year’s organizers were: Karsten supported us, as well as to EMBO, which brought together experts from numerous Beckmann, Maria Ermolaeva, Fabian Filipp, sponsored two of the speakers,” says pre- disciplines, ranging from molecular recogni- Andrés Gaytan de Ayala Alonso, Caroline doctoral fellow Christiane Jost. tion mechanisms, cell-cell recognition and Iquel, Martin Jinek, Christiane Jost, Stephan "We received a lot of positive feedback, both Meister, Felipe Mora-Bermúdez, Marlene immunology, to organismic recognition and from the speakers and the participants and Rau, Thomas Sandmann, Hannes Simader, behaviour. “The diverse mix of topics was we would like to encourage all EMBL pre- and Mikko Taipale. For more on the sympo- rather unusual,” says conference organizer docs to participate in next year’s sympo- sium, see http://symposium.predocs.org Karsten Beckmann, “which helped us to attract a really interdisciplinary crowd of PhD students from across the world.” The speakers were enthusiastic about the highly interactive audience. “I’ve never had that many questions!" remarked Venki Ramakrishnan at the end of his lecture. Poster sessions allowed participants to pres- ent their own work and provided another

good opportunity for interactions between EMBL Photolab speakers and participants. Panelists at the 4th EMBL PhD Symposium field questions about the evolution of recognition mechanisms. EMBL&cetera Issue 18 - December 2003

The house that Nadia built: Monterotondo mice have a new home

The Adriano Buzzati Traverso campus in transgenic service, and capacity for approxi- The EMBL mouse facilities mark a new Monterotondo was abuzz with activity in mately 6,500 cages. "We decided to use a pre- beginning for research within the Mouse early November as the local building main- fabricated structure that we believe could Biology Programme. “One of the main objec- tenance crew put the final touches on the serve as a model for other institutes looking tives of this programme is to generate mouse new extension to the campus’ mouse facili- to build an animal facility," says Nadia. "It is models of human disease, and this goal dic- ties. Meanwhile, EMBL research programme expandable if need be, but more important- tated the planning of the facility,” says staff were scurrying about organizing a ly, it is cost effective, allowing us to allocate Nadia. For example, included is an inde- “mouse warming party” to celebrate. funds to features we considered important pendent building which, along with a On hand for the celebrations were CNR for us." These include an automated ventila- behaviour suite, will be reserved for the Director and EMBL Council member Glauco tion system, which will rapidly and silently housing and testing of mice obtained from Tocchini Valentini, Professor Arturo Falaschi exchange the air in the facility, removing the external sources, allowing for preliminary from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stress of extraneous noise and odors on the results to be attained and examined before and architect Emilio Mattoccia; from the, animals. In addition, the facility has been undertaking the time-consuming process of EMBL side, Monterotondo Coordinator equipped with IVC racks, the system of rederivation. “This prescreening will help to Nadia Rosenthal, EMBL Director General choice of major commercial animal facilities, increase research output.” Fotis C. Kafatos, and EMBL senior scientists. such as Jackson Laboratory and Harlan, and – Carla Sciarretta and Sarah Sherwood They were joined by an enthusiastic crowd considered to be the best caging system for of staff and their families from EMBL and preventing and stopping the spread of con- campus partners, EMMA and CNR. tamination. Festivities included speeches, a tour of the “It is the first time that all the mice will be new facilities, dinner, dancing, and a spec- housed in the same location, which means tacular fireworks display organized and exe- that we will be better able to control how the cuted in the rain by Alex Regan. facility operates,” says Group Leader The new facility consists of a 450m2 exten- Manolis Pasparakis. “The layout and fea- sion onto the existing buildings, complete tures of the new facility will allow EMBL with an SPF facility, procedure rooms, staff and caretakers to work more efficient- Nadia Rosenthal inspects cages during a tour of behaviour suites, expanded space for the ly,” adds Group Leader Walter Witke. EMBL-Monterotondo’s new mouse facilities

UniProt consortium launches a universal protein resource On 15 December the EBI, together with its PSD. The UniProt Knowledgebase consists collaborators the Swiss Institute of of two parts, one containing fully manually- Bioinformatics (SIB) and Georgetown annotated records and another with compu- University Medical Center’s Protein tationally-analysed records awaiting full Information Resource (PIR), will announce manual annotation. The two sections will the launch of UniProt – a new universal pro- continue to be referred to as Swiss-Prot and tein resource that will be the world’s most TrEMBL, respectively. comprehensive catalogue of information The top tier of the cake contains three sub- about proteins. UniProt will provide a “one- layers, collectively known as UniRef (for stop shop,” allowing easy access to all pub- UniProt non-redundant reference). These licly-available information on proteins. Biology teachers meet in Hamburg combine closely-related sequences (at 100%, “The launch of UniProt is tremendously 90% or 50% identity) into single records to 58 high school teachers of chemistry exciting because databases that have been facilitate faster searching. and biology (37 from Hamburg and running independently for years have come the vicinity and 21 from further “With UniProt we can address some aspects together for the benefit of their users,” away) convened from August 21-23, of the challenges that life scientists are cur- 2003 at the EMBL Hamburg Out- explains Maria-Jesus Martin, Sequence rently facing,” says Amos Bairoch, the station to attend the 3rd workshop of Database Group coordinator at the EBI. This founder of Swiss-Prot. “There has been a the EU-funded project "Continuing unification was made possible by funding tremendous growth in the quantity of bio- Education for European Biology from the US National Institutes of Health, molecular information that has become Teachers." The theme was "Structural totaling US$15 million over 3 years. available in the past ten years, yet this is only Biology – insights into the molecules of Rolf Apweiler, UniProt’s Principal the beginning!” He adds, “Thanks to life.” The teachers listened to five sci- Investigator, describes UniProt’s structure as UniProt we can continue to provide a wealth entific lectures as well as a session on resembling that of a wedding cake, each tier of knowledge on the fascinating universe of bioethics. They participated in two representing a different database optimized proteins.” Cathy Wu, Director of PIR, contin- practical experiments designed to be for different uses. ues: “Such integrated knowledge in UniProt taken back into the classroom, and will facilitate scientific discovery at various viewed an exhibition with stands At the base of the cake lies the UniProt levels of biological organization, from genes hosted by other science education Archive (UniParc), which provides access to initiatives and commercial sponsors. every protein sequence in the public domain and proteins through metabolic pathways In between there was ample time for and allows users to track the history of a and cellular networks to whole organisms.” discussions and for getting to know sequence as it’s updated. UniProt can be accessed at www.uniprot.org each other. For more, see www.embl- The centerpiece of the UniProt Consortium’s with mirror sites at each Institute. The EBI’s hamburg.de/workshops/2003/twp. activities is the UniProt Knowledgebase, site is www.ebi.uniprot.org. – Manfred Weiss unified from Swiss-Prot, TrEMBL and PIR- – Cath Brooksbank and Claire O’Donovan 9

also be established and hence EMBL came A severe disappointment however was the into existence as a separate entity. fact that the budget for the EMBC for 2004- the The EMBC meets twice annually to consider 2006 was not agreed upon. Such decisions the EMBO programme and indeed to define require unanimity and the fact that the its own ambitions. Of significance recently EMBO activities need an increase in funding was the decision to prolong the EMBC agree- created difficulties for some Member ment for a further nine years from 2004 to States.The additional funding is essential, in 2013. Accompanying this was a document particular but not exclusively, because of the that was prepared and discussed at length, fact that there has been a 27% increase in the corner outlining the actions that were appropriate number of applicants for the Longterm for the EMBC of today. This document, “The Fellowship Programme. With the current future directions for EMBO/EMBC: level of funding only 10%-15% of the appli- Building on a record of achievement,” was The EMBC meeting accepted unanimously by the EMBC last cants could be successful; if (as the current year and is available on the website: trend suggests) the number of these increas- When EMBO was founded 40 years ago, one www.embo.org/embc/public_documents.h es then the success rate will fall to even of its first tasks was to ensure that it had tml. In many ways this document is similar lower levels. We are hopeful that the emer- resources to allow it to deliver a programme to the five-year plan for the EMBL or per- gency meeting of the EMBC which will take of Fellowships, Courses and haps the Strategic Forward Look of the place on the 23rd of January will resolve this Workshops.Following initial support from EMBL which has recently been finalised. problem. the Volkswagen Foundation, the founders of The EMBC met recently and took a number In the interim, we are making a major effort EMBO were successful in convincing gov- of important decisions. For example, it to encourage the governments of the coun- ernments that they should finance the accepted Estonia as a new Member State. tries that were reluctant to provide the When Estonia and Luxembourg ratify this EMBO programme. Arising from this, the increase have a change of heart and hope agreement, this will bring the number of European Molecular Biology Conference that the scientists throughout the EMBL Member States in the EMBC to 26. It also community add their support wherever pos- (EMBC) was started almost 35 years ago. As elected Marja Makarow from Finland as its sible. an intergovernmental organization, the new President. It is very appropriate that an EMBC in turn became a respondent to a excellent female scientist was thus hon- – Frank Gannon request from EMBO that a laboratory should oured. Executive Director, EMBO

EMBL researchers prove successful with EU grants A new website for EMBL

The EU’s 6th Framework Programme with mobilize a critical mass of expertise in order A long overdue task concerning the rejuve- its Structuring and Strengthening Issue to to achieve the ambitious objectives, which nation of the EMBL’s web site was started help realize the European Research Area set a new orientation for scientists working this year. Have a look at www.embl.org (ERA) gives rise to a revolution in the way at research sites across Europe. starting in late January; you'll notice some that science has to be tackled in Europe. The An EU grant application has to be written major changes. The aim is to deliver a more fragmentation of research has to be over- properly in order to be succesful. Many integrated EMBL-wide website, serving all come. Europe has to fight against brain EMBL scientists rose to the challenge and five sites, the wider scientific community drain, to increase its attractiveness to submitted proposals under the first call, and the general public. During 2003, a user researchers, and to offer the best resources which closed in Spring. The results are in: 27 group was established in close collaboration and infrastructures in order to increase its proposals made it through. They are listed with staff from all Units to evaluate the competitiveness. below. future structure and functionalities. Congratulations to the successful applicants The changes will involve both the structure New instruments, such as Integrated and good luck for future calls. and the design of this site. The new home- Projects (IP) and Network of Excellence page will consist of two major sections: a) (NoE), are among the key features created to – Genevieve Reinke four core links to key areas: About Us, Research, Services and Education and b) links Integrated projects: Luis Serrano (Apopis), Luis Serrano and Philippe Bastiaens (Interactive to the five EMBL sites. Proteome), Peer Bork (Eumitocombat), Victor Lamzin* and other EMBL scientists (BIOXHIT), Claus Nerlov and Liliana Minichiello (Eurostemcell), Carsten Schultz (Integrated technologies The embl.org site will provide visitors with a for in vivo molecular imaging), Nicolas Le Novere (E-MEP), Jan Ellenberg (MitoCheck) comprehensive overview of EMBL's areas of activity, with information presented using a Networks of Excellence: Fotis Kafatos (BioMalPar), Janet Thornton* and other EMBL scientists (Biosapiens), Pernille Rørth (Main), Asifa Akhtar (Epigenome), Peter Stoehr consistent site-wide structure. The look and (SemanticMining), Rolf Apweiler (TRANSFOG), Assunta Susanna Sansone (NUGO) feel of the website will therefore be homoge- nous throughout, with slight design adapta- Specific Targeted Projects: Frank Gannon (Anabanos), Luis Serrano* and other EMBL tions to distinguish individual sections. scientists (COMBIO), Luis Serrano and Peer Bork (GENEFUN), Michael Sattler (FSG-V- RNA), Nadia Rosenthal (SC & CR), Peer Bork and Alphonse Thanaraj (ATD), Ewan Birney The embl.org site is scheduled for release in (EMI-CD) January 2004, followed by application of the model to the EMBL Outstations. The site will Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives: Dean Myles (NM13), Matthias Wilmanns (IA-SFS) expand throughout 2004, to create a new Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships: Mike Osta (A. Gambiae C-Lecitins), Sebastian and improved gateway to work and life at Ulbert (RNA-identity), Geert Van Loo (EMBL-GVL) EMBL. * indicates project coordinator – Christian Boulin EMBL&cetera Issue 18 - December 2003

There must be something in the water at EMBL... Over the past year, the number of babies born to parents working at EMBL has doubled. Thus far, Laboratory staff have been unable to pinpoint a scientific explanation. No traces of aphrodisiacs have been found in the canteen lunches, nor has anyone determined an obvious correlation between the baby boom and estrogen leakage from Frank Gannon’s lab. Some attribute the surge in birth rates to Intermedex’s recent termination of birth control coverage. Still others speculate that the spontaneous increase is linked to a series of blackouts at the Monterotondo facility. Surely scientists cannot be getting more action than the rest of the population. So why are there so many babies at EMBL? 10

EMBL is a young place. The large number of Heidelberg (IGH), the lab fosters this multi- 9 visitors, predocs, and postdocs and the cultural discourse within EMBL children. 8 institution’s nine-year turnover policy Back on campus, the Kinderhaus is integral ensure a constant influx of fresh faces. Most to the social infrastructure at EMBL. The 7 employees are in their twenties and thirties, childcare service helps in the well-known the age bracket that normally coincides with syndrome when inflated hours at the lab 6 childbearing years. With so many transient chase young mothers from careers in 5 spirits flitting about and engaged in science. The German childcare system, for intellectual intercourse, it is no surprise that example, seriously disrupts a mother’s 4 things should turn frisky. ability to function successfully at home and 3 Let’s take the Heidelberg main Laboratory at work. The short hours and age limitations 2 as an example. EMBL’s safe and internation- of local nurseries preserve a conservative 1 al atmosphere is family-friendly. Pinioned family structure. between two sheltering forest-bedecked Former EMBL group leader Thomas Graf banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg seems pioneered efforts to establish a childcare like the idyllic setting of a fairy tale – or at service in the late 1980s: “In a day and age

Struct. & Comp.Biochem. Biol. Instrum. least a family tale. It offers the merits of a where scientists often marry other scientists, DevelopmentalGene Biol. ExpressionAdd. ResearchCell Biology Grenoble Monterotondo EBI beautiful castle and renowned university. I was convinced that it would help couples Hamburg The public school system is acclaimed in the in research to combine their careers and their Number of babies born to EMBL parents across region. Children continue to play freely on families. Childcare services would make it the different Units in 2003. the streets and in the woods, a rare easier for women to develop an independent new baby. In addition, the guarantee of phenomenon in this unnatural world. career, since in the end they would carry medical coverage and paid maternity leave While Heidelberg and its surrounding most of the family burden.” The EMBL relieve apprehensive couples. All of these villages provide a secure environment, Kinderhaus provides full-time childcare and perks seem to be motivating would-be EMBL children are far from sheltered. For accepts infants as young as three months of parents to rise to the occasion. those individuals intent on rearing their age. The kids are only a hop, skip and a And so, EMBL staff can focus on the pursuit children in a multicultural setting, jump away – an advantage that provides of both their biological research and their Heidelberg is ideal. The university town comfort to young parents and enables biological urges. mothers to continue nursing. caters to multinational residents, into which – Selene States category fall many of EMBL’s staff. The city The Kinderhaus and EMBL child support Have a look at the new “info-pack for resounds in a flood of multilingual dialogue. payments promise security to parents. The parents-to-be” available on the In partnership with the after-school daycare customized salary adjustments for families personnel section’s website: of the Internationale Gesamtschule alleviate many of the financial burdens of a www.embl.de/LocalInfo/personnel/

Apart from the obvious, why do you think there are so many babies at EMBL?

Rosanna Maccagnano Fotis C. Kafatos Kent Duncan Manuela Brunner Michael Thompson EMBL Monterotondo EMBL Director-General EMBL Heidelberg EMBL Heidelberg EMBL Heidelberg

First we thought it was the I don’t know. I had Ack! I don’t know... Because EMBL is a I’m not sure, but there is a water, then we suspected absolutely nothing to do but... uh... I have to go happy environment! predoc in Structures who some experiment had gone with it! Wasn’t me. stop my gel. I’ll get back the girls really seem to awry. Monterotondo seemed to you on that. fancy. He might have barren until a chain reaction something to do with it... started last year. We’ve had five births in 2003 and another one is on the way. 11

New website helps find the sense in nonsensical gene names news What connects the mustard weed Arabidopsis fetched, silly, misleading, tasteless, or simply thaliana to SUPERMAN, CLARK KENT and KRYP- unintelligible. Or in some cases, a gene is &events TONITE? What is a cheap date like in fruit flies? known by fifteen different names, with each Group Leader seminars now on What might be the four-letter abbreviation laboratory holding on stubbornly to its own Wednesdays. Same place (the Operon for fuculokinase K gene in Escherichia coli? As preference. auditorium), same time (1 pm), just a dif- every geneticist knows, the answers are all in A new resource will now help guide the ferent day. EMBL’s weekly series of group the gene name. befuddled visitor through a forest of curious leader seminars (the pink ones) will now Ever since Thomas Hunt Morgan found the gene names. EMBL PhD student Mikko be held mid-week. Check out “Today at white gene in Drosophila, researchers have Taipale and Mikael Niku from the EMBL” on the Laboratory’s web pages for given new genes short but informative University of Helsinki have collected the the schedule. names that try to describe the function of the good, the bad, and the ugly of gene names, gene or the mutant phenotype. For example, together with the stories behind them. The The first ever Kinderhaus Christmas Bazaar will take place on Wednesday, white flies have white eyes, and hairless mice site also includes links to other webpages December 17, from 3-6 pm in the Operon are bald. But what happened to this good old containing interesting tidbits of information. Foyer. In the past the Kinderhaus staff common sense with gene names such as The website is comprehensible to non-scien- have invited parents up for an afternoon ANTIKEVORKIAN and mothers against decapenta- tists and hardcore Drosophila geneticists of coffee and cakes and Christmas carol plegic? Names range from the witty, peculiar, alike. Check it out at singing, but this year they’ve decided to amusing, imaginative, and funny to the far- http://tinman.vetmed.helsinki.fi venture into something new. EMBL kids – together with some help from their teach- EMBL alumni: looking for great PhD students? ers and parents – will be making Each year EMBL’s International PhD Pro- If you are an EMBL alumnus/a and are Christmas decorations, which will be available for purchase. Talented parents gramme receives hundreds of applications interested in great predoc candidates not will also bring in some of their handi- from students around the world. Candidates selected to take part in EMBL’s programme, work. EMBL staff are invited to stop by, who make it through a first selection round fill out the form available at www.embl.de/ and have a Glühwein and join in on the are invited to the Lab for interviews. They alumni/aadownloads/aaphd03.pdf and re- are a gifted and motivated bunch – but Christmas spirit. turn it to the EMBL International PhD Pro- unfortunately not all of them can make it gramme office by the end of February 2004. And the winner is... The EMBO Award into EMBL’s Programmme. What to do with for Communication in the Life Sciences Completed forms will be distributed to the surplus of outstanding candidates? 2003 goes to Hungarian scientist Peter interested PhD candidates, who can then get Many of them may well be interested in Csermely. The Award recognizes this sci- doing their predoctoral studies in the labora- in touch with alumni group leaders directly. entist for his outstanding initiative to net- tories of EMBL alumni. And here is where For more information, contact Sarah work high school students and the EMBL Alumni Association can help. Sherwood at [email protected]. researchers in Hungary and other Eastern European countries. The prize, consisting The doctor is in... Occupational health service at EMBL of €5,000 and a handcrafted silver and gold medal, was awarded on November Maria Faden, a physician from the Institut If you have questions related to health in the 14 during the EMBO/EMBL joint confer- für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin of the workplace, stop by and see Dr. Faden in the ence on Science and Society, "Genetics, University of Heidelberg, is available for First Aid room (305) opposite switchboard determinism and human freedom" in consultation at EMBL Heidelberg every (schedule available from Corinna Gorny in Heidelberg (see page 6). Csermely is other Friday from 10 to 11 am. This service is the Safety Office) or send her an email Professor for Biochemistry at the part of EMBL’s occupational health coverage ([email protected]). Semmelweis University in Budapest, that has been provided by the institute since Please note that she cannot provide a service Hungary. www.embo.org/press/ 2000. as your personal doctor. silver_medal2003.html FAQs from the personnel section Changes in procedure leave card for 2003. We will update our Dear Editor, What happens when my personal circum- records and the remaining leave entitlement I couldn't help but notice that some informa- stances change? will be shown on your next salary statement. tion published in the October issue of How do I claim reimbursement of travel EMBL pays allowances and provides health EMBL&cetera was misleading. With regard to related expenses? insurance cover for your dependents. Your the broken tooth issue (point 5 in the top 10 Council changed the rules for payment of entitlements to these are affected by changes things newcomers should know), the 2 year subsistence allowances with effect from July waiting list doesn't apply to dental prosthesis in family circumstances. Please tell us if you 2003. The daily rate depends on the length of – it applies only to dental treatment. Even then marry or have a baby. We also need to know absence and whether you receive lunch or a minimum of 80% is paid up to a maximum of if your child continues in full-time education dinner without extra cost to yourself. Please EUR 1,200- over 24 months + 2 checkups per after the age of 18. remember to submit your claim within three annum at 100% reimbursement! However, What must I do to take a leave of absence? months. It helps us to process the payment there is a 6 month waiting list for dental pros- You need to obtain approval for holiday or more quickly if you complete all the parts of thesis (crowns, bridges etc.), thereafter 80% is the form. special leave from your supervisor in covered up to a maximum of EUR 5,000- over advance. Complete the leave request and Further guidance and forms for these and 24 months. send it to us with the signature of the super- other procedures are now available at Kind regardth, visor before you go. Please return your old www.embl.de/LocalInfo/personnel/ Don McPhee from Intermedexth For questions about this or any other topic, email Annabel at [email protected] EMBL&cetera Issue 18 - December 2003 people @ EMBL Who’s new? Hatice Akarsu (Mattaj), Angela Burro Silke Schumacher is the new EMBL Cooperation Manager. She (LAR), Sandra Claude-Münster will facilitate and manage external and internal collaborations, (Steinmetz), Bernard De Bono (Birney), such as partnerships with other European institutes like the Marco Donizelli (Rebholz-Schuhmann), Partnership for Structural Biology (PSB) in Grenoble and the Klaus Greger (Stelzer), Filip Glavan Partnership in Marine Molecular Biology with the Sars (Conti), Claudia Jenewein (Kinderhaus), International Centre in Bergen. She’ll also work on new partner- Christina Kiel (Serrano), Nicola Kerrison ships. She will take an active role in EMBL’s participation in the (Thornton), Jyoti Khadake (Apweiler), EIROforum, and will also work closely with scientists and senior Christian Klasen (Transgenic Service), Cleopatra Kozlowski (Nédélec),Melanie management to help develop the new EMBL Centres (see the story Kunath (Kinderhaus), Georg on page 2 for more). Silke joins the lab after having spent almost three years as the Managing Kustatscheri (Ladurner), Enrique Lara Director of Anadys Pharmaceuticals Europe GmbH, Heidelberg. (Rosenthal), Celine Maeder (Knop), Silvia Marteles Moreno (Course & Nicolas Le Novère is a new Group Leader at EMBL-EBI. Nicolas Conference Office), Lukas Neidhart obtained his PhD in 1998 in the team of Jean-Pierre Changeux at (Ephrussi), Cecile Otten (Nédélec), the Pasteur Institute, where he studied the nicotinic receptors of Papadaki Piyi (Ephrussi), Andrea the brain. During this schizophrenic period, one cerebral hemi- Quintero (Cohen), Mehrnoosh Rayner sphere controlled the hand with the pipette, while the other strug- (DG’s Office), Andrew Riddell (Core gled with the hand on the keyboard. As a treatment, Nicolas spent Facilities), Ekaterina Semenova (Rosenthal), Anja Seybert (Geerlof), Silke a full computational postdoc in the team of Dennis Bray at the Schumacher (DG Office), Laila Staali University of Cambridge, where he was introduced to the marvels (Griffiths), Selene States (OIPA), James of Computational Systems Biology applied to bacterial chemo- Torrance (Thornton), Yevhen Vainshtein taxis. After two years of relapse in his former split personality, as a research fellow of the (Hentze), Jishy Varghese (Cohen), Amy french CNRS, he will try again to gather himself as one, developing Computational Systems Vernimont (Membrane Fusion Group, Biology of the Neuron. Grenoble), Andrea Washington (Course & Conference Office)

Faculty appointments: Matthew Groves is a new Staff Scientist at the Hamburg Outstation. events If you need help with flow cytometry, never fear, Andy’s here! Andy Riddell joined EMBL’s @EMBL Scientific Core Facilities group in October to carry on the flow cytometry legacy of Ann Atzberger and Robert Ventzki to provide instruments and services to help EMBL researchers 16 December 2003 analyze and sort cells labeled with a variety of fluorescent dyes, and to sort live Drosophila EMBL Heidelberg, room 215 embryos. Andy joins the lab after four years at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research Science and Society Reading Club: and the Hutchison/MRC Research Center in the UK. For more information on cytometry “Zen and the art of scooping” techniques and assays, e-mail Andy at [email protected]. 17 December 2003 EMBL Heidelberg, Operon Foyer Martina Muckenthaler, a staff scientist in Matthias Hentze’s group, will leave EMBL in Kinderhaus Christmas Bazaar January 2004 to take up a professorship at the University of Heidelberg. Luckily she won’t 13-15 February 2004 disappear – she’ll be part of the EMBL/Heidelberg University Molecular Medicine EBI Hinxton Partnership Unit and will continue to work closely with EMBL researchers. What's all the fuss about genomes? A practical workshop for biology teachers awards, honours For more events, see &cetera www.embl.de/ExternalInfo/todayAtEmbl/ Luis Serrano, coordinator of EMBL’s Structural and Computational Biology Programme has been awarded a European Union’s Marie Curie Excellence award. The €50,000 prize is one of five awarded to top researchers who, with the aid of EU Marie Curie fellowships and grants, achieve significant research breakthroughs. The award was presented by European Research commissioner Philippe Busquin as part of the Marie Curie Week (3-15 November). the EMBL&cetera The MC Excellence Awards are one of the novelties of the €20 billion 6th EU Research Framework Program and aim to boost the career of world-class researchers by contributing team wish to their international recognition. Luis’ research project focuses on “Design of Biological sys- tems to improve quality of life.” For more information, see you and yours http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/news/headline20_en.html a safe and The EBI's Rolf Apweiler has been voted “Database doyen” in Genome Technology's 2003 All Stars Awards. An All Stars academy of 101 leaders in the field of genomics was responsible happy holiday! for the selection.

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