Hot Off the Press EMBL’S Scientific Productivity Is Rising with the Temperature, with Developments and Discoveries Coming Thick and Fast

The Newsletter of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory

EMBL Issue 69 • June 2012 • www.embl.org/newsletter etcetera Hot off the press EMBL’s scientific productivity is rising with the temperature, with developments and discoveries coming thick and fast

Ground breaking

The earth moved for EMBL-EBI on 13 June, when Director Janet Thornton Atlas of RNA-binding proteins, page 4 took to the wheel of a digger to officially begin construction of a new Technical Hub on the Genome Campus. The new facility, which will house some 200 staff, has been made possible by a £75m grant from the UK government for the expansion of EMBL-EBI and in support of its role in ELIXIR, the nascent research infrastructure for life science data. See page 3 Shell-shocked scientists, page 4 Locating the brain’s ground zero, page 5

The big question Scientists from across EMBL’s five sites give their views on the questions they would most like answered in modern biology...

What makes humans human? How do cells sense where they should go? When will we map the entire human proteome? Some questions are currently beyond even the finest minds on the planet, but that doesn’t stop EMBL’s scientists wanting to find the answer. Learn about the questions occupying thoughts and daydreams in the lab. Find out Read more more on onpage page 6 7

Butterfly’s Fingers Xed for Putting alumni Top tips from genetic project proposal on the map Grants Services 6 secrets 2 8 10 Light at the end of the tunnel XFEL issues a Call for Expressions MAR of Interest for 2011 The dream of an integrated Biology Infrastructure Life Science Facility at contributing to the the European XFEL project in Hamburg is one step closer to realisation. European XFEL

Victor Lamzin, deputy head of EMBL Ham- “The use of XFEL will revolutionise the In cooperation with the XFEL burg, is coordinating a project to construct, way scientists visualise biological events, at directorate, EMBL – together with collaborating laboratories from Russia, commission, and operate a Biology Infra- the level of large complexes and sub-cellular JUNE Germany, Sweden, and Denmark – 2011 structure Life Science Center (XBI) at the Eu- components, as well as their dynamics and submits an Expression of Interest ropean XFEL project. XFEL – an X-ray Free processes, and will open up a world of new for a biology infrastructure at XFEL Electron Laser currently under construction and exciting research opportunities to the in Hamburg – is a fourth-generation photon biological community,” says Victor. EMBL presents the source with high flux coherent radiation, fine The nature of modern structural biology ex- XBI project to the XFEL pulse structure and peak brilliance orders of periments, and the fragility and short life span SAC. The project is SEPT magnitude higher than that of third genera- of many samples, mean the ability to prepare, warmly received and 2011 tion synchrotrons. analyse, and interpret experiments in im- EMBL is encouraged to submit a full proposal mediate proximity to the XFEL instruments is Taking the initiative essential. The project will develop a dedicated infrastructure to support this. The construction The XBI project was recommended for of the network implementation at the XFEL Council meeting of tunnels, which total nearly 5.8 in June and follows the signing of a Memoran- kilometres in dum of Understanding by EMBL and XFEL in length, is now XFEL © European September 2011 as a basis for future collabora- completed tions. Both institutes are situated on the DESY campus, together with the storage ring PETRA III, the free-electron laser FLASH, the Centre Submission of MAR for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), and the full XBI project 2012 proposal A conference organised by the Initia- Centre for free-electron laser science (CFEL). tive for Science in Europe (ISE) has EMBL is also collaborating in a complemen- brought leading scientific minds tary project with Henry Chapman (CFEL, “Use of XFEL will DESY), in developing instrumentation for together with policy makers from the revolutionise the way European Commission, European Par- serial femtosecond crystallography and single- particle imaging at XFEL.“The underlying scientists visualise liament and member states to consider biological events” how science policy can better serve the international and inter-institutional activities interests of the scientific community. will make XBI the world’s premier centre in – Victor Lamzin XFEL biological imaging”, Victor adds. Issues discussed at the meeting, which featured participants from EMBL and EMBO, included the The State of things promotion of transnational collaborations, calls for understanding of the Collaboration and cooperation were distinct challenges faced by different high on the agenda as EMBL representa- disciplines, and how scientists can be tives visited Iceland and Luxembourg to more effectively involved across all meet with politicians and scientists. stages of the policy making process. In Iceland, a delegation including ISE is an independent platform of Director General Iain Mattaj, Director of learned societies and scientific organisa- EMBL-EBI Janet Thornton, and Director tions, including EMBL, which aims to of International Relations Silke Schum- support all fields of science at a Euro- acher, met with representatives from pean level, and promote the involvement human genetics organisation DeCODE, of scientists in political decision-making. leading data centre Verve Global, and “While more and more different fund- the University of Iceland. They discussed ing schemes emerge at a European level, opportunities for closer involvement one of the key priorities highlighted at in initiatives such as the Nordic-EMBL the meeting is that we need to reduce Partnership for Molecular Medicine, and the complexity of the research funding the European Life Science Infrastructure and the University of Luxembourg. They system for individual researchers,” says for Biological Information (ELIXIR). discussed how interactions between EMBL Wolfgang Eppenschwandtner, executive In Luxembourg, Iain and Silke joined and the Luxembourg scientific community coordinator of ISE. “Bringing together EMBL Unit heads Peer Bork and Lars could be intensified. Two collaborative such high profile people from science Steinmetz in meeting representatives from research projects are to be led by Peer and and policy is an important step in real- the Ministry for Higher Education and Lars together with scientists from the Lux- ising this goal.” Research, the National Research Fund, embourg Centre for Systems Medicine.

2 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 ‘Get new ideas for your research’ The EMBO Meeting chairs look ahead to the conference in Nice, 22–25 September

What to expect EC: The EMBO Meetingcovers a wide range of topics – you can hear some of the very best researchers from Europe and abroad talking about your favourite subject. But it is also an opportunity to hear about different fields, some that you may not be very familiar with, which provides the opportunity to get new ideas for your own research. Personal highlights “Hear from some of the “Oxygen sensing and “Talk to as many JP: The session on oxygen sensing and best researchers from vasculogenesis is a people as you can vasculogenesis – this is a fascinating area. Europe and abroad” fascinating area” about your research” This session features three outstanding – Elena Conti – Jacques Pouysségur – Julie Ahringer speakers: Peter Carmeliet has been prolific in making knock-out mice for various of angiogenesis; Kari Alitalo has identified EC: My personal highlight is the plenary molecules, which has helped to build a and characterised many of the molecules session on RNA biology: Elisa Izaurralde very comprehensive picture of the biology that will stimulate the migration of cells will talk about gene silencing by microRNAs; and the formation of blood capillary David Tollervey will report on how he ap- networks, crucial events that are needed proaches the problem of intricate networks of for angiogenesis; and Anne Eichmann, protein complexes and protein RNA interac- who is fascinated by specialised endothelial tions with the help of mathematical models; cells called tip-cells, and how they lead to and Rob Singer will discuss technologies that vascular patterning. are now used to follow an RNA molecule in living cells at the single molecule level and to JA: The sessions on chromatin and RNA look at dynamics in vivo. Budget commitment biology are going to be real highlights as it’s signals start of ELIXIR an exciting time for these areas of research. Advice for young scientists We are just starting to scratch the surface of JA: Talk to as many people as you can about understanding how chromatin is regulated your research. Science is about discovery, The second meeting of the interim in transcription and other nuclear events, but integral to that is communicating your ELIXIR Board delivered an important and also in trying to understand how RNA findings to others; bring a poster and talk step in realising the project, as repre- is regulated in post-transcriptional and to people at and outside of poster sessions. sentatives from member states voted transcriptional events. www.the-embo-meeting.org unanimously to support the proposed three-year budget. ELIXIR is a pan-European initiative Hinxton hub is ground-breaking to operate a sustainable research infrastructure for managing and safeguard- The sun shone on a ground-breaking Guests at the ceremony included repre- ing biological information in Europe, ceremony in Hinxton on 13 June, when sentatives of Oxford Archaeology East, who with the hub located at EMBL-EBI. To construction of a new building was of- presented an exhibition of artefacts from the date, 11 member states are signatories ficially kicked off by EMBL-EBI Director site discovered over the past 20 years. of a Memorandum of Understanding Janet Thornton, working a digger! Staff to catalyse its implementation; the gathered on the plaza, while senior scien- agreement commits funds calculated tists and funders in hard-hats waited in individually for each of the countries vain for their turn to work the machine. on the basis of GDP. The new EMBL-EBI facility, made possible This commitment to funding, agreed by a £75m grant from the UK government, before the end of the project’s prepara- will house around 200 staff. Among the day’s tory phase, distinguishes ELIXIR speakers were Alf Game of the Biotechnolo- as the first European infrastructure gy and Biological Sciences Research Council project of this scale to get under way (BBSRC), Chris Tredget of capital works within such a short timeframe. The company Willmott Dixon, and Mark Green, initial budget will enable the recruit- Head of Administration at EMBL-EBI. ment of dedicated staff, including a “We are at the beginning of a new era in founding director and key technical biological information,” says Janet. “This specialists, with a view to commencing new building is where it will start, and its the planning of the project’s complex success will depend entirely on the people Digging it! Janet, joined by BBSRC guests, EMBL- technical implementation. who go in it – the staff.” EBI colleagues, and Willmott Dixon’s Chris Tredget

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 3 It’s not only the temperature that’s been rising in recent weeks around EMBL sites: one of EMBL’s barometers of scientific productivity, the Press Office, has been working up a sweat communicating a deluge of fascinating discoveries from across the Laboratory. Here’s just a selection of the great work going on. For more information on these and other exciting developments, visit www.embl.org/press

Titan helps reveal shape-shifting shell

Research led by scientists at EMBL has – which includes scientists from the Briggs and uncovered for the first time the detailed Sachse groups at EMBL Heidelberg, and the structure of the shell that surrounds the ge- Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague – netic material of retroviruses, such as HIV, were able to investigate which parts of the key when they are still being formed. proteins stick together to build the immature Retroviruses are made up of genetic shell. These turned out to be very different material encased in a protein shell, which is from the parts that build the mature shell. in turn surrounded by a membrane. After The finding, which has been a long-running a virus enters a target cell (one of the cells goal in the Briggs group, made use of the new in our immune system in the case of HIV), Titan Krios transmission electron micro- the virus replicates, producing copies of scope at EMBL Heidelberg. “We were not itself, each of which has to be assembled able to solve the structure with conventional from a medley of viral and cellular compo- image analysis. But when we applied our new nents to make the immature virus. image processing approach to data from the “All the necessary components are brought new microscope, we suddenly saw a clear together within the host cell to form the structure – it was a fantastic moment,” says immature virus, which then has to mature Tanmay Bharat, predoc in the Briggs group. into a particle that’s able to infect other cells. The research, published in Nature in June, We found that when it does, the changes could in the long-term have implications for to the virus’ shell are more dramatic than drug development, and understanding the life expected,” says group leader John Briggs. cycle of these viruses. As a retrovirus matures, the two parts of its shell protein (red and blue or yellow and blue) By using a combination of electron micros- / A video of the work is available at: dramatically rearrange themselves, twisting and copy and computer-based methods the team www.youtube.com/emblmedia moving away from each other

Remapping the cell Molecular mechanisms In a story that might draw comparisons of kidney disease to Christopher Columbus’ search for Scientists at EMBL Hamburg have India and instead coming across America, published new data in PLoS Biology that research led by scientists at EMBL Heidel- could become useful in improving treat- berg could help explain the role of genes ments of certain types of kidney disease. that have been linked to diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, and cancer. Krisztian Fodor, a postdoc in the Wilmanns group, studied the structure When the team set out to find enzymes of an enzyme, which – if a mutation that bind to RNA, they came across 300 pro- prevents it from folding properly – can teins previously unknown to bind to RNA lead to irreversible kidney damage. By – more than half as many as were already studying the structure of the enzyme known to do so. Almost 50 of the proteins (known as AGT) in complex with its found are encoded by genes known to be receptor molecule, the research showed mutated in patients suffering from various that the receptor can only recognise diseases. The finding raises new possibili- tory, so many of these RNA-binding proteins AGT if it is properly folded. ties for researchers to investigate, such as the to be discovered.” “The crystal structure and data from prospect that such conditions could be caused The work, published in Cell in May, meant in vivo experiments show just how im- by a malfunction in those proteins’ ability to Alfredo Castello in the Hentze group and portant a properly folded AGT protein bind to and control RNA. Bernd Fischer in the Huber group, working is for targeting”, explains Krisztian. “Unlike Columbus, we found what we were with colleagues in the Krijgsveld and other “Even minor differences prevent it looking for: well-known enzymes that bind to groups at EMBL as well as at other institutes, from being recognised and transported RNA,” says Matthias Hentze, group leader and had to develop a new method to identify to where it needs to go in the cell.” Associate Director of EMBL. “But we never and isolate all proteins that bind to RNA in thought there was so much unexplored terri- living cells.

4 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 The brain’s emergency service Scientists in the Peri group at EMBL further and further away, thanks to the Heidelberg have uncovered how the brain’s neurotransmitter glutamate, also released by own emergency response system reacts to a the injured neurons. The glutamate causes a distress call from dying cells that is transmit- wave of calcium-swallowing, which in turn ted throughout the brain. The finding could makes neurons release ATP. When this wave have implications in the study of neurode- comes within reach, a microglia cell detects generative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. ATP and takes it as a call to action – es- Their research, published in Developmen- sentially tracing the wave backwards until it tal Cell in May, shows how cells known as reaches the injury. microglia scan the brain for damage and “Considering that they help keep our brain migrate to an injury site to mop up dead healthy, we know surprisingly little about cells and other cellular debris. microglia,” says Francesca Peri, who led the The group used lasers to destroy small work. “Now, for the first time, we’ve identi- numbers of neurons in a zebrafish em- fied the mechanism that allows microglia to bryo – which has a transparent brain – and detect brain injury, and how that emergency watched under the microscope as microglia call is transmitted from neuron to neuron.” migrated to the injury site. The team believe the findings could The scientists discovered that the distress implicate calcium waves as targets for drug treatments – for instance a drug could Microglia responding to an injury-induced Ca2+ call, in the form of adenosine triphosphate wave in the zebrafish brain (an assembly of (ATP), isn’t just emitted by the injured potentially stop microglia in their tracks, or confocal images showing blood vessels in blue, neurons. Instead, it is sent out by neurons reroute their migration. microglia in red and Ca2+ signalling in green)

Investing in shares Three years ago, Christophe Dessimoz of Using data derived from tens of thou- EMBL-EBI and his colleagues at the Swiss sands of scientific articles, the researchers Institute of Bioinformatics set out to do analysed 400 000 pairs of genes (orthologs a quick computational project compar- and paralogs) from 13 different spe- ing the similarity of orthologs (genes in cies and compared the two approaches. different species that have evolved from An astute reviewer of their initial work a common ancestral gene) and paralogs pointed to a bias in the public data that no (imperfect copies of genes within a spe- one had noticed before. Addressing that cies). Now, after a lengthy but revealing observation ultimately led to clear evi- study, the group has confirmed the long- dence supporting the ortholog conjecture held conjecture that studying the genes that genes we share with other species are we share with other animals is a viable more likely to have similar functions than means of extrapolating information about genes that first rose as ‘extra’ copies within human biology. our own genome. Wolf canine teeth – orthologs of human teeth – can provide scientists with useful information about our own teeth that we might not learn from our paralog genes

Bacteria look after their favourite genes Life in the fast lane

Mutations create changes in the genome the genome, suggesting that cells are capable Just two-and-a-half hours after concep- that can give rise to much of the variety we of shielding important genes from mutations tion, a tiny fruit fly embryo is bustling with see among species and individuals within a that could disrupt their function. activity. Using a new microscope designed species. Evolutionary biologists have long There is evidence from studies of cancer by Uros Krzic in the Hufnagel group, assumed that mutations occur randomly genomes suggesting that similar mechanisms EMBL scientists have produced a remark- and that any detrimental changes are purged may operate in the development of cancer. able video showing how, over the next 20 by natural selection. But a recent paper in Nick Luscombe, who led the research, says: hours, the embryo develops into a larva. Nature from researchers in EMBL-EBI’s “If we can identify the proteins involved and / Nearly 12 000 viewers have watched Luscombe Group clearly shows that muta- uncover how this works, we will be even this compelling film, join them at tion rates are far from random – cells can closer to understanding how mutations that www.youtube.com/emblmedia actually control mutation rates to protect lead to diseases like cancer can be prevented.” valuable regions of the genome. Later this year, the Luscombe lab will be The researchers looked at the degree of leaving the EBI and moving to University randomness in mutation rates across the College London and the Cancer Research UK genomes of 34 strains of E. coli bacteria. They London Research Institute. His group will were surprised to find that crucial genes be one of the first joining the newly formed mutate at a much slower rate than the rest of Francis Crick Institute when it opens in 2015.

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 5 Butterfly genome reveals promiscuous past

The genome of the Postman butterfly, to the protection of crops and beneficial Heliconius melpomene, has been se- species. “With the inclusion of Heliconius quenced by a team including researchers melpomene, Ensembl Genomes now has at EMBL-EBI, published online in three lepidopteran species, including the Nature in May. silk moth Bombyx The sequencing data showed that mori and the Mon- Heliconius species share a genetic signal arch butterfly Danaus in the regions of the genome that control plexippus. This will be a boon to scientists pattern formation, indicating that an working to understand aspects of basic exchange of genes has allowed them biology that have applications in to ‘copy’ advantageous features of each agriculture. For example, it will other’s wing patterns. greatly facilitate the design of rational, new control According to Dan Lawson of EMBL- measures that target EBI, the implications of this type of agricultural pest species research go beyond understanding the without harming hybridisation and introgression associ- beneficial ones.” ated with mimicry in these butterflies © Chris Jiggins, courtesy of the University Cambridge

Shedding light on metabolism New EMBO Members MetaboLights is a new database that under various conditions. It also allows ready The outstanding contribution of EMBL- provides open access to information from cross-referencing between experiments. Easy EBI Associate Directors, Rolf Apweiler studies into metabolism – the crucial access to metabolic data will be useful for and Ewan Birney, and alumni Cosima chemical processes in cells that allow studies ranging from assessing the toxicity of Baldari, Andreas Ladurner, Michael organisms to grow, reproduce, respond to chemical compounds through to discovering Sattler, and Thomas Surrey, to the life their environment, and more. metabolites that can potentially be used as sciences was recognised in May with the For the first time, MetaboLights provides a ‘biomarkers’ to diagnose disease. award of life-long EMBO memberships. comprehensive, cross-species, cross-platform The MetaboLights portal is a joint project They are among 55 scientists who resource that combines reference data on between Christoph Steinbeck’s team at were last week elected as new mem- metabolites, information about their oc- EMBL-EBI and the UK’s MRC Human bers, from 17 different countries. In currence and differences in concentration Nutrition Research (led by Jules Griffin). total, EMBO membership now com- between species, organs, tissues and cell types www.ebi.ac.uk/metabolights prises almost 1550 life scientists in the international scientific community. “Our members are the basis for the excellent international reputation of EMBO and its increasingly global orientation. We welcome this group of exceptional scientists and look forward to their fresh input and ideas,” says EMBO Director Maria Leptin. The latest members represent a broad cross-section of the life sciences and come from 17 different countries. EMBO Members provide scientific input such as acting on advisory Careering forward in bioinformatics editorial boards of the four scientific journals of the organisation, serving EMBL-EBI and the German Cancer Re- on selection committees for EMBO search Center (DKFZ) welcomed around Programmes, and giving general ad- 80 early-career scientists to the first Bioin- vice to the scientific community. formatics Career Day held at the DKFZ in Heidelberg in May. The programme included 15 speakers from EMBL-EBI, EMBL, DKFZ and industry presenting their career paths and sharing tips on how to succeed in bioinformatics. Katrina Pavelin from EMBL-EBI and Barbara Organisers Barbara Janssens and Katrina Janssens from the DKFZ co-organised and Pavelin, with Sandra Orchard, EMBL-EBI co-hosted the event. For more information, Proteomics Services Team Coordinator see: www.ebi.ac.uk/training/careerday

6 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 question&answer

So much more to know...

Every year, EMBL researchers answer thousands of fundamental questions that cover the spectrum of molecular biology. But what are the ‘big’ questions that those working in the lab would love to find the answer to? Here, scientists from across EMBL’s sites offer their thoughts.

How do cells sense where they should go? From bacteria that follow a glucose source to neurons that follow a morphogen gradient, cells have developed mechanisms to pick a trail that is to their benefit. Although much is already known about the molecules that retract and repel, the way cells follow the trail is still a mys- tery. The unravelling of these path-finding mechanisms will have many implications, they will further understanding in tumour biology, and may reveal how a beautiful mind emerges from a dazzling tangle of neurons. Rob Meijers, group leader, EMBL Hamburg

How does stress impact on our biology? We know that a stressful life can make a person more susceptible to diseases such as cancer. While researchers can study chemical stresses on the body such as that caused by smoking, it is increasingly recognised that mental stress can also have such adverse effects. How can we find the molecular or physiological source of this stress? How is it being produced in our system? Why does it make us more prone to diseases? Answering such questions is one of the biggest challenges in modern biology. Ozge Vargel, predoc, EMBL Monterotondo

What makes humans human? Humans are able to grasp, understand, and react to abstract concepts. Neither computers nor animals seem to be able to do that, or at least not to the extent humans can. So what is the difference between them and us? Since many genes are shared between us and other animals, especially vertebrates, is it their regulation that makes the difference? Might it be the network of neurons in our brain and their physical interaction? Is our consciousness just an emergent property of this complex network and we are not able yet to understand or simulate it properly? I am very curious to see how science will approach this question in the coming decades. Silvia Rohr, predoc, EMBL Heidelberg

When will we map the entire human proteome? The Human Genome Project has raised more questions than it has solved – even knowing the sequence of all 20 000 human genes doesn’t tell us how cells work. Structurally characterising the entire human proteome in its entirety – with all its differences between different kinds of cells – and a complete map of interaction networks, could enable us to take a step forward and understand deeper levels of biological complexity. Knowing the alphabet we managed to read the letter sequence, now we have to learn more about the rules underlying the words of one of the greatest books that Nature has written – the human genome. Piotr Gerlach, predoc, EMBL Grenoble

How do transcription factors work? Transcription factors, which influence the activities of many genes, are especially important during development. We have learned a great deal about the processes they regulate and, more recently, become very good at mapping where they form chemical bonds on DNA. However, we still understand little about exactly what they do to regulate transcription – the process in which genetic information stored in a strand of DNA is copied into a strand of RNA – and how such mechanisms vary from one factor to another. Learning more about this will help us better understand how gene expression is regulated and could lead to breakthroughs, for instance in gene therapy. Mikhail Spivakov, postdoc, EMBL-EBI

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 7 www.embl.org/alumni

Putting EMBL alumni on the (Google) map Mark your diaries

Former Sattler Group predoc, Phil Selenko, In fact, you can now search for alumni 30 June–1 July Dilofo, Ioannina was one of more than 800 alumni who by name, institute, city, or country on Alumni meeting – Greece participated in the EMBL alumni feedback the EMBL website. You’ll find all alumni Saturday, 30 June, 10:00–18:00 survey. His suggestion on how to best who are registered members of the EMBL Speaker: Christoph Müller utilise alumni resources was to create a EMBL Alumni Association, as well as a Host: Anastasia Politou Google map “to localise alumni around me link to their institute’s website, if provid- ... and don’t tell me that can’t be done.” ed. This much-requested feature received 5 July EMBL ATC, Heidelberg more than 200 positive responses within Phil’s challenge was accepted! A link to John Kendrew Award ceremony the map is now available on the alumni a week of being launched. Winners: Gáspár Jékely, Simone Weyand webpages via a map icon. Pins mark the Phil, now a group leader of the In-cell countries where EMBL alumni work, as NMR group at the Leibniz Institute of Mo- Presenter: Jochen Wittbrodt well as revealing further details on the lecular Pharmacology (FMP Berlin), has 6 July EMBL ATC, Heidelberg numbers of alumni in each country, and reviewed the map: “Nice start, well done!” listing the cities and institutes with the was his response. If you have further sug- Alumni Association Board Meeting largest alumni populations. From here gestions, get in touch: [email protected] Send your agenda items to alumni@ there is a direct link to the EMBL search embl.org engine, enabling users to browse a list of / The Google map is one of a number alumni by country and city, with links to of new features to enhance the alumni 7 July EMBL ATC, Heidelberg institute homepages. webpages, visit www.embl.org/alumni Staff-alumni meeting – Germany Organisers: Freddy Frischknecht and Mehrnoosh Rayner Followed by the EMBL Summer Party

24 September Acropolis, Nice Staff-alumni meeting – France at The EMBO Meeting

23 November EMBL Monterotondo Alumni Association Board Meeting Followed by staff-alumni event – Italy

For further details please visit the EMBL Alumni Association website www.embl.org/alumni or contact [email protected].

Greetings from Mount Doom

Last issue, EMBL alumni were invited to share their ‘views’ – quite literally! – by send- ing inspiring photos of life beyond EMBL. Chris Creevey, former postdoc from the Bork group at EMBL Heidelberg, contributed a stunning image from atop Mount Ngauruhoe on New Zealand’s North Is- land, famous for starring as ‘Mount Doom’ in the Lord of the Rings movies. This awe-inspiring spot was close to where Chris, now a lecturer in computational biology at Teagasc (the Irish Agri- culture and Food Development Authority), spent three months on a research exchange with AgResearch, in Palmerston North.

8 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 EMBL exports to Greece

Training young scientists – alumni help spread the word

At the alumni meeting in Greece last “Without EMBL alumna Zoe Lygerou, “It was rewarding to work with such year, participants enquired about training who established the contact, I might never cutting edge technology, and to benefit opportunities for young Greek research- have known about this opportunity,” says from the expertise of the Gene Core ers at EMBL. Director of Core Facilities Chris (pictured), who is now back at the technicians who did their best to share and Services Christian Boulin encour- University of Patras, continuing his Mas- their knowledge and experience.” aged them to spread the word amongst ter’s thesis on the role of DNA replication After completing the data interpreta- young researchers inhibitor, Geminin, in hematopoiesis. tion of his microarray experiments, in their groups and “The experience enabled me to continue Chris plans to move into regenerative networks to apply to my research more efficiently and produc- medicine – a field based on molecular the EMBL Visitor tively. I trained on DNA microarray experi- biology that uses stem cell research with Programme. And so ments under the supervision of Vladimir the aim of eventually benefiting patients. it was that Chris Pa- Benes, Head of the Genomics Core Facility, padimitriou visited and learnt the methods and techniques for / The next alumni meeting in Greece the EMBL Genomics performing a successful experiment from takes place 30 June in Dilofa, attend- Core Facility for beginning to end. I also started analysis ed by Joint Head of the Structural three-months’ train- and interpretation of the microarray data and Computational Biology Unit, ing earlier this year. using bioinformatics tools. Christoph Müller.

From keyboard to quay-side in Crete

Lowering a handheld device over the side EMBL Heidelberg. “There has been a lot of of the boat, EMBL alumnus and bioin- progress in areas such as literature mining, formatician Evangelos Pafilis calls out to information visualisation, and network principal investigator Christos Arvanitidis analysis over the past few years. This has to bring up the previous sample in the sun- presented exciting challenges, for instance drenched bay. His team, based at the Hel- following up samples with sequencing and lenic Centre of Marine Research in Greece, population studies to compare different study marine biodiversity and genomics in environments at the molecular level. We are the East Mediterranean. currently studying remediation techniques for petroleum pollution in three different At sea ports around the Mediterranean. Other Today, they are working as part of an studies, such as in metagenomics, focus initiative to monitor pollution in tourist on the function of different organisms in port areas in Crete. Other days might samples taken.” involve connecting with local fishermen to understand the macro- and micro-organisms Citizen science residing in the Amvrakikos Gulf, or engaging Involvement in scientific outreach projects members of the public in dive trips to record has brought fresh dynamics to the research, populations of local marine animals. enabling members of the public to contribute “Our field studies are a great opportunity to first-hand to science. “Participants are come away from the computer for a few days interested in diving and seeing the animals and get closer to nature,” Evangelos explains. with their own eyes, and in understanding “We study different environments and we more about the local marine ecology,” Courtesy of Thanos Dailianis can learn a lot about the health of different Evangelos explains. “We also speak to ecosystems. By working together with local people at the institute’s aquarium about how fishery communities and authorities, we can our research areas interconnect, organise also propose measures that can be taken to workshops, and mobilise student researchers improve the environment – it is science that to adopt the new research methods that we is really applicable to local society groups.” are developing.” Evangelos’ main objective – mining litera- Fresh thinking ture and developing interfaces to bridge gaps The rise of genomics has opened up between genetics, environmental parameters, tantalising opportunities to recast problems and biodiversity – has clear parallels to in fields connected to biodiversity, such hands-on fieldwork. “There are lots of con- as ecology, as challenges in computational nections between fishing out samples from biology. “Our aim is to link information the sea and digging out information from da- from several layers – from genes all the tabases,” he says. “I’m learning a lot, applying Top to bottom: Evangelos and Christos out on way up to ecosystems,” says Evangelos, many skills gained during my time at EMBL the water; the citizen-scientist project in action; who did his PhD in the Schneider lab at – the work is fascinating and inspirational.” Kostas, a local fisherman in Amvrakikos Gulf

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 9 toptips Grant applications Among the great mysteries of science you might count the biological basis of consciousness, or the existence of alien life… but niggling at the mind of many hardened researchers is the perennial question: ‘how do I write a successful grant application?’ On hand to help solve this great enigma is Grants Services, based in Heidelberg, which offers support for all EMBL staff in grant-related matters. The team recently expanded with two new members – Sonja Noss and Virginia Otón – who join Jill Rowe and service head, Phil Irving. Each member is responsible for a particular EMBL unit and outstation. In the first of a series of ‘top tips’, they give some handy Helping to put the ‘fun’ back in funding applications, EMBL’s Grants Services: Phil, Jill, Sonja, and Virginia hints for successful grant applications:

Respect deadlines Creating a successful proposal Ask someone to check your application imposed by fund- depends on thorough preparation. and give constructive feedback, ideally a ing bodies (both date Develop a feasible timeline and be scientific peer or colleague (who is fluent and time) – these are realistic about how long it can take in the application language). to write and revise the application. absolutely inflexible. Prepare your applica- 3 1 tion well in advance. Don’t overlook the budget. A realistic Research the funder’s and well thought-out Carefully read the guidelines and take ‘philosophy’ and reflect 2 financial plan helps to note of any special instructions or clues for this in your application. create confidence in the content and formatting – this may seem Consider how to match proposal generally. your proposal to their tedious but will help avoid basic mistakes. requirements, mission, 5 and areas of interest. 6 It is EMBL policy that only group leaders may apply for research grants (individuals may apply for fellowships). In general, only the Director General, Administrative Director and 4 7 Head of Finance can sign contracts or grant agreements. Consider any ethical implications If in doubt, or for of your proposed research and be Remember, all applications must be more information, transparent about these in your ap- sent to Grants Services. They must get in touch with plication. Make sure you apply for receive a copy of the application at Grants Services at 8 necessary approvals in good time. 9 the latest on the submission date. 10 [email protected] A New World for hands-on EMBL-EBI training In March, EMBL-EBI training experts James Watson and Gabriella Rustici took the EBI’s training resources on their maiden voyage to South America, with hands-on workshops in Chile and Argentina.

Students from across South America gath- “The students were extremely keen and ered to find out more about EMBL-EBI and enthusiastic,” says Gabriella. “Bioinfor- to gain practical experience in resources matics in South America is on the rise relating to functional genomics, molecular and many people at the University talked interactions, enzymes, and proteomics. to us about establishing a stable training Workshops were hosted at the Interna- collaboration between Europe and Ar- tional Society for Computational Biology gentina, teaming up with the Asociación conference on Bioinformatics in Santiago, Argentina de Bioinformática y Biología the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Computacional (A2B2C),” she adds. “This Valparaiso, and the University of Buenos is an exciting opportunity and we hope Aires. Responses from participants were to be able to organise similar events in highly positive. Buenos Aires next year.”

10 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 Terrific tomography

This image from EMBL’s Electron Micros- copy Core Facility, published in Cell’s Current Biology, gives a 3D model of microtubule organising centres in cells, frozen at high- pressure and processed for EM-tomography analysis. The research gives insights into the development of the architecture and biochemical events required for meiosis in fission yeast. In the model, microtubules are green and the different coloured caps indicate the microtubule end structure. Spindle pole bodies are modelled in blue and lamellar bodies highlighted in black. The nuclear envelope is shown in pink, and the plasma membrane is shown in turquoise.

science&society

Our culture is based on our striving for immortality, but if we achieved this improb- able reality, the motor of civilisation would sputter and stop, writer Stephen Cave told the audience at EMBL Heidelberg during a Forum lecture in May. Here he considers some of the key points of his talk.

You argue that human culture is based on our striving for immortality. Could you The downside go into a bit more detail? Social psychologists have carried out of immortality many hundreds of experiments that aim to explore different aspects of our world-view, from patriotism to religion. So far, their re- What problems does this cause? speak to our generation. So we hear stories sults consistently support a thesis – known Firstly, it can bring science into disrepute if about how cryonics, nanotechnology, or as Terror Management Theory – that par- you promise things that you cannot deliver. digital technologies will help us somehow ticular aspects of our outlook are governed Secondly, it promotes a very black and white live forever. All of these are simply retellings by our need to manage our fear of death. view of the world, as we see in the endless of ancient myths of resurrection or an elixir In other words, our cultural, philosophical, stories of how this or that foodstuff “causes” of life. On the other hand, science also sheds and religious systems exist to promise or “cures” cancer. In reality, life is full of very light on the plausibility of these stories. Take us immortality. complex and nuanced decisions requiring the for instance the concept of the immortal soul: there are philosophical arguments against Every civilisation has had such systems. balancing of risks and probabilities. Finally, I this, but it is only recently that science, by al- They are embodied in the pyramids of believe it prevents us from leading a wise life lowing us to peer into the living brain, is also Egypt, the cathedrals of Europe, and it is – wisdom means recognising that our time is showing that this story is extremely implau- also a central part of what modern biology limited, and therefore that we have a reason to sible. Still, I do not expect to convert anyone and science is striving for. But, ultimately, make the most of it. If we believe we have all to scepticism – these immortality stories have we are not going to achieve immortality – the time in the world, we lose the impulse to deep roots – but I at least hope to help people and that is for the best. While most scientists get up in the morning and make the most of by putting their beliefs into a broader context. are sensible in the way they report results, the here and now. there are people out there – so called proph- Where does science fit in to all of this? / For details of upcoming lectures, and ets of our time – who are promising an elixir Science is the vocabulary in which we retell recording of past presentations, visit of life – and I think that is dangerous. these ancient immortality stories so that they www.embl.de/aboutus/science_society

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 11 Going for gold

Ahead of this summer’s Olympic games, participants at a conference organised by staff at EMBL-EBI discussed the science helping athletes to get their hands on medals. Genetics, physiology, nutrition, and psychology were the headline topics CommTogether at ‘Going for Gold: the Science behind Sporting Success’ on 10 May. EMBL’s communication experts are taking genetics and develop new drugs to fight part in a 2 million Euro project that brings fungal infections), as well as numerous Eu- Speakers included Alun Williams (Uni- together specialists from ten research in- ropean Research Council-funded projects versity of Manchester), who discussed stitutes across Europe to raise awareness of being carried out by EMBL scientists. if and how genetic difference impacts European-funded health research projects. A meeting, which took place at EMBL performance; Robert Gray (University The objective of CommHERE is to im- Heidelberg in May, was the second time of Birmingham), who considered how prove connections with the media, general teams from high-profile institutes includ- thought, perception, and movement can public, and other target groups by increas- ing EMBL, the Karolinska Institute, be the difference between success and ing communication activities on research Imperial College London, the Max Planck failure; and David Fletcher (Loughbor- through press releases, new media channels, Institute of Biochemistry, Inserm, and ough University), who told a personal and outreach activities. Another key aim is more, have convened together as part of story of near-Olympic success. to provide principle investigators with re- the three-year project. In the coming weeks The event stimulated lively and sources and incentives to promote commu- a set of media guidelines will be developed interactive discussions amongst the nication beyond the scientific community. to support public relations professionals 100-strong audience. “The evening pro- CommHERE will play a key role in en- and raise awareness of best practices. vided a thought-provoking look at the hancing communication on the outcomes “Thanks to EMBL’s expertise in establishing psychology and genetics of elite athletic of projects coordinated by EMBL, such an efficient and pertinent dialog with inter- performance,” says EMBL-EBI’s Paul as FLU-PHARM (to identify new drugs national science journalists, our team took Flicek, who chaired the event. against influenza), COMPLEX INC (to the lead in organising media relations for the To keep in touch with EMBL-EBI produce complex assemblies of biologi- whole CommHERE project,” says Lena Rad- science and society events, email Louisa cal compounds), and SYBARIS (to study itsch, Head of Communications at EMBL. Wood: [email protected].

Monsters or models? The use of animal-human chimeras as models for research was debated during a recent EMBL Forum lecture at EMBL Monterotondo,

Speaker Robin Lovell-Badge gave a National Institute for Medical Research, behind-the-scenes look at his role in explored advances in the field such as producing a report for a working group the generation of mice that carry an en- for the Academy of Medical Sciences tire human chromosome 21 as a model in the UK – which brought together for Down syndrome and the potential key stakeholders such as scientists, impact of a new EU directive on animal Left to right: Paul Flicek (moderator); Robert philosophers, ethicists, and members of research. He also took part in a lively Gray (intuitive learning), Alun Williams (genetic influences on performance) and the public to produce a position paper roundtable discussion with students on David Fletcher (sports psychology). on the issue. Robin, who works at the some of the key questions raised in the report relating to societal implications, engagement, and regulation. “It is really important for scientists to the situation becomes more restrictive and have a dialogue with the public and policy you may no longer be able to carry out the makers. If people do not understand the research,” Robin said. reason why you do what you do, it can / affect support for that – it might be that EMBL Monterotondo’s distinguished visitor lector series reached the end of a successful second year with presentations from Genevieve Almouzni (Institut Curie and CNRS) and Rudolf Jaenisch (Whitehead Institute and MIT) in April. The initiative, Robin (left) speaks coordinated by Sara Buonomo, brings to staff following leading life scientists to the outstation, the lecture at EMBL including Nobel laureates and winners Monterotondo of other major scientific prizes.

12 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 talkingpoint Andrew Robertson, coordinator of the EMBL International Centre for Advanced Training, delivered a lecture to staff from across EMBL sites during the Admin Assembly in May. The talk, which was part of a new initiative to enable staff to learn in depth about the work happening across EMBL departments and groups, gave an overview of external scientific training in the context of the overall EMBL mission, as well as introducing the people involved, key objectives, and deliver- ing an idea of the opportunities that lie ahead. His talk followed a presentation by joint head of the Genome Biology Unit, Lars Stein- metz, who identified topical issues relating to how the falling cost of genome sequencing could impact on everyday healthcare in the coming years. Both talks were warmly received and stimulated lively and informed discussion amongst the audience in the Large Operon at EMBL Heidelberg.

A HUB of activity GSK buys Cellzome The stereotype of the computer scientist Acquisition follows four years of successful collaboration between as a recluse hidden behind a screen Cellzome and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) couldn’t have been further from reality at an aptly named event in Heidelberg on 26 April. The first event in the HUB (Heidelberg Unseminars in Bioinformat- ics) series was indeed a buzzing hub of intellectual activity. Forty participants from 10 institutions around the city convened at Heidelberg University for an event that brought together scientists working in bioinformatics to debate and discuss a key theme: challenges for systems biology. The meeting, organised by people based at EMBL, EMBO, and other institutions in Heidelberg, gave participants the opportunity to take part in moder- ated discussions, or give five-minute ‘flash-talks’. Areas covered included collaborations between bench and com- Left: Gitte Neubauer, head of Cellzome. Right: The Cellzome labs in Heidelberg puter scientists and the role of bioinformatics in bringing about personalised In May, GSK bought EMBL’s spinout earlier in the development process. medicine. The event began with an in- drug discovery company Cellzome for Cellzome will be integrated into GSK’s troduction by Thomas Lemberger, Chief £61 million by acquiring the shares R&D organization but will retain its Editor of Molecular Systems Biology. in the company that it doesn’t already name and identity: ‘Cellzome, a GSK own (80%). company’. Gitte Neubauer, a founder of Anyone who wished to do so was the company is now leading Cellzome. invited to put forward suggestions in Cellzome, which was founded at the weeks leading up to the event and EMBL in May 2000, uses proteomics “This acquisition will allow us to use the evening concluded with participants technologies in early drug discovery our technology to tackle important proposing themes and discussion topics to assess drug interactions with target drug discovery challenges and at the for the next editions. These will soon be proteins in a setting which more closely same time expand our network of available for the community to expand represents that found in a whole bio- academic collaborations,” says Gitte, upon on the HUB wiki along with a logical system. This approach enables who is also an EMBL alumna.“We have summary of the first event’s discussion the development of selective drug always maintained the EMBL heritage sessions. http://hub-hub.de candidates and can allow scientists to of a high scientific reputation and this better pinpoint potential safety issues will continue also as part of GSK.”

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 13 sistersciences Finding maths where you least expect it: Eleanor Hayes speaks to Marcus du Sautoy

“I’ve got very sore feet this morning from Marcus believes that maths even affects how walking the tightrope.” Somehow, that doesn’t we perceive the world. “Most people think fit my stereotype of a mathematician – but that maths is about long division to lots of then I am talking to Marcus du Sautoy. As he decimal places. Really, though, a mathemati- says, “I’m keen to break down the stereotype cian is someone who looks at structure and of a mathematician: a social recluse hiding pattern – and in a sense that’s how everyone behind a beard. I haven’t got a beard, or glass- reads the world: we’re all mathematicians es, and I’m keen to get out there and show at heart. Part of my mission is to reveal to people that mathematicians aren’t weird.” people that if, for example, they love listening And he certainly does get out there. While to music, they are probably listening to it in a we’re talking, he’s being driven from the very mathematical way, spotting patterns and BBC in London, where he’s been discussing structures, bits that are similar but changed CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, to a planning – perhaps in a symmetrical way, having been meeting for the Wiltshire Music Festival. And turned upside down.” symmetry; viruses the day before he was at a circus school, film- are very often sym- ing a programme about how the human brain “Other sciences often rely on metrical in shape learns new skills. Hence the sore feet. mathematics to articulate their and that’s key Marcus clearly relishes being the professor discoveries and predictions” to why they’re of the public understanding of science at – Marcus du Sautoy virulent and Oxford University, UK. “It’s a hugely varied so strong.” job – making television programmes, doing Unsurprisingly, perhaps, symmetry is the While Galois radio interviews, giving lectures – and that’s focus of Marcus du Sautoy’s research. The did not have what I find so exciting about it.” focus in his book Finding Moonshine on time to reach Isn’t a mathematician an odd choice for the 19th century mathematician Évariste his full poten- the job, though? “Other sciences often rely Galois emphasises this. “He died in a duel tial, Marcus is unlikely on mathematics to articulate their discover- at the age of 20, perhaps over a lover,” says to be found dueling any time soon. And ies and predictions. As we speak, everyone’s Marcus, “but he’d already discovered so despite his exploits on the high wire, he feels getting excited about the announcement of many extraordinary things, including a way there are plenty more mathematical discov- potential evidence for the Higgs boson at of looking at symmetry very algebraically eries to come. “Maths is about forging into CERN, but the Higgs boson couldn’t have and linguistically. I’d love to go back in time the unknown and discovering something been predicted without mathematics. Maths and warn him not to fight that morning, and new and useful. And there are still a few is the language of science, so in some ways then spend that time with him discussing more conjectures I’d like to prove, to look having a mathematician as a professor for how he came to create the language we use back on and think ‘wow, I contributed to that the public understanding for science is the to understand symmetry. It is incredibly extraordinary edifice we call mathematics’.” best of all possible worlds.” He then adds, important across all of the sciences: crystal For more from Marcus, visit “but I would say that, wouldn’t I?” structures, for example, are all to do with www.scienceinschool.org

Ciao Bella! Clockwise from below: Farewell flowers for Nadia Rosenthal, at her leaving event at EMBL Monterotondo in May; Peter Gruss, President of the Max Planck Society, talks science and art; enjoying the evening’s entertainment, courtesy of EMBL’s in-house band; a gift from former students; reception in the EMBL Monterotondo courtyard

14 EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 EMBLinpictures

Claude Antony speaks to Spanish visitors EMBL’s own inhouse band, Black 6, The Wellcome Trust’s Elizabeth Murchison from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in perform at Nadia Rosenthal’s leaving receives the 2012 Eppendorf Award at a EMBL’s Electron Microscopy Core Facility event in Monterotondo ceremony at EMBL Heidelberg in May

Runners from the Molecular Medicine Girls’ Day brings 15 young women to EMBL Partnership Unit finish this year’s gruelling to get a flavour of life in the lab in April Summer arrived! – at least for a few days Heidelberg half marathon – as witnessed outside EMBL’s Advanced Training Centre in Heidelberg newsinbrief

/ The new guide to EMBL-EBI’s data plauded EMBL’s calls for an integrated logical Databases (Perl), 1–5 October resources has been published. This approach, steps towards simplification, (register by: 6 August); EMBO Practical new brochure provides accessible and the need to enhance the proposed Course on Analysis of High-Through- overview of EMBL-EBI’s bioinformatics budget. Recommendations made by put Sequencing Data, 29 October–3 data resources. To view online, visit: key stakeholders will be taken into November (register by: 24 August). www.ebi.ac.uk/information/brochures consideration ahead of a final decision www.ebi.ac.uk/training/handson. regarding allocations of funding. / EMBL DG Iain Mattaj was among 22 / A seminar held on supranational renowned scientists and Laureates who / There’s more than meets administration brought specialists signed a petition in support of Greece the eye in this issue’s in international administrative law to and its institutions, published in Science cover image – EMBL EMBL Heidelberg, 6–8 May. Organ- in May. A supporting letter by Nobel Heidelberg’s Briggs ised by the International Institute of Laureate Harald Zur Hausen accompa- group reveals a Administrative Sciences, representa- nied the ‘Support Greece’ petition. shape-shifting pro- tives from more than 40 international tein that allows cells organisations were present to discuss / The European Commission has to transport different- issues such as the impact of new tech- expressed its appreciation of EMBL’s sized molecules. nologies, the current global economic position paper on Horizon 2020 – climate, and staff mobility within and a proposed 86 billion Euro framework / Registration is now open for the follow- between organisations. “The meeting for research and innovation that will ing EMBL-EBI hands-on bioinformat- allowed us to showcase EMBL and our run between 2014 and 2020. In a letter ics training courses: Joint EBI-Well- world-class research and facilities as to EMBL DG Iain Mattaj, Commis- come Trust Proteomics Bioinformatics an employer of choice,” says Dominik sioner for Research, Innovation and workshop, 4–9 November (register by: Reske, EMBL’s legal advisor. Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, ap- 6 July); Programmatic Access to Bio-

EMBL&cetera issue 69 • June 2012 15 events@EMBL people@EMBL

26–27 June EMBL Heidelberg Ari Himma is the new head of Human Resources. Ari has more than 17 Summer Council Meeting years’ experience managing HR functions in various global industrial and service companies and has also acted as a partner within HR consulting. 27 June EMBL Heidelberg Before joining EMBL he worked as HR director for Inspecta Group. Ari Meet Your Council Delegate Over Lunch has a master’s in political science from Helsinki University and also has a 25–29 June EMBL-EBI strong interest in history. “It is exciting to be joining such an intellectual, Joint EMBL-EBI & Wellcome Trust international, and supportive environment,” says Ari. Summer School in Bioinformatics Jonas Ries joins EMBL Heidelberg in July as a group leader in the Cell 27–29 June EMBL Heidelberg Biology and Biophysics Unit. Jonas completed his PhD and postdoc at Course: Whole Transcriptome Data Dresden University of Technology using fluorescence correlation spectros- Analysis copy to study membranes. He joins following a Marie Curie fellowship at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. The Ries group will 29 June EMBL Monterotondo develop super-resolution microscopy methods such as automated localisa- Distinguished Visitor Lecture: tion microscopy for genome-wide super-resolution imaging. Brigid Hogan, Duke University Medical Astrid von Soosten joins EMBL as Head of Resource Development. Astrid Center, Durham, USA is responsible for philanthropic income and fundraising at EMBL. She has 2–6 July EMBL-EBI 15 years fundraising experience, including the past four years as Senior Di- Joint EMBL-EBI & Wellcome Trust rector of Library Development at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Course: Resources for Computational Originally from Germany, she aims to build a comprehensive philanthropy Drug Discovery programme and raise money for important science and research projects across EMBL’s sites. Amongst other talents, Astrid has a master’s in Chinese. 2–6 July EMBL Heidelberg Course: Advanced qPCR Techniques for Stephanie Suhr is the new project manager for BioMedBridges, and is Publication Success: Following MIQE based at EMBL-EBI. Stephanie has a PhD in oceanography and joins fol- Recommendation lowing positions in the US Antarctic Program and the European XFEL in Hamburg as well as science publishing. BioMedBridges is an ambitious 4 July EMBL Heidelberg four-year project that will bring together the ESFRI Research Infrastructures Heads of Units/ Senior Scientists in biological and medical sciences, and promote interoperability between Meeting data and services in biological, medical, translational, and clinical fields. 4 July EMBL Heidelberg Career Day awards&honours 5 July EMBL Heidelberg Lab Day What a Dame!

7 July EMBL Heidelberg Janet Thornton, Director of EMBL-EBI, EMBL Summer Party has been made a Dame Commander in the 10–13 July EMBL Heidelberg Order of the British Empire in recognition Course: Basic Light Microscopy of her contribution to bioinformatics – the first such recognition in the field. 17 July EMBL Heidelberg “This great honour represents the work of Science and Society Forum Lecture: the many outstanding scientists with whom The price of altruism, Oren Harman, Bar I have worked throughout my career, and I Ilan University, Israel hope they all feel that this recognition of our 25-27 July EMBL Heidelberg field is down to their efforts,” says Janet. “In Conference: Microfluidics 2012 our own small way, each of us is working very hard behind the scenes to empower life scien- 25-28 August EMBL Heidelberg tists throughout the world to make discover- Conference: Transcription and ies that will benefit society as a whole.” Chromatin Janet has been director of EMBL-EBI since 2001. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society, a Member of EMBO and a foreign associate of For more details about these events and the US National Academy of Sciences. She more, visit www.embl.org/events. received her CBE in 2000.

EMBL&cetera issue 69, June 2012. Published by EMBL’s Office of Information and Public Affairs, Meyerhofstraße 1, D-69117 Heidelberg. email: [email protected]. Available online: www.embl.org/newsletter. Editors: Chloë Balharry, Adam Gristwood. Editorial support: Manuela Borchert, Lena Raditsch, Petra Riedinger, Silke Schumacher. Contributors: Mary Bergman, Lindsey Crosswell, Fenia Fotiadou, Sonia Furtado, Katja Linssen, Katrina Pavelin, Mehrnoosh Rayner, Pauline Staubert, Rosemary Wilson. Photographic support: EMBL Photolab. Printed by ColorDruck, Leimen.