Sanger Institute researcher honoured by EMBO

Professor Gordon Dougan becomes an elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization

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Wellcome Library, London
Professor Gordon Dougan was among 46 researchers elected to membership of EMBO.
Today (20 October 2011) Professor Gordon Dougan joined 45 fellow researchers from 14 countries in being elected to membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). EMBO promotes excellence in molecular life sciences in Europe.

Election as an EMBO Member is a tribute to the significant contribution made to science by a researcher. The organization elects new members annually on the basis of scientific excellence across Europe and represents a broad cross-section of researchers from molecular biology and plant sciences, to neuroscience, computational neurobiology and cellular immunology.

“I am honoured to be elected to EMBO. Although I now focus on pathogens and the infections they cause, my basic molecular training has always underpinned my approach to science. Thus, it is very special to get this type of recognition from my peers. This honour would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of all those who have worked with me over the years and I thank them. EMBO is important because it promotes top quality science interactions throughout Europe and beyond, encouraging cross-border collaborations contributing to a unified community of excellence.”

Professor Gordon Dougan Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute

Professor Dougan plays a pivotal role in guiding the direction of pathogen genomics research at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, representing the Pathogens area at the Board of Management and heading up the Microbial pathogenesis group. He is dedicated to exploring the relationship between pathogens and hosts to benefit human health. He is particularly interested in the career development of younger scientists and the transfer of expertise to those working in developing countries.

“Gordon has conducted first-class research into microbial infectious diseases throughout his career, bringing a commitment to reducing some of the world’s most important disease burdens that has been inspirational to many other scientists. His election is fully merited and I am delighted he has received this honour.”

Professor Mike Stratton Director of the Sanger Institute

Founded in 1964 to serve, what was then, the emerging discipline of molecular biology, EMBO recognises and fosters talented scientists. It seeks to achieve the highest scientific standards and promote cross-border exchange and collaborative research.

“We are happy to welcome the new EMBO Members into the EMBO community and look forward to the infusion of knowledge that they bring.”

EMBO Director Maria Leptin

EMBO elects new members annually on the basis of scientific excellence: membership now comprises 1,500 of the world’s foremost molecular biologists.

Selected websites

  • European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

    EMBO stands for excellence in the life sciences. The organization enables the best science by supporting talented researchers, stimulating scientific exchange and advancing policies for a world-class European research environment.

    EMBO is an organization of 1500 leading life scientist members that fosters new generations of researchers to produce world-class scientific results. EMBO helps young scientists to advance their research, promote their international reputations and ensure their mobility. Courses, workshops, conferences and scientific journals disseminate the latest research and offer training in cutting-edge techniques to maintain high standards of excellence in research practice. EMBO helps to shape science and research policy by seeking input and feedback from our community and by following closely the trends in science in Europe.

  • The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute

    The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the world’s leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally. Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease.

  • The Wellcome Trust

    The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. We support the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. Our breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. We are independent of both political and commercial interests.