Professor Ana Domingos from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Professor Matt Higgins from the Department of Biochemistry at Oxford University have been elected as new members of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). They are among sixty new EMBO Members and nine EMBO Associate Members recognized for their achievements in various fields such as RNA, plant biology, epidemiology, and molecular medicine. This lifelong honor integrates them into a community of over 2,100 life scientists globally.
Professor Domingos expressed her gratitude: "Within the life sciences, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) is often regarded as the European equivalent of the Royal Society in the UK. Being elected to EMBO is a profound honour and a recognition of my work dedicated to discovering neurons outside the brain that burn body fat." She acknowledged EMBO's support early in her career through an Installation Grant and other funding forms.
Professor Higgins commented on his election: "It is an honour to accept membership of EMBO on behalf of my wonderful research team. It is so important that scientific research is unconstrained by national borders and EMBO plays a powerful role in promoting life sciences across Europe."
EMBO Director Fiona Watt highlighted the significance of its members: "A major strength of EMBO lies in the excellence and dedication of its members. Science thrives on global collaboration, and the annual election...brings fresh energy and inspiration to our community."
Founded in 1964, EMBO selects new members annually through nomination and election by existing members. The process ensures diverse research field representation while responding to emerging trends. In 2025, sixty new members are based in eighteen member states of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), with nine associate members from six countries outside Europe.
The newly elected members will be officially welcomed at the upcoming EMBO Members’ Meeting scheduled for October 22-24, 2025, in Heidelberg, Germany.