EMBO is an organization of more than 1,800 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences. Each year, the organization elects new Members from a large pool of European top-scientists. EMBO membership is one of most highly prized recognitions of excellence in the life sciences for individual researchers. A deserved recognition for Prof. Wout Boerjan (VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology).
Prof. Boerjan and his team perform world-leading research in bio-energy and bio-aromatics. Their work on plant cell walls has potential uses in the development of carbon-neutral raw material for the production of bioenergy and a variety of other biobased products. His election as EMBO member confirms VIB’s outstanding reputation in the life sciences.
Jo Bury (managing director VIB): “Election as an EMBO member is an impressive recognition for a scientist in the field of life sciences. Hearing that Wout Boerjan joins these elite ranks fills us with pride and appreciation.”
VIB scientists have a great track record in being elected as EMBO members. Last year VIB group leaders Jenny Russinova from the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology and Patrik Verstreken from the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research were named members. Before that, VIB group leaders Peter Carmeliet, Bart De Strooper, Dirk Inzé, Dietmar Schmucker and Pierre Vanderhaeghen, visiting scientists at VIB Cédric Blanpain and Shoshana Wodak have been elected. Former VIB group leaders Claudia Bagni, Carlos Dotti, Jiri Friml, Bassem Hassan, Salvador Moncada, Désiré Collen, Walter Fiers, Willy Min Jou, Joël Vandekerckhove and Marc Van Montagu have also been honored with EMBO membership.
As EMBO member, Prof. Boerjan will serve on the EMBO Council, Committees and Editorial Boards. As such, he will play an important part in evaluating applications for EMBO funding, but also in the mentorship of young scientists. The new EMBO Members and Associate Members will be formally welcomed at the EMBO Members’ Meeting in Heidelberg on 29–31 October 2019.
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