The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Alumni Chats Series

EMBL Alumni Relations
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A series of in-depth conversations with members of European Molecular Biology Lab's Alumni Community. Alumni recall the impact of EMBL on their careers and their memories of time spent there as well as the inside stories behind some of the major research breakthroughs. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of video content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Episodes

  1. Claire O'Donovan - Swiss-Prot and the impact of AI on Database Curation

    6D AGO

    Claire O'Donovan - Swiss-Prot and the impact of AI on Database Curation

    Claire O'Donovan (Team Leader Protein Function & Head of Metabolomics, EMBL-EBI, 1994-2024), a pioneer in computational biology, discusses her career at EMBL-EBI with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). She explains the evolution of Swiss Prot, a protein database, and its global impact. Claire highlighted the importance of open access data and collaborations and stressed the need for continued investment in bioinformatics to support AI advancements. This conversation was recorded in July 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    47 min
  2. Leo Burger - 40 years of building innovative and high quality equipment in the Mechanical Workshop at EMBL

    FEB 6

    Leo Burger - 40 years of building innovative and high quality equipment in the Mechanical Workshop at EMBL

    Leo Burger (Head of Mechanical Workshop, EMBL Heidelberg, 1979-2023) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (Predoctoral fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2004) and Angus Lamond (Group Leader, EMBL Heidelberg, 1987-1995). Leo reflects on over 40 years of building innovative and high quality equipment in the Mechanical Workshop at EMBL. This interview was conducted in March 2024. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of on EMBL Alumni media accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    24 min
  3. Sigrid Reinsch - From cell biology to outer space

    JAN 30

    Sigrid Reinsch - From cell biology to outer space

    Sigrid Reinsch (Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1992-1998) discusses her career journey from EMBL to NASA with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). She details the challenges of transitioning from EMBL and explains NASA's focus on human space exploration and understanding life in extreme environments. She also discusses NASA's education programs and the need for continued funding. This conversation was recorded in July 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    49 min
  4. Wieland Huttner - Establishing EMBL's PhD programme and co-founding MPI-Dresden

    JAN 16

    Wieland Huttner - Establishing EMBL's PhD programme and co-founding MPI-Dresden

    Wieland Huttner (Group Leader, EMBL Heidelberg, 1985-1990) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow, 1999-2004) about the establishment of EMBL's PhD programme and his co-founding of the Max Planck Institute in Dresden with other EMBL alumni. This interview was conducted in July 2024. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on EMBL Alumni media channels does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    28 min
  5. Eric Wieschaus - Groundbreaking research in Drospohila and staying grounded after Nobel success.

    JAN 9

    Eric Wieschaus - Groundbreaking research in Drospohila and staying grounded after Nobel success.

    Eric Wieschaus (EMBL Group Leader 1978-81) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Eric looks back on his groundbreaking work on Drosophila genetics with Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard at EMBL—research that led to the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He also reflects on staying grounded amid recognition, his commitment to teaching, and what it means to “do science that works.” This conversation was recorded in September 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of on EMBL Alumni media accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    39 min
  6. Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm - Lab Builds to Sustaining Research Around the Globe

    12/12/2025

    Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm - Lab Builds to Sustaining Research Around the Globe

    Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm (Head of External Scientific Courses, 2009-2018) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Jacqueline discussed her role at EMBL, focusing on building and equipping labs, and developing new courses, as well as her efforts to support scientific research in underdeveloped countries through equipment transfers. Post-EMBL, she transitioned to a startup role, managing operations and grants for a drug development company. This conversation was recorded in July 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    40 min
  7. Phil Avner - Mentors in Paris, Diabetes research and leading EMBL Rome.

    11/28/2025

    Phil Avner - Mentors in Paris, Diabetes research and leading EMBL Rome.

    Philip Avner (Head of EMBL Rome, 2012-2020) sets out his career trajectory in conversation with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). From studying agricultural botany at the University of Newcastle to becoming head of EMBL Rome. He highlights his transition from biochemistry to genetics, influenced by mentors like Piotr Slonimsky and Francois Jacob. After a successful career in Paris, he joined EMBL Rome to foster better integration between EMBL and the Italian scientific community. This conversation was recorded in July 2024. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    30 min
  8. Edith Heard - Basic Research, AI, Planetary Biology and the Future of Science

    11/14/2025

    Edith Heard - Basic Research, AI, Planetary Biology and the Future of Science

    Edith Heard (EMBL Director General 2019-2025) discusses her legacy at EMBL with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). Edith emphasises the crucial role of unexpected results in advancing scientific discovery and innovation, encouraging researchers to embrace surprising findings, as they often spark new insights and breakthroughs. Edith also provides the context to EMBL embracing the research of planetary biology and EMBL's unique position to lead Europe’s exploration in collaborative science and AI. This conversation was recorded in July 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    47 min
  9. Anne Ephrussi - Disproving hypotheses, taking risks and a life of researching the Oskar RNA

    10/31/2025

    Anne Ephrussi - Disproving hypotheses, taking risks and a life of researching the Oskar RNA

    Anne Ephrussi (EMBL Group Leader, Senior Scientist and Director for the EMBL International Centre for Advanced Training 1992-2023) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Anne explains the background to starting her lab at EMBL in the early 90s and the questions she sought to investigate. She encourages young researchers to take risks and also reflects on the future of Oskar and RNA research. This conversation was recorded in September 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of video content on the EMBL Alumni YouTube account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    1h 27m
  10. Rolf Apweiler - Big Data growth, from floppy disks to machine learning

    10/16/2025

    Rolf Apweiler - Big Data growth, from floppy disks to machine learning

    Rolf Apweiler (EMBL-EBI Director 1987-2025) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader 1987-1995) about his start at EMBL as a student helper all the way to jointly leading the EBI. The huge growth of data in life sciences he witnessed and supported along the way and the importance of international collaboration, standardization, and cybersecurity. He reflects on the impact of AI on data curation and annotation, and discuss the Open Targets project, a public-private partnership to improve drug development through better genetic understanding. This conversation was recorded in July 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    1h 2m
  11. From Physics to Precision Medicine: Moritz Gerstung Reflects on How AI Is Transforming Cancer Genomics

    10/06/2025

    From Physics to Precision Medicine: Moritz Gerstung Reflects on How AI Is Transforming Cancer Genomics

    Moritz Gerstung (EMBL-EBI Group Leader, 2015-2021) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995), discussing his transition from physics to computational biology, driven by the complexities of biological systems. He highlights his work at EMBL-EBI, which focused on cancer genomes and tumour dynamics using next-generation sequencing and AI tools. Moritz emphasised the importance of open data access, citing EMBL's role in storing and sharing genomes. He noted the significant impact of AI in cancer research, including the analysis of tumor microscopy and electronic health records. Moritz also discussed the challenges and potential of AI in healthcare, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks and critical assessment. This conversation was recorded in July 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of video content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

    44 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

A series of in-depth conversations with members of European Molecular Biology Lab's Alumni Community. Alumni recall the impact of EMBL on their careers and their memories of time spent there as well as the inside stories behind some of the major research breakthroughs. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of video content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

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