The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Alumni Chats Series

Lisa Maier (Professor, University of Tübingen and former Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 2015-18) chats with Erin Tranfield (Head of Core Facilities, VIB Ghent and former Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 2009-13). Lisa explains her journey to researching the impact of drugs on the human gut microbiome. She also reflects on the realities of starting an independent lab and speaks with pride about receiving the John Kendrew Award in 2026.

This conversation was recorded in July 2026.

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 accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond, Thomas Vaccari, Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm and Erin Tranfield

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Frank Gannon (EMBO Director, EMBL Group Leader & Senior Scientist, 1994-2008) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral fellow, 1999-2004) about his role in EMBL's early genetic engineering efforts. He also reflected on his tenure at Science Foundation Ireland during the financial crisis, where he advocated for maintaining research funding despite budget cuts.

This interview was conducted in April 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 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)

Sebastian Glatt (Professor, University of Veternary Medicine, Vienna and former Staff Scientist, EMBL Heidelberg, 2008-15) chats with Jaqueline Dreyer-Lamm (Head of Operations, Anavo Therapeutics BV and former Head of External Courses, EMBL Heidelberg, 2009-18).

Sebastian thinks back to his start at EMBL in 2008 as a postdoc and his involvement in the interdisciplinary postdoc program (EIPOD). Sebastian explains the program's evolution, noting the shift from fixed projects to candidate-driven projects and the inclusion of external groups. He highlights the program's success in producing many successful group leaders and professors across Europe.

A pivotal moment in his research was discovering tRNA biology, which significantly altered his focus. He aims to integrate fundamental research with patient impact, predicting advancements in molecular medicine due to improved diagnostics. He is excited about RNA modifications, which have been crucial for mRNA vaccines and could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches without genome editing.

This conversation was recorded in March 2026.

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 accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

EMBL's very first Communications Officer, David States reflects on the important project he undertook in 1994 of documenting EMBL's history for its 20th anniversary. David also speaks on the significance of clear and persuasive communication in science, emphasising the need for scientists to convey their ideas to non-experts. He reflects on EMBL's impact, importance of basic science, and personalising science for the general public.

The interview was conducted with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) and was recorded 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 content on EMBL Alumni 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)

Gianni Cesareni (Professor Emeritus, University of Rome Tor Vergata and fromer Group Leader, EMBL Heidelberg, 1979-88) chats with Thomas Vaccari (Current Professor, University of Milan and former Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2004). Gianni reflects on his unconventional journey from physics to molecular biology, his formative postdoctoral years alongside Nobel laureates in Cambridge, and how interdisciplinary training shaped his scientific career. He also discusses how EMBL's collaborative environment transformed fundamental research into widely adopted technologies, highlighting phage display, plasmid engineering, and pioneering approaches to studying protein interactions.

This conversation was recorded in February 2026.

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 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)

Toby Gibson (EMBL Group Leader, 1986-2023) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) about the methodology of DNA sequencing, the origins of bioinformatics, the development of Clustal and the impact of AlphaFold.

This interview was recorded in July 2023.

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 accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Video 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)

Daniela Marazziti (Staff Scientist, Italian National Research Council and formerly a Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1984-88) chats with Thomas Vaccari (Current Professor, University of Milan and former Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2004).

Daniela recalls pioneering molecular biology during her postdoc at EMBL, highlighting collaborative science, painstaking DNA sequencing, C9 gene cloning, and demanding laboratory techniques.

This conversation was recorded in February 2026.

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 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)

Pavel Tomancak (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow, 1995-1999) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral fellow, 1999-2004) about being the first Eastern European PhD student at EMBL, the 'golden days' of developmental biology and his passion about supporting life sciences in his home country.

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 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)

Ilaria Ferlenghi (Current Associate Director of Research & Senior Scientific Leader, GSK and former Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1994-1999) chats with Thomas Vaccari (Current Professor, University of Milan and former Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2004).

Ilaria discusses the scientific challenges of her PhD, particularly the skepticism towards cryo electron microscopy and the need to demonstrate its effectiveness. She also discusses the future of vaccine development, emphasising the need for tailor-made vaccines for different pathogens and the role of structural biology

This conversation was recorded in February 2026.

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 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)

Veli Vural Uslu (EMBL Postdoctoral Fellow, 2009-2015) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral fellow, 1999-2004) about Plant developmental regulation, environmental sensing, and new biotechnology techniques. He also explains his research into using RNA delivery for plant defense and agriculture, with a focus on a new method for delivering RNAs to plant cells.

This interview was conducted in July 2023.

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 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)

Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) and Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral fellow, 1999-2004) discuss their experiences at EMBL, emphasising the institution's role in fostering a supportive community and advancing scientific knowledge. Thomas reflects on the value of the PhD program in building a network of scientists and the need for inclusive environments. While Angus recalls the pressure he felt joining EMBL as a junior group leader.

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)

Graham Tebb (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow, 1985-1988) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) about the challenging yet collaborative environment in which he pursed his PhD in the 1980s. Graham also offers advice to young scientists about their career progression and the need for long-term thinking and trust in scientific research, despite short-term political pressures.

This interview was recorded in July 2023.

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 accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Video 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)

Julius Brennecke (Current Senior Scientist, IMBA, Vienna. and former Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 2006-2001) chats with Thomas Vaccari (Current Professor, University of Milan and former Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 2004-1999).

Julius explains his fascination for how molecular pathways govern complex biological patterns in fruit flies. Before describing the risky decision to investigate a mysterious genetic locus known as Bantam.

This conversation was recorded in January 2026.

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 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)

Former EMBL-EBI Director 1994-2023, Dame Janet Thornton reflects on her distinguished career in bioinformatics, the wonder of protein research and the vital role of accessible data services for life science research. She also speaks about AI's impact on protein structure prediction and the potential for AlphaFold to revolutionise the field.

This interview was conducted by former EMBL Group Leader, Angus Lamond.

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)

Alex Stark (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 2001-2005) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Alex describes the evolution of computational biology and its impact on understanding protein structures and gene regulation. He recounts early efforts to identify functional similarities between unrelated proteins before the advent of AlphaFold and serving as a member of one of the teams of judges for the CASP competition.

This conversation was recorded in January 2026.

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)

Des Higgins (EMBL-EBI Group Leader, 1990-1996) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral fellow, 1999-2004) about the "wild west" early days of bioinformatics, the establishment of EMBL-EBI and the collaboration which led to the Clustal programme. Des also reflects on the impact on his career of EBI co-founder Michael Ashburner

This interview was conducted in July 2023.

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 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)

In this interview, Martin Hetzer (Former Staff Scientist, EMBL Heidelberg, 1998-2003, currently President, ISTA, Vienna) chats with Angus Lamond (Former Group Leader, EMBL Heidelberg, 1995-1987, currently Professor, University of Dundee) about his professional journey from his early training in Vienna and the US to his current leadership role at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. Martin touches on his research focuses relating to bridging the gap between lifespan and health- span, investigating why some cells function for a century while others succumb to age-related diseases.

This conversation was recorded in January 2026.

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 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)

Fátima Gebauer (EMBL Staff Scientist, 1995-2002) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) about her experience at EMBL, including her initial impression of the lab as "heaven" and her subsequent project on sex-lethal protein. Fátima reflects on her role as Chair of the EMBL Alumni Association board and leadership styles and challenges in life sciences, sharing advice in particular for young researchers.

This interview was recorded in July 2023.

Adobe Podcast was used to enhance audio quality.

EMBL. 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 on any 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)

In this interview, Baubak Bajoghli (Former Postdoctoral Fellow. EMBL Heidelberg, 2012-2017, currently Director, Austrian BioImaging/CMI, Vienna) describes to Angus Lamond ( Former Group Leader, EMBL Heidelberg, 1987-1995, currently Professor, University of Dundee) about how the EMBL served as a vital catalyst for his research into immune cell development. By providing access to advanced imaging technology and the transparent medaka fish model, the institution allowed him to visualise biological processes that were previously hidden.

This conversation was recorded in January 2026.

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 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)

Ernst Stelzer ( EMBL Group Leader, 1983-2011) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) about his career journey from EMBL Predoc to Group Leader, and his contributions to the field of microscopy including the development of confocal microscopy

This interview was recorded in July 2023

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.

Adobe Podcast was used to improve the quality and clarity of the audio in this podcast.

Video 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)