The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Alumni Chats Series

Episodios

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  39. Gianni Cesareni - Postdoctoral training with Nobel laureates and transforming fundamental research into widely adopted technologies, 28.09.2026 25m

  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)
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  38. Toby Gibson - The methodology of DNA sequencing and the origins of bioinformatics. 24.09.2026 39m

  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)
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  37. Daniela Marazziti - Painstaking early DNA sequencing and gene cloning. 14.09.2026 39m

  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)
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  36. Pavel Tomancak - The golden days of development biology and growing the life sciences community in Czechia. 10.09.2026 24m

  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)
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  35. Ilaria Ferlenghi - Early cryo-EM scepticism and resolving virus structures. 31.08.2026 50m

  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 biologyThis 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)
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  34. Veli Vural Uslu - Plant development regulation, using theatre to communicate science and the power of failure in the lab. 30.07.2026 28m

  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)
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  33. Angus Lamond & Thomas Vaccari - Differing EMBL journeys & the impact of basic research for society 23.07.2026 46m

  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)
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  32) Graham Tebb - Following your instincts in research 16.07.2026 15m

  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)
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  31. Julius Brennecke - The bantam mystery and the power of genetic conflict 09.07.2026 42m

  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)
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  30. Janet Thornton - A Life in Computational Biology 02.07.2026 34m

  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)
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  29. Alex Stark - The Evolution of Computational Genomics and Protein Structure Analysis 25.06.2026 33m

  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)
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  28) Des Higgins - Early days of bioinformatics, Clustal and democratising sequence alignments 18.06.2026 36m

  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)
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  27) Martin Hetzer - The Frontiers of Ageing and Europe's leadership role in AI adoption 11.06.2026 45m

  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)
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  26) Fatima Gebauer - Heavenly first impressions of EMBL and advice for young group leaders 04.06.2026 28m

  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)
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  25) Baubak Bajoghli - Visualising discovery through open access and the EMBL experience. 28.05.2026 30m

  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)
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  24) Ernst Stelzer. - A career of innovation in light microscopy 22.05.2026 39m

  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 microscopyThis interview was recorded in July 2023Alumni 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)
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  23) Mark Green - Science administration at the coalface of groundbreaking research 14.05.2026 35m

  Mark Green (Internal Auditor, EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2003 , Head of EBI Administration, 2003-2018 ) discusses his career at EMBL with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). While working for the Medical Research Council (MRC) in the UK, he was tasked with auditing the MRC Transition Fund for EMBL to move its data library to the nascent EBI.This began a connection with EMBL which would lead him to becoming an internal auditor in Heidelberg and then head of EBI administration.This conversation was recorded in July 2025.Adobe Podcast was used to improve the quality and clarity of the audio in this podcast.Adobe Podcast 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 RelationsContent and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas VaccariMusic: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from PixabayThanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL DesignSponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
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  22) Mary Holmes - Recounting EMBL's establishment and becoming its first Librarian 07.05.2026 24m

  Mary Holmes (EMBL's first librarian, 1974-1998) speaks with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral fellow, 1999-2004) about the establishment of EMBL, the early days of the Szilárd library and the technological advances witnessed in over 20 years. Mary reflects on the impact of her husband, Ken Holmes, and his role in leading EMBL's first site in Hamburg. Ken was awarded the Lennart Philipson Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions in translational research and technology innovation. 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. 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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  21) Sara Fahs - EMBL's interdisciplinary ethos and adapting to a career in industry 01.05.2026 36m

  Sara Fahs (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 2014-2018) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Sara speaks about the excitement about the scale of EMBL upon arriving in the mid 2010s. She also talks about retaining the inter-disciplinary ethos she encountered at EMBL and adapting to a career in industry after leaving academia.This conversation was recorded in July 2025.Adobe Podcast was used to improve the quality and clarity of the audio in this podcast.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)
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  20) Sara Courtneidge - Memories of Lennart Philipson and research of the src structure 24.04.2026 23m

  Sara Courtneidge (EMBL Group Leader, 1985-1994) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995) about her memories of former EMBL Director General Lennart Philipson, her research into the src structure and the importance of funding for basic research.This interview was conducted in 2022.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)