Extract from The EMBL Programme 2022–2026

Programme Roadmap

Building on EMBL’s existing strengths, the 2022–2026 Programme adds several exciting new scientific areas within which life can be explored in a variety of contexts (Figure IN6). Molecular processes and mechanismsunderlying responses to environmental changes can be studied at multiple biological scales: from exploringthe molecular components inside a cell, to measurements of single cells and multicellular tissues, to wholeorganisms and studies of populations. In EMBL’s new Programme, these different dimensions will be explored,with the selection of specific areas of focus based on their potential for scientific opportunity when coupledwith current advances in experimental technologies and data sciences.

Molecular Building Blocks in Context

Section II begins with the first research theme of Molecular Building Blocks in Context, which delves into cellular function and subcellular components to determine systematically how responses to a changing environment are mediated at the molecular level. EMBL aims to understand mechanistically how these molecular responses translate into adaptations of cells, tissues, and organisms in different contexts. Understanding how cellular components and processes change over time, how they are interconnected, and how they feed back to one another, lies at the core of EMBL’s expertise.

Cellular and Multicellular Dynamics of Life

EMBL’s approaches for gaining a mechanistic understanding of the genetic and environmental sources of variability in living systems, and understanding responsiveness at the cellular level and in a multicellular context, are highlighted in the theme Cellular and Multicellular Dynamics of Life. EMBL will use novel experimental strategies, cutting-edge technology developments, and predictive computer modelling to measure and perturb dynamic living systems and their interplay with the environment. Increasing knowledge about the robustness and plasticity of embryonic cell clusters, bioengineered tissues, and model systems will be essential in revealing the mechanisms that drive normal development and living processes, and the way these processes respond to disruptive environmental changes.

Microbial Ecosystems

Microbial communities colonise, proliferate on, and impact every surface and subsurface of the planet, even in its most inhospitable corners. To better understand microbial ecosystems, their functional capacities, and their molecular interplay with the environment, the diverse microbial communities residing within the human gut are taken as an exemplar community in the Microbial Ecosystems research theme. EMBL aims to use novel computational and experimental methods to understand the functional diversity of individual microbial species and strains, as well as the interactions and properties of gut microbial communities within the ecosystem of their human host. The ultimate goal is to be able to rationally modulate these microbialcommunities for the benefit of human and planetary health.

Infection Biology

Infection Biology is an area that impacts humans and all life forms on Earth, with pathogens being able to cross species barriers, thereby adversely impacting biodiversity and human health. The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need to obtain insight into the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. In the new Programme, EMBL will integrate multidisciplinary experimental and computational approaches to understand how pathogens and their hosts interact. These approaches will aid the development of diagnostic and surveillance tools to prevent the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, and to work closely with frontline public health agencies to establish genome-based surveillance platforms. This has already begun with the provision of international data hubs for controlled data sharing, to empower scientists at EMBL and around the world to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Human Ecosystems

In Human Ecosystems, EMBL researchers aim to understand how the environment impacts humans, both as individuals and within populations. A central question is how environmental factors can cause disease and how genotype and the environment influence human phenotypes. In the context of this theme, and in close collaboration with epidemiologists from member states, the environment will be studied through three distinct lenses focusing on the physical, biological, and social environments. Powerful computational, statistical, and experimental methods will address key questions that will bring a quantitative, mechanistic, and molecular understanding of environmental effects on humans.

Planetary Biology

Spanning multiple ecosystems, the Planetary Biology research theme will enable scientists to understand at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels how microbes, algae, plants, and animals interact with each other and respond to natural and anthropogenic environmental changes. The main objectives will be to recognise and understand phenotypic changes that are environmentally induced in nature, using the plethora of tools available for molecular, structural, genomic, cellular, and developmental biology, and the powerful technologies that enable visualisation and perturbation of processes. TREC, EMBL’s flagship project to explore European land–water interfaces including coastlines, rivers, and lakes, in partnership with scientists in the member states, is a central part of this theme. By working together and learning from one another, EMBL and collaborators will help to address fundamental and pressing scientific questions about the influence of environmental parameters on biological processes, while also addressing societal questions about the state of ecosystems.

Data Sciences

All these research themes will contribute to the growing volume and heterogeneity of the biological and environmental data that are necessary for the study of life in context. To ensure these data are expertly generated, curated, annotated, managed, integrated, visualised, and shared, EMBL will launch a new Data Sciences programme, which will lie at the heart of EMBL’s research strategy. As part of this strategy, a data science centre connecting all EMBL sites will provide support and training, facilitate research advances in data sciences including novel AI methods, set technical standards, and offer critical public dataresources to the molecular biology community, with the overall goal of maximising the value of the generated data. Through these efforts, EMBL aims to be a role model for life science institutions that facesimilar data-driven challenges.

Theory programme

EMBL aims to create a new and highly integrated Theory programme to complement EMBL’s research and data-driven methods for studying life in context. The complexity of biology necessitates theoretical approaches. This programme will build up approaches from first principles and will explain biological phenomena using mathematical formalism and models, turn data into understanding, and generatete stable predictions. Conceptual theories will be developed and applied to answer specific questions from all six research themes. The interplay between theoretical and experimental research, complemented by a theoretical training programme and visiting theoreticians, will be an integral requirement for achieving EMBL’s scientific goals.

Scientific Services

EMBL’s Scientific Services are set up to respond dynamically to the needs of research communities. EMBL’s experimental and data services will be developed and integrated to form a central pillar of the new Programme:

EMBL’s cutting-edge technology development feeds into its structural biology and imaging services, which enable scientists to visualise molecules across scales. These services include robotically controlled beamlines that provide data on biological structures at the atomic level, and methods to integrate imaging by cryo-EM and light microscopes to show these molecules in their cellular context. By fully supporting the use of complex experimental apparatus, and by interfacing various scientific disciplines, EMBL services enable scientists from EMBL member states to access a range of structural biology and imaging techniques to answer complex biological questions.
Advances in single-cell genomics and emerging developments in spatial omics will spur a range of new multi-omics services, based on new technologies.
A wide array of perturbation approaches will be critical for mechanistic tests. EMBL’s in vivo gene editing service will enhance the study of genetic variation in animal models, and will provide platforms for viral-mediated editing to offer insights into mechanisms in vivo.
New cross-site chemical biology services will help scientists explore the effects ofenvironmental factors and novel drug targets.
In partnership with scientists in the member states, the provision of mobile services, spanning imaging, genomics, environmental measures, and data services will enable EMBL to further support research in its member states.
EMBL’s biomolecular data services will also see significant enhancements in the provision of reference data, standards, and tools, including bioimage data and human brain and behaviour data, as part of EMBL’s data service repertoire. The Genomic Medicine Platform will engage with individual national initiatives, advising and proactively transferring technology to EMBL member states that have begun bringing precision medicine into their healthcare systems. EMBL will also provide data portals that can effectively coordinate new data types, which dynamically expand in size and relevance as research communities evolve.

EMBL Training

EMBL Training activities will embrace the new research themes in providing state-of-the-art scientific training for EMBL fellows, including predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. The Course and ConferenceProgramme will also reflect the new themes from the EMBL Programme, and the Scientific Visitor Programme will increase the number of scientific visitors to its sites, by offering complementary sabbaticals and secondments. Training activities to strengthen capacity in EMBL member states will also be developed. With remote working becoming a way of life for scientists all over the world, EMBL will build on its success in providing accessible e-learning materials. This will enhance the impact and reach of EMBL’s training activities, while also contributing to environmental initiatives at EMBL.

Innovation and Translation

Innovation and Translation at EMBL will be expanded to encompass the translational potential of the new scientific directions in this Programme. In addition to building a portfolio of innovation and commercialisation activities, EMBL will broaden and advance research collaborations and technology development via new public–private partnerships. A range of new activities will be implemented to develop an EMBL innovation culture, empower the next generation of EMBL fellows, and diversify the current instruments for training and knowledge exchange between EMBL and industry partners.

Integrate European Life Sciences

EMBL’s mission to Integrate European Life Sciences reaffirms its commitment to its member states and associate member states. EMBL will establish new links and initiate collaborative relationships between scientific communities in Europe, especially in the new scientific areas of the Programme. EMBL will foster additional and existing EMBL-modelled inter-institutional research partnerships across Europe, and will develop a series of initiatives to promote closer collaboration and knowledge exchange. EMBL will continue its key European coordination activities with EIRO forum and with the EC, including the EC-led project to establish the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC).

EMBL’s People, Processes, and Places

Section III outlines plans for EMBL’s People, Processes, and Places, which will be pivotal for the implementation of the new Programme, with the establishment of transversal themes across all EMBL sites, in order to launch some of the new research themes. The cross-disciplinary themes will require the recruitment of skilled professionals from diverse disciplines, including engineers, mathematicians, data scientists, theoreticians, physicists, and chemists. The development of an employer branding strategy will support these recruitment efforts. Across EMBL, schemes for career development and the promotion of equality and diversity will also be strengthened. EMBL’s processes and systems will need to support modern ways of working alongside expanded IT infrastructures. EMBL’s goal is to enable the creation of sustainable campuses across all sites and to firmly embed green working policies and practices. Through local collaborations, partnerships, and engagements, each EMBL site will continue research activities and exchanges with local institutes, regions, and national initiatives.

Public Engagement, Communications, and Outreach

Given the societal and environmental relevance of EMBL’s new Programme, strong Public Engagement, Communications, and Outreach will be key. EMBL aims to raise the visibility of its science and technology to inspire, inform, and educate a range of audiences. It will do this by increasing local public engagement at all EMBL sites, multiplying communications activity through collaborations and partnerships, embarking on the TREC outreach initiative in the member states, supporting European teachers and young learners, and engaging with policy makers to improve evidence-based decision making. EMBL also plans to strengthen public engagement and communication skills among staff, and to help increase communications capacity in its member states.

Comprehensive Agenda from The EMBL Programme 2022-2026

From the roadmap of The EMBL Programme 2022-2026 cited in the previous section, we have derived the following agenda. Compared to the roadmap, only those changes were made that optimise the quality of processing through methods of language analytics.

1. Current Research Themes

Note by the editors: The current research themes covered in this chapter have been taken from the inner circle of figure IN6. The entry points to the description of the correspondig organizational structure of the EMBL are https://www.embl.org/directory/ and https://www.embl.org/research. The following three links from these pages have not (yet) been compiled into the "current research themes":- Directors' research - https://www.embl.org/research/units/directors-research/- Faculty - https://www.embl.org/research/faculty/- Topics - https://www.embl.org/topics/

1.1 Genome Biology (https://www.embl.org/research/units/genome-biology/)

The Genome biology unit uses and develops cutting-edge methods to study how the information in our genome is regulated, processed, and utilised, and how its alteration leads to disease.

1.2 Cell Biology and Biophysics (https://www.embl.org/research/units/cell-biology-biophysics/)

Scientists in this unit use multidisciplinary approaches to investigate the molecular and biophysical mechanisms that enable cells to function.

1.3 Molecular Medicine (https://www.embl.org/partnerships/remote/nordic/)

University of Oslo (UoO) has extensive research activity in molecular medicine, clinical medicine and molecular life sciences relevant to the operation of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine.

The Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) consists of researchers active in the fields of molecular and clinical microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, and physics [...].

Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is committed to promoting translational research and the adoption of personalised medicine in health care. The aim of FIMM is to uncover the underlying causes and drivers of disease and translate these findings into public and individual health outcomes.

Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE) will focus on conducting research in the field of neuroscience. DANDRITE is embedded in a research infrastructure with state of the art facilities and approaches in e.g. structural and functional studies of membrane proteins in the nervous system at a molecular, cellular and tissue level; biophysical methodologies; transgenic and gene modified animal models; cellular and clinical imaging; nanoscience; structure-based; genetics and computer-assisted drug discovery.

1.4 Structural and computational Biology (https://www.embl.org/research/units/structural-and-computational-biology/)

Scientists in this unit use integrated structural and computational techniques to study biology at scales from molecular structures to organismal communities.

At its sites in Hamburg and Grenoble, EMBL provides its researchers and hundreds of external users each year with access to world-leading sources of X-ray and neutron radiation, enabling them to study the structures of biological molecules.

Structural biology - EMBL Grenoble - https://www.embl.org/sites/grenoble/

Structural biology - EMBL Hamburg - https://www.embl.org/research/units/structural-biology-hamburg/

1.5 Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/research)

Researchers at EMBL-EBI make sense of vast, complex biological datasets produced using new and emerging technologies in molecular biology.

https://www.embl.org/about/info/embl-council/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e10sac2022-DG-Response-to-EMBL-SCB-Unit-Review-Report.pdf = Structural and Computational Biology Unit Review

1.6 Microbiology (https://www.embl.org/about/info/course-and-conference-office/events/ees23-06/)

Session topics at the EMBL Symposium "New approaches and concepts in microbiology" held 27 - 30 Jun 2023 were:

- Bacterial systems biology

- Cell biology and protein machineries

- Regulation, signalling and transcriptional networks

- Pathogenesis and anti-infectives

- Phage

- Microbiomes and microbial interactions

- Environment and evolution

1.7 Tissue & Organ Biology (https://www.embl.org/research/units/tissue-biology/)

Scientists at EMBL Barcelona use advanced technologies to observe, manipulate, and model how changes in genes percolate through cells, tissues, and organs, in health and disease.

1.8 Epigenetics and Neurobiology (https://www.embl.org/research/units/epigenetics-neurobiology/)

At EMBL Rome, scientists explore the connections between genome, environment, and neural function.

1.9 Developmental Biology (https://www.embl.org/research/units/developmental-biology/)

Scientists in the Developmental biology unit seek to understand the fundamental principles that govern multicellular development.

2. New Research Theme: Molecular Building Blocks in Context

Section II begins with the first research theme of Molecular Building Blocks in Context, which delves into cellular function and subcellular components to determine systematically how responses to a changing environment are mediated at the molecular level.

EMBL aims to understand mechanistically how these molecular responses translate into adaptations of cells, tissues, and organisms in different contexts.

Understanding how cellular components and processes change over time, how they are interconnected, and how they feed back to one another, lies at the core of EMBL’s expertise.

3. New Research Theme: Cellular and Multicellular Dynamics of Life

EMBL’s approaches for gaining a mechanistic understanding of the genetic and environmental sources of variability in living systems, and understanding responsiveness at the cellular level and in a multicellular context, are highlighted in the theme Cellular and Multicellular Dynamics of Life.

EMBL will use novel experimental strategies, cutting-edge technology developments, and predictive computer modelling to measure and perturb dynamic living systems and their interplay with the environment.

Increasing knowledge about the robustness and plasticity of embryonic cell clusters, bioengineered tissues, and model systems will be essential in revealing the mechanisms that drive normal development and living processes, and the way these processes respond to disruptive environmental changes.

4. New Research Theme: Microbial Ecosystems

Microbial communities colonise, proliferate on, and impact every surface and subsurface of the planet, even in its most inhospitable corners.

To better understand microbial ecosystems, their functional capacities, and their molecular interplay with the environment, the diverse microbial communities residing within the human gut are taken as an exemplar community in the Microbial Ecosystems research theme.

EMBL aims to use novel computational and experimental methods to understand the functional diversity of individual microbial species and strains, as well as the interactions and properties of gut microbial communities within the ecosystem of their human host. The ultimate goal is to be able to rationally modulate these microbial communities for the benefit of human and planetary health.

5. New Research Theme: Infection Biology

Infection Biology is an area that impacts humans and all life forms on Earth, with pathogens being able to cross species barriers, thereby adversely impacting biodiversity and human health.

The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need to obtain insight into the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. In the new Programme, EMBL will integrate multidisciplinary experimental and computational approaches to understand how pathogens and their hosts interact.

These approaches will aid the development of diagnostic and surveillance tools to prevent the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, and to work closely with frontline public health agencies to establish genome-based surveillance platforms.

This has already begun with the provision of international data hubs for controlled data sharing, to empower scientists at EMBL and around the world to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. New Research Theme: Human Ecosystems

In Human Ecosystems, EMBL researchers aim to understand how the environment impacts humans, both as individuals and within populations.

A central question is how environmental factors can cause disease and how genotype and the environment influence human phenotypes. In the context of this theme, and in close collaboration with epidemiologists from member states, the environment will be studied through three distinct lenses focusing on the physical, biological, and social environments.

Powerful computational, statistical, and experimental methods will address key questions that will bring a quantitative, mechanistic, and molecular understanding of environmental effects on humans.

7. New Research Theme: Planetary Biology

Spanning multiple ecosystems, the Planetary Biology research theme will enable scientists to understand at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels how microbes, algae, plants, and animals interact with each other and respond to natural and anthropogenic environmental changes.

The main objectives will be to recognise and understand phenotypic changes that are environmentally induced in nature, using the plethora of tools available for molecular, structural, genomic, cellular, and developmental biology, and the powerful technologies that enable visualisation and perturbation of processes.

TREC, EMBL’s flagship project to explore European land–water interfaces including coastlines, rivers, and lakes, in partnership with scientists in the member states, is a central part of this theme.

By working together and learning from one another, EMBL and collaborators will help to address fundamental and pressing scientific questions about the influence of environmental parameters on biological processes, while also addressing societal questions about the state of ecosystems.

8. Data Sciences

All these research themes will contribute to the growing volume and heterogeneity of the biological and environmental data that are necessary for the study of life in context.

To ensure these data are expertly generated, curated, annotated, managed, integrated, visualised, and shared, EMBL will launch a new Data Sciences programme, which will lie at the heart of EMBL’s research strategy.

As part of this strategy, a data science centre connecting all EMBL sites will provide support and training, facilitate research advances in data sciences including novel AI methods, set technical standards, and offer critical public dataresources to the molecular biology community, with the overall goal of maximising the value of the generated data.

Through these efforts, EMBL aims to be a role model for life science institutions that facesimilar data-driven challenges.

9. Theory programme

EMBL aims to create a new and highly integrated Theory programme to complement EMBL’s research and data-driven methods for studying life in context.

The complexity of biology necessitates theoretical approaches.

This programme will build up approaches from first principles and will explain biological phenomena using mathematical formalism and models, turn data into understanding, and generatete stable predictions.

Conceptual theories will be developed and applied to answer specific questions from all six research themes.

The interplay between theoretical and experimental research, complemented by a theoretical training programme and visiting theoreticians, will be an integral requirement for achieving EMBL’s scientific goals.

10. Scientific Services

EMBL’s Scientific Services are set up to respond dynamically to the needs of research communities. EMBL’s experimental and data services will be developed and integrated to form a central pillar of the new Programme:

EMBL’s cutting-edge technology development feeds into its structural biology and imaging services, which enable scientists to visualise molecules across scales. These services include robotically controlled beamlines that provide data on biological structures at the atomic level, and methods to integrate imaging by cryo-EM and light microscopes to show these molecules in their cellular context. By fully supporting the use of complex experimental apparatus, and by interfacing various scientific disciplines, EMBL services enable scientists from EMBL member states to access a range of structural biology and imaging techniques to answer complex biological questions.
Advances in single-cell genomics and emerging developments in spatial omics will spur a range of new multi-omics services, based on new technologies.
A wide array of perturbation approaches will be critical for mechanistic tests. EMBL’s in vivo gene editing service will enhance the study of genetic variation in animal models, and will provide platforms for viral-mediated editing to offer insights into mechanisms in vivo.
New cross-site chemical biology services will help scientists explore the effects ofenvironmental factors and novel drug targets.
In partnership with scientists in the member states, the provision of mobile services, spanning imaging, genomics, environmental measures, and data services will enable EMBL to further support research in its member states.
EMBL’s biomolecular data services will also see significant enhancements in the provision of reference data, standards, and tools, including bioimage data and human brain and behaviour data, as part of EMBL’s data service repertoire. The Genomic Medicine Platform will engage with individual national initiatives, advising and proactively transferring technology to EMBL member states that have begun bringing precision medicine into their healthcare systems. EMBL will also provide data portals that can effectively coordinate new data types, which dynamically expand in size and relevance as research communities evolve.

11. EMBL Training

EMBL Training activities will embrace the new research themes in providing state-of-the-art scientific training for EMBL fellows, including predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

The Course and Conference Programme will also reflect the new themes from the EMBL Programme, and the Scientific Visitor Programme will increase the number of scientific visitors to its sites, by offering complementary sabbaticals and secondments.

Training activities to strengthen capacity in EMBL member states will also be developed.

With remote working becoming a way of life for scientists all over the world, EMBL will build on its success in providing accessible e-learning materials.

This will enhance the impact and reach of EMBL’s training activities, while also contributing to environmental initiatives at EMBL.

12. Innovation and Translation

Innovation and Translation at EMBL will be expanded to encompass the translational potential of the new scientific directions in this Programme.

In addition to building a portfolio of innovation and commercialisation activities, EMBL will broaden and advance research collaborations and technology development via new public–private partnerships.

A range of new activities will be implemented to develop an EMBL innovation culture, empower the next generation of EMBL fellows, and diversify the current instruments for training and knowledge exchange between EMBL and industry partners.

13. Integrate European Life Sciences

EMBL’s mission to Integrate European Life Sciences reaffirms its commitment to its member states and associate member states.

EMBL will establish new links and initiate collaborative relationships between scientific communities in Europe, especially in the new scientific areas of the Programme.

EMBL will foster additional and existing EMBL-modelled inter-institutional research partnerships across Europe, and will develop a series of initiatives to promote closer collaboration and knowledge exchange.

EMBL will continue its key European coordination activities with EIRO forum and with the EC, including the EC-led project to establish the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC).

14. EMBL’s People, Processes, and Places

Section III outlines plans for EMBL’s People, Processes, and Places, which will be pivotal for the implementation of the new Programme, with the establishment of transversal themes across all EMBL sites, in order to launch some of the new research themes.

The cross-disciplinary themes will require the recruitment of skilled professionals from diverse disciplines, including engineers, mathematicians, data scientists, theoreticians, physicists, and chemists.

The development of an employer branding strategy will support these recruitment efforts. Across EMBL, schemes for career development and the promotion of equality and diversity will also be strengthened.

EMBL’s processes and systems will need to support modern ways of working alongside expanded IT infrastructures.

EMBL’s goal is to enable the creation of sustainable campuses across all sites and to firmly embed green working policies and practices.

Through local collaborations, partnerships, and engagements, each EMBL site will continue research activities and exchanges with local institutes, regions, and national initiatives.

15. Public Engagement, Communications, and Outreach

Given the societal and environmental relevance of EMBL’s new Programme, strong Public Engagement, Communications, and Outreach will be key.

EMBL aims to raise the visibility of its science and technology to inspire, inform, and educate a range of audiences.

EMBL will increase local public engagement.

EMBL will multiply communications activity through collaborations and partnerships.

EMBL will support European teachers and young learners.

EMBL will engage with policy makers to improve evidence-based decision making.

EMBL also plans to strengthen public engagement and communication skills among staff, and to help increase communications capacity in its member states.

Condensed Agenda from The EMBL Programme 2022-2026

Remark on requests to search engines

EN: The agenda at hand is thematically very broad; it cannot be assumed that companies communicate on all topics on one or a few pages. Therefore, it should be considered whether several requests should be made to the search engine used (Google, Bing) to identify the pages to be analysed for each company - whereby e.g. 1 to 3 pages from each request would be added to the set of analysed pages.
DE: Die vorliegende Agenda ist thematisch sehr breit, es ist nicht davon auszugehen, das Unternehmen zu allen Themen auf einer oder wenigen Seiten kommunizieren. Daher ist zu überlegen, ob zur Identifikation der zu analysierenden Seiten für jedes Unternehmen mehre Requests an die verwendete Suchmaschine (Google, Bing) erfolgen sollten - wobei dann z.B. 1 bis 3 Seiten aus jedem Request additiv zur Menge der analysierten Seiten hinzugefügt würden.

The following is a compilation of several search requests, which together cover all aspects of the agenda:

- Genome or Cell Biology (1.1, 1.2)

- Structural, computational or developmental Biology (1.4, 1.5, 1.9)

- Molecular Medicine (1.3)

- Microbiology (1.6)

- Tissue and Organ Biology (1.7)

- Epigenetics and Neurobiology (1.8)

- Adaptations of cells, tissues, and organisms to a changing environment (2.1, 2.2)

- ( Microbial Ecosystems (2.3) covered by "Microbiology" (1.6) )

- Infection Biology (2.4)

- Impact of physical, biological, and social environments on humans (2.5)

- Understand how microbes, algae, plants, and animals interact and respond to environmental changes (2.6)

- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (3.1)

- Theory, Scientific Services, Training (3.2, 3.3, 3.4)

- Innovation, Translation, Integration, Collaboration, Communication, Outreach (3.5, 3.6, 3.8)

- People, Processes, Places (3.7)

Repräsentation der Agenda:

1. Established research themes

1.1 Genome Biology

1.1:1 We use and develop cutting-edge methods to study how the information in our genome is regulated, processed, and utilised, and how its alteration leads to disease.

1.2 Cell Biology

1.2:1 We use multidisciplinary approaches to investigate the molecular and biophysical mechanisms that enable cells to function.

1.3 Molecular Medicine

1.3:1 We aim to gain a molecular understanding of disease mechanisms.

1.4 Structural Biology

1.4:1 We integrate structural and computational techniques to study biology at scales from molecular structures to organismal communities.

1.5 Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

1.5:1 We make sense of vast, complex biological datasets produced using new and emerging technologies in molecular biology.

1.6 Microbiology

1.6:1 Topics of microbiology are cell biology and protein machineries, regulation, signalling and transcriptional networks, Pathogenesis and anti-infectives, phages, microbiomes, environment and evolution.

1.7 Tissue & Organ Biology

1.7:1 We use advanced technologies to observe, manipulate, and model how changes in genes percolate through cells, tissues, and organs, in health and disease.

1.8 Epigenetics and Neurobiology

1.8:1 We explore the connections between genome, environment, and neural function.

1.9 Developmental Biology

1.9:1 Scientists in the Developmental biology unit seek to understand the fundamental principles that govern multicellular development.

2. The next frontier

2.1 Molecular Building Blocks in Context

2.1:1 We aim to understand mechanistically how molecular responses to a changing environment translate into adaptations of cells, tissues, and organisms in different contexts.

2.2 Cellular and multicellular Dynamics of Life

2.1:1 We will use novel experimental strategies, cutting-edge technology developments, and predictive computer modelling to measure and perturb dynamic living systems and their interplay with the environment.

2.3 Microbial Ecosystems

2.3:1 The ultimate goal is to be able to rationally these microbial communities for the benefit of human and planetary health.

2.4 Infection Biology

2.4:1 We strive to develop diagnostic and surveillance tools to prevent the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

2.4:2 We work closely with frontline public health agencies to establish genome-based surveillance platforms.

2.5 Human Ecosystems

2.5:1 We aim to understand how the environment impacts humans, both as individuals and within populations.

2.5:2 We will study the environment through three distinct lenses focusing on the physical, biological, and social environments.

2.6 Planetary Biology

2.6:1 The Planetary Biology research theme will enable scientists to understand at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels how microbes, algae, plants, and animals interact with each other and respond to natural and anthropogenic environmental changes.

3. Cross-sectional topics, services, outreach

3.1 Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

3.1:1 We will will launch a new Data Sciences programme, to ensure that biological and environmental data are expertly generated, curated, annotated, managed, integrated, visualised, and shared.

3.1:2 A data science centre connecting all EMBL sites will provide support and training, facilitate research advances in data sciences including novel methods of artificial intelligence.

3.2 Theory

3.2:1 The complexity of biology necessitates theoretical approaches.

3.2:2 We will build up approaches from first principles .

3.2:3 We will explain biological phenomena using mathematical formalism and models.

3.2:4 We will turn data into understanding, and generatete stable predictions.

3.3 Scientific Services

3.3:1 The provision of services, spanning imaging, genomics, environmental measures, and data services will support research.

3.4 Training: Learning for Life

3.4:1 The Course and ConferenceProgramme will reflect the new research themes, and the Scientific Visitor Programme will increase the number of scientific visitors to its sites

3.4:2 This will enhance the impact and reach of training activities, while also contributing to environmental initiatives.

3.5 Innovation and Translation

3.5:1 We will build a portfolio of innovation and commercialisation activities.

3.5:2 We will broaden and advance research collaborations and technology development via new public–private partnerships.

3.5:3 A range of new activities will be implemented to develop an innovation culture, empower the next generation of EMBL fellows, and diversify the current instruments for training and knowledge exchange between EMBL and industry partners.

3.6 Integrating european Life Sciences

3.6:1 We will establish new links and initiate collaborative relationships between scientific communities in Europe.

3.7 People, Processes, Places

3.7:1 The cross-disciplinary themes will require the recruitment of skilled professionals from diverse disciplines, including engineers, mathematicians, data scientists, theoreticians, physicists, and chemists.

3.7:2 Processes and systems will need to support modern ways of working alongside expanded IT infrastructures.

3.7:3 The goal is to enable the creation of sustainable campuses across all sites and to firmly embed green working policies and practices.

3.8 Public Engagement, Communications, Outreach

3.8:1 We will increase local public engagement.

3.8:2 We will multiply communications activity through collaborations and partnerships.

3.8:3 We will support European teachers and young learners.

3.8:4 We will engage with policy makers to improve evidence-based decision making.