Australia has become the first associate member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
Australia has become the first associate member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
“In recent years Australia has become a central player in the landscape of molecular biology. With its special expertise, for example in the fields of medical epidemiology and stem cell research, it will be an excellent complement to EMBL’s focus on basic research in molecular biology,” said EMBL’s Director General, Ian Mattaj.
As an EMBL member, Australia can send early-career scientists to join EMBL as faculty, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows.
Australian research institutions can also become EMBL partner laboratories, fostering collaborations with scientists at the EMBL’s five locations in Germany, France, the UK and Italy.
EMBL membership starts in January 2008 and will initially past for seven years.
Australian universities and research institutions excel in the molecular genetics of cancer, malaria, epilepsy, immunology, vaccine development, obesity, diabetes, neuroscience, assisted reproductive technology, stem cells and regenerative medicine.
While Australian bioscience research gains increased global recognition, the country’s biotech industry is also the subject of growing interest from Europe. In 2006, close to a quarter of the 345 alliances announced in the Australian biotechnology sector were with European partners.
Invest Australia, Australian Consulate General, Frankfurt, Germany. It also has advisory specialists in 15 locations around the world including London, Paris, the US and Asia. www.investaustralia.gov.au
