Julian Hibberd, Professor of Photosynthesis and Head of the University of Cambridge Department of Plant Sciences joins the community of over 2,100 leading life scientists today as the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) announces its newest members.
He is among 69 scientists from across Europe and beyond that have been elected to the EMBO Membership, an honour that celebrates research excellence and outstanding achievements in the life sciences.
“I am really honoured to be joining the EMBO community. This would not have come about without the mentoring that I have received from colleagues at Cambridge and beyond, as well as all the hard work from members of the lab over the years. I look forward to contributing to the international work that EMBO does to support the best science,” Professor Hibberd said.
EMBO Director Fiona Watt said: “A major strength of EMBO lies in the excellence and dedication of its members. Science thrives on global collaboration, and the annual election of the new EMBO Members and Associate Members brings fresh energy and inspiration to our community. We are honoured to welcome this remarkable group of scientists to the EMBO Membership. Their ideas and contributions will enrich the organization and help advance the life sciences internationally.”
The first EMBO Members were elected in 1964. That initial group of 169 life scientists has now grown into a community of more than 2,100 EMBO Members and Associate Members. 92 Nobel laureates are amongst those who have previously been elected to the EMBO Membership.
EMBO Members guide the execution of the EMBO Programmes and activities, for example by evaluating funding applications, serving on EMBO Council and committees, and contributing to initiatives such as training, policy, outreach and mentorship. New members are nominated and elected by the existing EMBO Membership.
EMBO will formally welcome the new members at the next EMBO Members’ Meeting in Heidelberg, Germany, on 22 to 24 October 2025. A full list of EMBO Members and Associate Members, their affiliations, and subject areas is available in the EMBO Members directory.
Read more: Outstanding life scientists elected to the EMBO Membership (EMBO website)
Image: Professor Julian Hibberd in the Department of Plant Science library. Photo by Andrew Benton.