EMBO grants are awarded to research group leaders for three-five years. A recipient is awarded up to €50,000 per year and may apply for additional funding of up to €10,000 per year. Grant winners are included in the EMBO Young Investigator Network, which comprises over 600 current and former EMBO Young Investigators, Installation Grant recipients, and Global Investigators. The EMBO grant provides a financial advantage, networking, mentoring, and training opportunities, as well as access to the facilities of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. The next application for EMBO Intallation Grant deadline is April 15, 2024. For more information on the EMBO Lab Development Grants, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, read on EMBO website.
Dr. Knox S. Jones Jr. has been awarded a grant for a project on the development of reliable and predictable gene editing tools. In an interview, the researcher discussed the excitement of receiving the award, the project, and what he finds most exciting about Lithuania.
Q: Congratulations on receiving the EMBO Installation Grant for establishing your laboratory. How did you feel when you found out about it? What were the challenges you faced in obtaining the grant?
A: I felt a mixture of excitement and relief – excitement because this honor opens up some huge opportunities for me and my team members. Relief because this was the last submission opportunity where I would meet the eligibility criteria.
The main challenge was that like other grant opportunities, I had to submit multiple times before being selected. Each time I worked to make my application stronger, so it felt great even at the earliest stage this year, when I learned I would be interviewed. After all, even the interviewing process gives me feedback that’s useful for improving the rigor of my team’s goals and efforts.
Q: The EMBO Installation Grant is awarded for a specific project. Could you tell us more about the project it supports?
A: In line with my team’s overall research theme, this project focuses on discovering ways to improve our gene editing technologies. This project will expand and improve our ability to program the molecular machines, including CRISPR-Cas enzymes that are used for gene editing. This includes finding ways to edit genes that we are unable to right now.
Q: A year ago, you and your team secured a 1.2 million EUR grant from the European Research Council Starting Grant. How will the EMBO Installation Grant enhance the capabilities of your laboratory? Are these funds intended to expand existing research or to explore new directions?
A: Foremost, the grant will fund a new postdoctoral researcher to join my team, so interested researchers should definitely contact me! The EMBO Installation Grant will also enhance my laboratory through access and participation in the EMBO Young Investigators Network, which is full of leading young researchers from around the world. Activities and exchange within the Network supports career and scientific development for all my team members, not just me.
Funds in this program have more flexibility than other sources. I anticipate using them to expand our existing research and exploring new directions, but I will be able to direct them as needed to the most promising areas based on the knowledge we gain in the early stages. This means we can focus on providing the most value to our community for each euro we receive.
Q: What advice would you give to other researchers considering applying for EMBO grants? What well-wishes do you have for them?
A: EMBO grants are a huge asset for your team. They are a complete package: networks, events, training, mentorship, funding and more. EMBO grants seek to strengthen research around the world, so they often expect their applicants to spend time in different countries. They expect applicants to be strong leaders, not just strong project administrators. It’s yet another important reason to spend time in different laboratories, especially abroad, while completing your education. I wish each applicant success with their submission and research, and am happy to share the knowledge I gained through my two application rounds.
Q: Winning the grant implies a commitment to stay in Lithuania for a longer period. What aspects of our country do you find appealing?
A: Three things: the excellent research environment (especially the people!), the prioritizing of societal well-being, and access to the natural world!
Q: Applying for grants requires a significant amount of time, alongside conducting research for ongoing projects. Do you still find time for leisure activities? What activities help you relax best after work in the laboratory?
A: Absolutely! My activities help keep me in the healthy mental and physical shape needed for performing high-level research. I start most days with about 15 minutes of playing and writing songs, and also spend time motorcycling and practicing acroyoga with family and friends.
Q: Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
A: Thank you!
Interviewed by Simona Šalčiūnaitė
Photo credits Justinas Auškelis