Europe's scientific elite has recognised the work of Professor Artūras Petronis of Vilnius University (VU) and the University of Toronto and has welcomed him as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO). The new members were announced on 9 July on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of EMBO.
"I am delighted to join the elite group of European scientists and to promote the name of Lithuania and VU. EMBO's anniversary almost coincides with another one that is even more important for us. Next year will mark 50 years of Lithuania's molecular biology. In 1975, Professor Arvydas Janulaitis started developing genetic engineering at the then Institute of Enzymology (since 1995, Institute of Biotechnology). From this initiative, a strong school of molecular biology and biotechnology grew and developed, where I also acquired my scientific foundations," said Prof. Artūras Petronis.
Prof. Artūras Petronis is the third Lithuanian and VU scientist to become a member of EMBO. His predecessors are Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys and Prof. Saulius Klimašauskas, also researchers at the VU Life Sciences Centre (LSC). Lithuania became an EMBO Member State in 2016.
"I am very grateful to all my teachers, both in Lithuania and abroad," said Prof. Artūras Petronis.
He has been researching epigenetic mechanisms of human diseases for several years. In 2018, he initiated the establishment of the Epigenetic Research Laboratory at the VU LSC, which brings together researchers from the University of Toronto and the VU LSC for joint research. One of the major recent advances of epigeneticists in VU LSC and Toronto is related to the epigenetics of circadian rhythms. According to the professor, the temporal dimension in epigenetic research can be very important - it is a great niche for new important research, to which Lithuanian specialists have the opportunity to contribute.
"The new EMBO members and associate members have made a major contribution to basic life sciences research, and in many cases their work has paved the way for innovations that have improved living conditions worldwide. As we celebrate the anniversary of EMBO, we commemorate the fundamental role of its members in strengthening international life sciences research and contributing to its programs and activities. I warmly congratulate all those elected," said EMBO Director Fiona Watt.
On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, EMBO elected 100 new members and 20 associate members. The newly elected members and associate members live in 37 countries.