Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys of the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) has been elected Chair of the Council of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). EMBL is one of Europe’s most significant international life sciences organizations, bringing together countries to pursue joint research in molecular biology and related fields.
The EMBL Council is the organization’s main governing body. It sets strategic priorities, approves the budget, oversees the implementation of scientific programmes, and takes the key decisions related to EMBL’s activities. The Council is composed of representatives from all member states.
As Chair of the Council, Prof. Šikšnys will preside over Council meetings, coordinate its work, and represent EMBL internationally. In this role, he succeeds Prof. Peter B. Becker, who previously served as Chair. The Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Council are elected for one-year terms, with the possibility of re-election for up to two consecutive terms.
Prof. Šikšnys is a scientist at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center and is widely recognized for his contributions to research on CRISPR-Cas genome editing systems. His work has been published in leading international scientific journals, and his scientific achievements have received repeated international recognition.
Founded in 1974, EMBL operates as an intergovernmental organization with research sites in several European countries and a membership of more than 30 states. Since 2019, Lithuania has been a member of EMBL. The organization collaborates with national research institutions, conducts fundamental research, develops advanced technology-based scientific infrastructure, trains early-career scientists, and promotes international cooperation.