Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1997- (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 folder of paper material.
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) was founded in 1964 as a professional society for life scientists with the goal of strengthening molecular biology research in Europe and fostering international collaboration. Its creation was inspired by a growing recognition in the postwar period that Europe needed stronger infrastructure and cooperation to remain competitive in biological sciences, particularly compared with the United States.
In its early years, EMBO focused on supporting scientific exchange and training, notably through fellowships that enabled young researchers to work abroad and acquire new expertise, as well as its core membership. EMBO also began organising scientific meetings, workshops, and courses that encouraged collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge across national boundaries.
As one way of meeting its goals, EMBO considered the creation of a central laboratory, and along with the EMBC created the EMBL in 1974.
Over time, EMBO expanded its activities to include scientific publishing (launching The EMBO Journal in 1982, followed by other high-impact journals), policy advocacy for life sciences, and the development of programs that supported career progression, such as the EMBO Young Investigator Programme (1999) and EMBO Global Investigator Network (2019).
Today, EMBO represents over 2,000 elected members and associate members worldwide. It continues to play a vital role in promoting excellence in the life sciences through funding, training, networking, publishing, and policy engagement, with an enduring emphasis on international cooperation and scientific quality.
Name of creator
Administrative history
The AIMBN was founded in 1997 with a mission to promote molecular biology and biotechnology in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation was modelled after EMBO, and EMBO took an advisory role during the AIMBN’s early period, in particular in the screening of potential membership candidates. By 2007, they had 300 members in 16 participating ‘economies’ (so-called due to the political situations in Taipei and Taiwan), and 16 supporting institutes across the region. They held conferences and courses in participating economies.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection comprises a single folder containing reports, meeting documents, and correspondence involving the AIMBN. It also contains a photograph from the first AIMBN meeting, featuring then Director of the EMBO, Frank Gannon.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
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