Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1986-2014 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 box of paper materials.
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.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection comprises documents related to the administration of the EMBO gold medal award. It includes materials such as correspondence, scientific materials related to winners, selection committee votes, press releases, and photographs.
The Gold Medal award was established by EMBO in 1986 in order to celebrate outstanding scientists in the early stages of their careers. Recipients must be life scientists working in one of the EMBC member states under the age of 40, or within ten years of having obtained their PhD. Only EMBO Members and EMBO Young Investigators can nominate candidates for a medal. The selection committee is made up of members of EMBO council, and the director and secretary general act as observers of the EMBO Gold Medal selection committee. The current list of EMBO Gold medallists can be found here: https://www.embo.org/the-embo-communities/embo-gold-medalists/recipients/
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
These materials are arranged at the collection level.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Restricted - Certain materials may be available online. Other materials are accessible to registered researchers subject to an approved access request. Visitors must fill out a request form and sign the Archives Access Terms and Conditions.