Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1997-2008 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 folder 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.
Name of creator
Administrative history
The European Life Sciences Organisation was created to administer and organise an annual meeting regarding European Biology. Following the annual conference in Nice in 2008, ELSO fused with EMBO and therefore ceased its functions as an independent organisation.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection comprises materials related to the creation of ELSO and its relationship with EMBO. It contains documents such as the original proposal for the creation of ELSO by Kai Simons, correspondence, the letter of intent re: the fusion of ELSO and EMBO, and documents related to the Nice conference in 2008 eg. Posters, schedule, and financial docs.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
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.