European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the world’s leading research institutions, and Europe’s flagship laboratory for the life sciences.

EMBL locations

EMBL operates from five sites across Europe:

• Heidelberg, Germany - main laboratory
• Hinxton, UK - European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)
• Grenoble, France - research and services for structural biology
• Hamburg, Germany - research and services for structural biology
• Monterotondo, Italy - mouse biology

Governance of EMBL

EMBL is an intergovernmental organisation specialising in basic research in the life sciences, funded by public research monies from 21 member states, including much of Europe and Israel, and two associate members, Argentina and Australia. EMBL is led by the Director General, currently Professor Iain Mattaj, appointed by the governing body, EMBL Council. The Council is comprised of representatives of all member and associate member states. Read more about EMBL's leadership Read more about EMBL's organisation

EMBL’s missions

The cornerstones of EMBL's mission are to:

• perform basic research in molecular biology;
• train scientists, students and visitors at all levels;
• offer vital services to scientists in the member states;
• develop new instruments and methods;
• actively engage in technology transfer.

Research at EMBL

Research at EMBL emphasises experimental analysis at multiple levels of biological organisation, from the molecule to the organism, as well as computational biology, bioinformatics and systems biology. Research is conducted by approximately 85 independent groups covering the spectrum of molecular biology. EMBL is international, innovative and interdisciplinary. Its 1,760 employees from 60 nations represent scientific disciplines including biology, physics, chemistry and computer science.

Training opportunities

Outstanding training is available at multiple levels: PhD students, postdocs and visiting scientists. EMBL hosts a comprehensive schedule of courses, conferences and workshops, many organised in collaboration with EMBL's sister organisation, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Scientific services

Services provided by EMBL include:

• core biomolecular databases and bioinformatics tools, particularly at EMBL-EBI;
• the provision of beamlines, instrumentation and high-throughput technology for structural biology at the Hamburg and Grenoble oustations;
• Core Facilities, which provide cost-effective and efficient access to methods and technologies that are expensive to set up or maintain, or that require considerable expense.