The aim of this programme is to support fundamental research across the spectrum of molecular biology. EMBL is a non-profit organisation funded by public research organisations in 29 member states.
EMBL is one of the world’s leading research institutions, and Europe’s flagship laboratory for the life sciences.
EMBL’s mission
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
- integrate European life science research.
EMBL areas of research
Research at EMBL focuses on a central strategic goal: the fundamental understanding of basic biological processes in model organisms, from molecules through to ecosystems.
EMBL places emphasis on 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 110 independent groups covering the spectrum of molecular biology in 10 divisions across six sites. Its 1,800 employees from 60 nations represent scientific disciplines including biology, physics, chemistry and computer science.
EMBL locations
EMBL operates from sites across Europe:
- Heidelberg, Germany: main laboratory: EMBL’s headquarters and host to five research units and scientific core facilities
- Hinxton, UK: European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI): EMBL-EBI provides open data resources that enable discovery, and performs research in computational biology
- Grenoble, France: research and services for structural biology: EMBL’s site in France specialises in structural biology research, instrumentation development and services
- Hamburg, Germany: research and services for structural biology: EMBL Hamburg carries out research in structural and infection biology and provides related services
- Rome, Italy: epigenetics and neurobiology: EMBL’s site in Italy is a centre for research in epigenetics and neurobiology
- Barcelona, Spain: tissue biology and disease modelling: EMBL Barcelona study how tissues and organs develop and function in health and disease
Scientific services
Scientific 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 outstations
- 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