Minister gains insight into EMBL Research Programme

In a recent visit to EMBL Heidelberg, Minister Petra Olschowski, Baden-Württemberg´s Minister of Science, Research and the Arts gained insight into its research activities, scientific operations and the roles of local collaborations and also toured its Imaging Centre and World of Molecular Biology exhibition.

Describing the “outstanding European international research institution” as being special for her, she stated: “This campus alone is quite extraordinary with its great location, the impressive infrastructure and the many young people talking about their research in multiple languages. I was impressed by the points of connection to current issues – be it climate change, the life sciences or artificial intelligence. Baden-Württemberg and Heidelberg are proud to host this institution.”

EMBL Director General Edith Heard, who explained more about the institutes’s current programme ´From Molecules to Ecosystems´ said: “We were pleased to meet Minister Olschowski and discuss with her the importance of EMBL as a renowned international research institute here in the region and beyond. EMBL has grown to be an indispensable part of the region´s scientific community, ever invested in synergistic and cooperative relationships. We offer practical technical support and scientific assistance openly and enrich Heidelberg as an important science location.”

Since originally starting at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts (MWK) as State Secretary in 2016, Minister Olschowski has been committed to successful programs such as the Innovation Campus initiatives in the state. EMBL is part of the Innovation Campus Health and Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim, which aims to establish the Rhine-Neckar region as an international leader for biomedicine and technology.

“As an established network, the Health and Life Science Alliance creates a strong sense of community among regional partners. Even though there was, of course, previously close cooperation among the individual participants such as EMBL, the university hospitals and DKFZ, the alliance creates a synergy that benefits the entire region. It promotes mutual support in all areas from basic to applied research,” said EMBL Director Peer Bork.

Minister Olschowsk, who has previously visited the Institute, was accompanied by Dr André Schmandke, Head of the Ministry’s Research and Innovation Policy Unit with a focus on medical, bio- and natural sciences.

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