Cnr-Embl: strengthening collaborations in Italy

29/01/2021

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Embl) and the Italian Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche (Cnr) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen scientific cooperation

The agreement between Cnr and Embl was announced during an online workshop where scientific representatives from both institutions presented their research projects and discussed topics of mutual interest that may be jointly developed in the future, in particular in the context of EMBL's next research Programme.

'As an Embl host site, and one of Embl's founding countries, I sincerely believe that Italy will be a key player in the development of Embl's new programme' says Embl Dg Edith Heard. 'With this in mind, the Embl-Cnr Memorandum of Understanding will ultimately enrich the development of our life science research communities and integrate them even more closely within the European and global scientific landscape, hence paving the way for a new era of discoveries, awareness and solutions for the benefit of our societies'.

'By signing the MoU, the Cnr wishes to strengthen the collaboration that has been active for years between the Italian scientific community and the Embl', says Cnr President Massimo Inguscio. 'Now more than ever it is important to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary scientific research and the value of new discoveries for the development of effective responses to health crises such as the pandemic we are currently experiencing. International collaboration and membership of an extended, interdisciplinary scientific community such as the Embl is instrumental in this. The new Embl programme 'Molecules to Ecosystems' recently approved by the Embl Council for 2022-2026 expands the original focus on molecular biology to various aspects of the Life Sciences, including new technologies that allow increasingly competitive and frontier studies. This programme will allow to expand cooperation between Cnr and Embl to various aspects of biomedical, agri-food and environmental sciences'.

European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Embl)

Embl is Europe's flagship laboratory for the life sciences. Established in 1974 as an intergovernmental organisation, EMBL is supported by 27 member states, 2 prospective member states and 2 associate member states.

Embl performs fundamental research in molecular biology, studying the story of life. The institute offers services to the scientific community; trains the next generation of scientists and strives to integrate the life sciences across Europe.

Embl is international, innovative and interdisciplinary. Its more than 1800 staff, from over 80 countries, operate across six sites in Barcelona (Spain), Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany),

Heidelberg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Rome (Italy). Embl scientists work in independent groups and conduct research and offer services in all areas of molecular biology.

EMBL research drives the development of new technology and methods in the life sciences. The institute works to transfer this knowledge for the benefit of society.

Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche (Cnr)

The National Research Council (Cnr) is the largest public research institution in Italy, the only one under the Research Ministry performing multidisciplinary activities.

Founded as legal person on 18 November 1923, Cnr's mission is to perform research in its own Institutes, to promote innovation and competitiveness of the national industrial system, to promote the internationalization of the national research system, to provide technologies and solutions to emerging public and private needs, to advice Government and other public bodies, and to contribute to the qualification of human resources.

In the Cnr's research world, the main resource is the available knowledge which means people, with their skills, commitment and ideas. This capital comprises more than 8.000 employees, of whom more than half are researchers and technologists. Some 4.000 young researchers are engaged in postgraduate studies and research training at Cnr within the organization's top-priority areas of interest. A significant contribution also comes from research associates: researchers, from Universities or private firms, who take part in Cnr's research activities.

Per informazioni:
Daniela Corda
CNR - Dipartimento Scienze biomediche
[e-mail]

Ufficio stampa:
Emanuele Guerrini
Ufficio stampa Cnr
[e-mail]

Capo ufficio stampa:
Marco Ferrazzoli
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
06 4993 3383