EMBO is expanding, and IOCB Prague director Prof. Jan Konvalinka is among the new members

Election to the EMBO community represents recognition of outstanding research and exceptional scientific achievement. It is a lifelong honor. Ninety-two EMBO members and associate members have received the Nobel Prize, and the organization as a whole plays a role in shaping the direction of science and strengthening the position of the research community in society.

“It is a great honor and also a responsibility,” says Jan Konvalinka. “EMBO members are elected by secret ballot, so a positive result means gaining the trust of hundreds of colleagues from around the world. I especially appreciate becoming a member of this distinguished molecular biology organization despite being a chemist. It shows that in today’s science, the boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred. Above all, I want to continue working to improve conditions for young European researchers at the beginning of their professional careers.”

In addition to serving as director, Jan Konvalinka leads the Proteases of Human Pathogens group at IOCB. He has published more than 140 scientific papers in international journals, which have received nearly 5,000 citations. His research focuses primarily on viral enzymes and human tumor markers. Together with his collaborators, he developed the first sensitive methods for testing the activity of HIV protease. Several promising technologies have emerged from his lab, including the synthetic antibody platform iBodies, developed in collaboration with the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences. He has received numerous awards for his work, such as the Datta Medal of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and the Medal of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic. He is also active in science communication and outreach, for which he received the Award of the Chair of the Government Council for Research, Development and Innovation, as well as the AFO 2021 Award for science popularization.

One of EMBO’s key activities is the Young Investigator Programme for early-career scientists. A number of outstanding young researchers from the Czech Republic have joined the programme, including IOCB researcher Tomáš Pluskal last year. This enables him to meet established leaders in the field, access small grants, training, and mentoring, and exchange experience with other promising researchers. His selection suggests that Dr Pluskal’s lab has strong potential to make a significant contribution to global research. EMBO’s mission is to foster the development of such talent and support further scientific exploration that can benefit society as a whole.

• Read: EMBO press release