22 young researchers join the EMBO 2011 Young Investigator Programme

Heidelberg, Germany, 7 November 2011 – EMBO today acknowledges the work of 22 young European scientists selected for excellence in research to join the Young Investigator Programme.

These scientists join a growing network of more than 300 young group leaders.

"The EMBO Young Investigators have the potential to be tomorrow's life science leaders," says Gerlind Wallon, EMBO Deputy Director and manager of the Young Investigator Programme. "They are already active contributors to science in Europe and by supporting them, EMBO wants to highlight both their work and their potential."

With 164 applications in 2011, the EMBO Young Investigator Programme is highly sought after, for its prestige and for its comprehensive array of benefits, which include networking, training, mentorship by EMBO Members and funding. The programme targets young scientists within four years of establishing their first laboratories and aims to support their promising careers.

EMBO Young Investigators receive 15,000 euros per year for three years directly from the member state where their laboratories are located. The distinction of being an EMBO Young Investigator often assists them in attracting additional sources of funding for their research. They also receive funding for conference attendance for themselves and their group members, practical training in laboratory management and access to core facilities at EMBL.

EMBO Members act as mentors to the Young Investigators, helping them to develop their careers. The young scientists join a dynamic network of current and former young investigators and installation grantees that encourages collaboration. They also attend the annual EMBO Young Investigator Meeting.

The percentage of female scientists in this year's intake is 36% and Gerlind Wallon, who also runs EMBO Women in Science, says that EMBO welcomes the increasing number of women in senior science roles. "At EMBO, we are committed to monitoring gender balance in all our activities, developing initiatives to counteract imbalances and to raising awareness of the challenges women face as their scientific careers advance."

The next application deadline is 1 April 2012. More information can be found at www.embo.org/programmes/yip/programme.html.