2023/10/10

CIC bioGUNE hosts EMBL symposium ‘Molecules to Ecosystems’

The symposium centered on sharing and inspiring dialogue across the complete spectrum of molecular biology, spanning from individual molecules to entire ecosystems.

The event, held on October 9th, aimed to strengthen ties and highlight resources as well as collaboration opportunities between EMBL, CIC bioGUNE, and the wider life science community in Spain.

CIC bioGUNE – member of BRTA – had the pleasure to host the symposium "Molecules to Ecosystems", a scientific gathering in collaboration with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) on October 9th. This event served as a vital platform for cutting-edge scientific dialogue and collaborative interactions within the domain of molecular biology and how can help to pave the way of the future in research and societal challenges, including climate change.

With a rich history of promoting scientific excellence and fostering collaboration, EMBL co-hosted the event, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, academics, and professionals. Participants engaged in insightful discussions, shared their recent research, and explored interdisciplinary approaches to understanding biological systems, spanning from molecules to ecosystems.

The event commenced with an inaugural session led by Jesús Jiménez-Barbero, Ikerbasque Professor and Scientific Director of CIC bioGUNE and James Sharpe, head of EMBL Barcelona. The meeting featured a wide array of scientific presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas. Esteemed scientists and experts presented their latest research and discoveries, providing invaluable insights and inspiring discussions covering Molecular, Cellular, Organ, System levels, and beyond to ecosystems.

“EMBL in Spain: Molecules to Ecosystems” emphasized the pivotal role of molecular biology in unraveling biological complexities across various levels, enhancing our understanding of ecosystems and their broader environmental impact. Attendees had the opportunity to explore emerging topics and technological advancements shaping the future of molecular biology.

This event was part of a broader European initiative, called TREC (Traversing European Coastlines) with the aim of addressing environmental challenges. TREC stands as a flagship project of Planetary Biology, a transversal theme launched by EMBL’s new Programme “Molecules to Ecosystems” for the years 2022-2026.

About EMBL

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is an intergovernmental organization focused on basic research in molecular biology. Established in 1974, it is supported by 27 member states and two associate member states in Europe. EMBL conducts research in various areas of molecular biology, including genetics, structural biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and more.

About CIC bioGUNE

The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, is a biomedical research organization conducting cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, molecular and cell biology, with a particular focus on the study of the molecular bases of disease, for use in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.

About Ikerbasque

Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science - is the result of an initiative of the Department of Education of the Basque Government that aims to reinforce the commitment to scientific research by attracting, recovering and consolidating excellent researchers from all over the world. Currently, it is a consolidated organization that has 290 researchers/s, who develop their work in all fields of knowledge.

About BRTA

The BRTA is an alliance made up of 4 collaborative research centres (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE and CIC energiGUNE) and 12 technology centres (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker and Vicometch), with the aim of developing advanced technological solutions for Basque companies.

With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group and the Provincial Councils of the three regional provinces, the alliance seeks to promote collaboration among its centers, to strengthen the conditions to generate and transfer knowledge to companies, contributing to their competitiveness, and to spread Basque scientific and technological capacity outside of the Basque Country.

BRTA has a staff of 3,500 professionals, accounts for 22% of the Basque Country’s R&D investment, generates an annual turnover of over EUR 300 million and files 100 European and international patents per year.

Spanish version