Eric Wieschaus (EMBL Group Leader 1978-81) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Eric looks back on his groundbreaking work on Drosophila genetics with Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard at EMBL—research that led to the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He also reflects on staying grounded amid recognition, his commitment to teaching, and what it means to “do science that works.”

This conversation was recorded in September 2025.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of on EMBL Alumni media accounts does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM

© European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Jacqueline Dreyer-Lamm (Head of External Scientific Courses, 2009-2018) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Jacqueline discussed her role at EMBL, focusing on building and equipping labs, and developing new courses, as well as her efforts to support scientific research in underdeveloped countries through equipment transfers. Post-EMBL, she transitioned to a startup role, managing operations and grants for a drug development company.

This conversation was recorded in July 2025.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM

© European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Philip Avner (Head of EMBL Rome, 2012-2020) sets out his career trajectory in conversation with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). From studying agricultural botany at the University of Newcastle to becoming head of EMBL Rome. He highlights his transition from biochemistry to genetics, influenced by mentors like Piotr Slonimsky and Francois Jacob. After a successful career in Paris, he joined EMBL Rome to foster better integration between EMBL and the Italian scientific community.

This conversation was recorded in July 2024.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Edith Heard (EMBL Director General 2019-2025) discusses her legacy at EMBL with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995). Edith emphasises the crucial role of unexpected results in advancing scientific discovery and innovation, encouraging researchers to embrace surprising findings, as they often spark new insights and breakthroughs. Edith also provides the context to EMBL embracing the research of planetary biology and EMBL's unique position to lead Europe’s exploration in collaborative science and AI.

This conversation was recorded in July 2025.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Anne Ephrussi (EMBL Group Leader, Senior Scientist and Director for the EMBL International Centre for Advanced Training 1992-2023) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Anne explains the background to starting her lab at EMBL in the early 90s and the questions she sought to investigate. She encourages young researchers to take risks and also reflects on the future of Oskar and RNA research.

This conversation was recorded in September 2025.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of video content on the EMBL Alumni YouTube account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Rolf Apweiler (EMBL-EBI Director 1987-2025) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader 1987-1995) about his start at EMBL as a student helper all the way to jointly leading the EBI. The huge growth of data in life sciences he witnessed and supported along the way and the importance of international collaboration, standardization, and cybersecurity. He reflects on the impact of AI on data curation and annotation, and discuss the Open Targets project, a public-private partnership to improve drug development through better genetic understanding.

This conversation was recorded in July 2025.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM

© European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Moritz Gerstung (EMBL-EBI Group Leader, 2015-2021) speaks with Angus Lamond (EMBL Group Leader, 1987-1995), discussing his transition from physics to computational biology, driven by the complexities of biological systems.

He highlights his work at EMBL-EBI, which focused on cancer genomes and tumour dynamics using next-generation sequencing and AI tools. Moritz emphasised the importance of open data access, citing EMBL's role in storing and sharing genomes. He noted the significant impact of AI in cancer research, including the analysis of tumor microscopy and electronic health records. Moritz also discussed the challenges and potential of AI in healthcare, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks and critical assessment.

This conversation was recorded in July 2025.

Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of video content on the EMBL Alumni RSS account does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL.

Audio Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations

Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari

Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design

Sponsored by: EMBLEM

© European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)