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Professor Andreas Strasser sole Australian elected to EMBO

 

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researcher Professor Andreas Strasser is the sole Australian scientist this year elected to membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Professor Strasser, joint head of the institute’s Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, was among 66 leading life scientists announced this week as EMBO members.

EMBO elects new members annually on the basis of scientific excellence. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists Professor Suzanne Cory and Professor Jerry Adams have previously been elected to the organisation’s membership.

Professor Strasser and his team investigate programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis is an important process in human biology as it removes unwanted and dangerous cells from our bodies, protecting us against cancer development and diseases where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as in lupus or insulin-dependent diabetes.

Professor Strasser’s research team has demonstrated that abnormalities in the control of apoptosis can cause autoimmune disease or cancer and prevent tumour cells from responding to anti-cancer therapy. They have also established that mammalian cells have two distinct signalling pathways that lead to apoptosis.

Professor Strasser said he felt honoured to be elected to an organisation that has so many eminent scientists among its membership.

“EMBO actively fosters talented scientists through it mentor program and I am pleased to have joined an organisation that is so clearly dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists,” he said.

Professor Doug Hilton, the director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, congratulated Professor Strasser on his EMBO membership. “Andreas is an innovative and dedicated scientist and his election to EMBO is richly deserved,” he said.

The director of EMBO, Professor Hermann Bujard, said the election of new members put a spotlight on the most outstanding representatives of the current generation of life scientists. “We look forward to the fresh impulses this exceptional group will bring to our organization,” he said.

About EMBO

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) promotes excellence in molecular life sciences in Europe by recognising and fostering talented scientists. Since 1964, leading scientists have been elected annually to become EMBO members, based on proven excellence in research. There are now more than 1400 members, including 50 Nobel Prize winners.

For further information

Penny Fannin
Strategic Communications Manager
Ph: +61 3 9345 2345
Mob: 0417 125 700
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